Taulava, at 43, still gets extension with NLEX

MANILA, Philippines – Asi Taulava, the oldest active PBA player at 43, is now guaranteed of a live playing contract up to age 45, having just signed a two-year contract-extension deal with the NLEX Road Warriors.

The Fil-Tongan behemoth is to get P10.08 million in basic pay or the PBA maximum monthly salary of P420,000 up to the end of the 2017-18 season.

“It’s not a reward. He deserves what he’s got,” NLEX team manager Ronald Dulatre told The STAR.

Taulava requested the two-year period and the NLEX management acceded, taking into consideration the discipline and work ethic the player shows in practices and in the actual games.

 “With the way he works out and with the way he takes care of his body, we’re convinced he would be in competitive form for the duration of the new contract or even beyond,” said Dulatre.

“We do believe it’s a win-win deal for him and the ball club,” Dulatre added.

At 43, Taulava still averages double-double numbers with 14.4 points and 10.9 rebounds a game in the current PBA season – his 17th since joining the league in 1999 via Mobiline.

The 2003 MVP awardee sports career averages of 15.3 points, 11.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists.

Robert Jaworski holds the record in terms of longevity, having played a PBA game at 52.

The ball club earlier signed Sean Anthony to a new three-year deal. Up for signing in the next few days are Jonas Villanueva, Mac Baracael and Emman Monfort.

Uncertain is the status of Macmac Cardona, whose contract is also expiring at the end of the season.

Before the controversy he’s got into, the former La Salle Archer had been in and out of training in the last few weeks.

Cardona was reportedly rushed to the Perpetual Help Hospital in Las Pinas Sunday after he overdosed on pills in an apparent suicide. Earlier, his partner Bianca Jackes complained of domestic violence.

“We urge the public to allow Macmac and his family to have privacy at this difficult time,” said the NLEX team in a statement.

“Macmac is part of the NLEX Road Warriors team. We are providing whatever assistance he needs this time,” the statement also said.