Asi Taulava during a pre-season game between Rain or Shine and NLEX. Photo from PBA.ph
Throughout his PBA career, Asi Taulava has been an inside force largely due to his sheer size and strength.
But don’t be surprised to see the ageless NLEX big man going as far as behind the three-point line and even taking outside shots on a regular basis in the coming season.
Road Warriors head coach Yeng Guiao said Taulava has been practicing his outside shot in the offseason and the 15-time All-Star hasn’t been shy in showing his range.
“He’s been experimenting on the outside shot, the 3-point shot and he’s been practicing it. I’m giving him the freedom to practice the perimeter game because that’s really what I want from my big men to be able to work inside out,” Guiao said.
Before, Taulava rolls to the basket after setting a screen, now, he pops out to an open spot outside.
“He’s hit a couple [outside shots] so I’m no longer surprised. Some people are surprised but I also see him always practicing it and if you see him everyday doing it you’re no longer surprised.”
Taulava has also shed off a chunk of weight and is now visibly much slimmer than he was last season.
“He’s been working hard. He knows that as you mature and get older in years, you have to work harder to get in shape and he’s been doing that. He’s not looking to retire yet that’s why he’s really working hard,” said Guiao.
Guiao said Taulava, who is entering his 19th season in the PBA, is aware of his niche, playing 12 to 15 minutes per game.
“We want to be able to get those quality minutes from him in a manner where he is able to contribute more from the last conference so if he [averaged] three rebounds before maybe he can get five rebounds, if he is averaging six points, maybe if he’s in better shape and he’s able to keep up with the pace, he can average a few more points in his average.”