Noosa Stars eye big Fil-for in Asi’s mold

After signifying its intention to tap Ateneo hotshot Chris Tiu, Noosa Shoes bares its plan to hire a Fil-foreign player in the mold of Asi Taulava to beef its roster for the upcoming PBL conference firing off Feb. 23.

“We have already written the commissioner (ChinoTrinidad) about our request and we are confident the league will allow us to field one,” said Noosa owner Dioceldo Sy.

Sy, who joined the league in 1998 with the Blu Detergents, served as league chairman a few years later, filed for a leave of absence in 2004 before deciding to return this year, said they’re eyeing someone in the class of Taulava.

The 6-9 Taulava, now with the Coca-Cola Tigers in the PBA, first suited up for Sy-owned club in the PBL Viz-Min Cup in 1998 and was member of the team that finished third in a regular conference the same year.

Fil-Ams Jimmy Alapag and Rob Duat also saw action in the tournament and later used the league as springboard to their stint in the PBA.

That was one of the best years in league history since Taulava’s rivalry with then Tanduay Gold stalwart Eric Menk, now with Barangay Ginebra, proved to be a big hit for the fans.

“We need someone who can bring the level of excitement in the league a notch higher,” said Sy. “And if we can recruit a player like Asi, then we’re pretty sure we compete against the best of them.”

Sy said they’re now talking with player agents abroad for assistance.

The Shoe Stars were actually given the privilege to pick two direct hires – one for Tiu and the other for a tall, mobile Fil-foreign cager as good as, if not better, than Taulava.

“We want Chris Tiu because we want a leader, a clutch player to carry the team. We also want a big man to help us compete with taller teams inside,” said Noosa team manager Pat Aquino.

Tiu has expressed his intention to play in the PBL in order to gain more exposure before the start of the UAAP wars.

Coached by Leo Isaac, Noosa boasts of the likes of Jemal Vizcarra, Dom Javier, Allan Evangelista, Roser Mangahas, John Wilson, Jayson Nocum, Gio Ciriacruz, Veejay Santos, Virgilio Serios and Axel Doruelo. – Joey Villar