NLEX open to lend Taulava to Gilas 4.0

MANILA, Philippines -- NLEX coach Boyet Fernandez is leaving the option for ageless slotman Asi Taulava to join Gilas Pilipinas when the national squad starts its practice on November 9 in preparation for the Olympic qualifying tournament in July 2016.

Fernandez admitted serving the national team is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and the coaching staff and management won’t stand in the way if the 6-foot-9 Fil-Tongan elects to serve as a warm body for the new 17-man Gilas pool.

“Sa akin naman kasi, being part of national team will always be a once in a lifetime opportunity for my players and if Asi will choose to go and join Gilas, then I’ll give him that option to practice,” Fernandez told Philstar.com on Wednesday night.

The one-time PBA champion coach said Taulava remains a reliable post-player and defender as evidenced in his performance over the last three seasons in the pro league.

He added that playing in the Olympics is a rare chance, too.

“I will talk to him to always look forward to the future. If he’s gonna make it to Gilas, then I’ll be happy for him. But if not, I’ll still be happy and proud that he decide to be with Gilas to help,” he said.

For his part, the 42-year-old Taulava said Gilas coach Tab Baldwin has his number. And should the American-Kiwi coach invites him to join the pool, he won’t say no.

“If they (Gilas pool) need me, I will never say no,” said Taulava, who averaged 2.5 points and 3.6 rebounds in Gilas’ silver-medal finish in the recent Fiba-Asia men’s championships in Changsa.

“But it depends on coach Tab. I think he has everybody’s number. And I think everybody’s gonna be excited and happy to be part of Gilas, especially the 17 and we’re hoping we could send the best players there, especially the young guys.”

Just last week, Baldwin mentioned that he’s open to add the members of the recent national team to the new pool led by Taulava, JC Intal, Sonny Thoss, Gary David, Aldrech Ramos, Jimmy Alapag, Dondon Hontiveros and Moala Tautuaa.

The eight players--some of whom played in the Jones Cup and the Fiba-Asia men’s championships last month-- have the option to join the 17-man pool recently named by Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.

At least eight players on the new list are holdovers from the latest incarnation of the national pool led by Jayson Castro, Ranidel De Ocampo, Gabe Norwood, Marc Pingris, Calvin Abueva, Terrence Romeo, Matt Ganuelas-Rosser and Troy Rosario.

On the other hand, the new additions to the pool include two-time PBA MVP June Mar Fajardo, LA Tenorio, Marcio Lassiter, Greg Slaughter, Japeth Aguilar, Paul Lee, Jeff Chan, Ian Sangalang, and Ryan Reyes.