SMB holds key to Asi’s PBA return

THE SAN Miguel Group should make the first move if it really wants Meralco to release Asi Taulava from its grip.

“We’re willing to work out a solution, but they (San Miguel group) should initiate it, ” Meralco PBA board representative Mon Segismundo, referring to the desire of Taulava to make a league comeback in time for the Governors’ Cup in August, told the Inquirer yesterday.

“I think that it is up to San Miguel to decide (on an offer),” Segismundo, the next board chair, replied when asked what the Bolts could possibly want in return for the 6-foot-9 man-mountain.

“They (San Miguel group) are the ones who like Asi to be in Ginebra,” he continued. “They can always suggest and then coach Ryan (Gregorio) will decide on that.”

Taulava, 40, is in the center of PBA talks lately after winning MVP honors and leading San Miguel Beer to its maiden Asean Basketball League championship last week.

He got to the SMB squad by snubbing a maximum, two-year deal from Meralco at the end of the last PBA season. But the Bolts have perpetual rights over the Fil-Tongan, who cannot play for any other team other than Meralco unless he is released.