NLEX to grant 2-week rest to Gilas veteran Taulava
October 5, 2015 | 12:53am
MANILA, Philippines – NLEX coach Boyet Fernandez intends to give ageless slot man Asi Taulava at least two weeks to recuperate following his two-month stint with Gilas Pilipinas in the just-concluded FIBA Asia men's championships in Changsa, China.
Fernandez said the break will hopefully be enough to help Taulava, before returning to action for NLEX just in time for the opening of the PBA's 41st season on October 18.
"Siguro mga two weeks na pahinga for Asi after Gilas, but then, it all depends on him if he wants to practice din," Fernandez told Philstar.com before the Road Warriors' practice on Monday at the FCL gym in Xavierville, Quezon City.
The soft-spoken Fernandez expects the 42-year-old Fil-Tongan to be at his absolute best come the opening of the new season, due to the fact that he was able to battle the best basketball players in Asia.
"Oo naman (expecting Taulava to be in great shape) because the way he played his role with Gilas, iba talaga ang maibibigay ni Asi," added the former San Beda coach, whose team faces Star Hotshots in a preseason match on Tuesday at Ronac gym.
Unlike last season when the 'Rock' had to log in 32 minutes per contest, this coming season, the NLEX mentor said Taulava can expect help at front court with a healthier Enrico Villanueva back in tow, along with wide-bodied Rob Reyes, whom they got from free agency.
The 6-foot-9 Taulava played a backup role to Gilas naturalized player Andray Blatche, where he averaged 2.1 points and 3.6 rebounds in six games.
Gilas placed second for the second straight FIBA Asia edition after bowing to host China, 78-67 in the championships round before a hostile crowd on Saturday.
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