After four decades of playing, Fil-Tongan cager Asi Taulava is thinking of retirement.
It may happen anytime and the 2020 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup could be his last.
The ongoing lockdown and the long break that resulted afterwards have made the 47-year-old Taulava think things over.
“With this break we had, this long four or five months straight, I gave my body a chance to rest. I feel fresh again, ready to get back to the gym and start working again, but you know it’s baby steps now,” said Taulava in podcast that was hosted by Marjon Magoo.
Taulava, who is currently playing for the NLEX Road Warriors, said that he has made an effort to stay active during the four months of inactivity in playing.
“We have to figure out a way how to beat this virus and not to spread it anymore, but the best thing for me right now at my age is to stay in shape, stay active and keep working out and have a goal,” said Taulava, who started playing in the Philippines with the Blu Detergent team in the Philippine Basketball League from 1997 to 1999.
Whe he turned pro, the 6’9” Taulava, was directly hired by the Mobiline Phone Pals to boost up their frontline.
He stayed with the Phone Pals from 1999 to 2002, but it was on his last year that Mobiline finished runner-up in the Commissioner’s Cup.
“I guess the biggest goal for me right now is to be the first player to play four decades and that’s my motivation and my drive now with all my workouts,” said Taulava.
How the season will restart with him around will now depend how coach Yeng Guiao will utilize him on the floor.
“You don’t know when the season is going to begin but [you just] got to stay in shape and be ready and especially when you’re playing for coach Yeng, you always gotta be on your toes, there ain’t no excuses to say we have five months break, you gotta get in there and help the guys,” said Taulava.
The Road Warriors have yet to play a single game since the lockdowns began last March.
And Taulava is itching to get on the floor for his final games.
“We were having a great preseason going into the All-Filipino [Cup], before all this started so I’m excited to get back and roll with the young guys again,” said Taulava.