Taulava credits Blatche for his stellar play at 42

MANILA, Philippines -- Asi Taulava is turning 43 in March next year.

But with the way he’s playing halfway through the Philippine Cup’s single-round eliminations, he manages to register a double-double output with regularity.

The Fil-Tongan big man from NLEX credited Gilas Pilipinas’ naturalized center Andray Blatche for helping him become a better player in the ongoing 41st PBA season.

“My confidence has grown after playing with Gilas and at the same time, I learned a lot playing with Dray,” Taulava told Philstar.com, shortly after NLEX squeaked past sister team Meralco, 93-91 Tuesday night.

The ageless NLEX top slotman admitted that he’s picked up new tricks in recent months after playing against the former Brooklyn Nets in practice everyday during their brief time together at Gilas.

“Just playing against him (Blatche) in practice, being around with him everyday, picking up his brain and asking him for help, on what I can do for myself in position in scoring and rebounding, and the advice he gives me,” he added.

“I still chat with him today. And I gotta give credit to Dray because he turned me around to be a better player.”

The 42-year-old Taulava isn’t showing signs of slowing down, especially as he dominated the paint en route to a 22-point-21-rebound effort against the hapless Bolts.

NLEX coach Boyet Fernandez praised Taulava for being a role model to the Road Warriors as far as work ethic is concerned.

“You don’t need to motivate Asi. He comes in earlier in practice and he’s the last guy to leave practice becase he takes extra shots,” said Fernandez, whose team hiked its record to 4-2 to seize solo fourth spot in the team standings.

“With the attitude he has, it carries over to the young guys. And they realize if he comes early, lifts weights and practices hard, ginagawa ni kuya Asi yun, puwede rin naming gawin yun,” he added.

Taulava, currently ranked fourth in the statistical derby for Philippine Cup Best Player, is averaging 20.3 points, 15.1 rebounds and 2.5 assists in 33 minutes in the all-Filipino conference.