Beermen’s key men eye return to PBA fold

JAKARTA – After San Miguel Beer’s conquest of the Asean Basketball League, the next possible path for key mainstays of the triumphant team leans towards the Philippine Basketball Association.

Rejuvenated Asi Taulava, winner of the MVP plum in the regional meet, has revived interest for his services in the pro loop, with San Miguel Corp. reportedly intent on making arrangements with Meralco, the last team he played for and owner of his PBA rights, for his release.

“What’s my next mission? That’s the $5M dollar question right now. I can make my wishes and everything but that’s really up to the bosses,” said Taulava.

The 40-year-old Taulava has shown he still has the legs and power as he helped steer the Beermen to a sweep of the Indonesia Warriors in the ABL finals, an impressive performance dating back to the elims where SMB posted a record 16-game streak.

“I’m happy being here in the ABL, it’s been an unbelievable ride but every basketball player in Manila has a dream of playing in the PBA. If I’m given the opportunity, it’s going to be great,” he said.

“I have to also show respect to my mother club, Meralco, they have the rights and I hope for the best, I wish them the best this next conference but I have to be practical now. I’m playing for San Miguel and we’ll have to see what the bosses (plan),” he added.

Rumors also put Beermen coach Leo Austria in a possible return stint to the PBA in one of the SMC clubs.

“I hear talks like that but there’s nothing official. And besides, the UAAP will be coming. I still have a contract with Adamson until the end of the season,” said Austria.

Asked about the reported plans to tap Austria in the PBA, SMC basketball operations head Robert Non, merely gave a cryptic response: “Coach Leo is PBA material.”

Finals MVP Chris Banchero is also making preparatory moves to make the big career jump.