MANILA, Philippines – Meralco center Asi Taulava said it would be an honor to represent the country at the FIBA-Asia Championships in Wuhan, China, on Sept. 15-25 with Smart Gilas coach Rajko Toroman indicating a preference to tap the 6-9 behemoth for the 2012 London Olympic qualifiers.
Toroman said if given the choice, he would pick four to five PBA players to reinforce Smart Gilas in the race for a ticket to London. He mentioned Taulava and Talk ‘N’ Text forward Kelly Williams as logical choices because of their experience with previous national squads.
“I’ll be more than happy to help,” said Taulava who turns 38 on March 3.
Bolts coach Ryan Gregorio said if Taulava is drafted for the FIBA-Asia Championships, he won’t stand in his way to play for the country.
“Asi is an integral part of our team,” said Gregorio. “He’s our best post player and the most dominating presence in the middle. It surely is a big sacrifice for us if he does not play in the second or third conference or both. However, if one is asked to represent the country in any sporting event, it is non-negotiable.”
Gregorio said Taulava has “unfinished business” after playing on the Smart Gilas squad that finished sixth place at the Asian Games in Guangzhou last year.
“Asi obviously has unfinished business with the national team and he’d like to contribute in any way to its success,” continued Gregorio. “If the PBA and our Meralco management will allow it then I am more than willing to prepare our team and make the necessary adjustments during Asi’s temporary absence.”
National team manager Frankie Lim said unconditionally that for Smart Gilas to succeed in its mission in Wuhan, the PBA has to be involved – to provide key reinforcements and a competitive platform for training purposes.
“Let’s face it, we need the PBA,” said Lim. “We’ve got to be prepared for the tough competition in China. As to which players to draft from the PBA, that’s a matter for the PBA, Smart Gilas management and coach Rajko to decide.”
The PBA’s participation in the crusade for an Olympic ticket will be among the topics for discussion at a landmark franchise owners’ meeting on Jan. 25.
Toroman said Taulava’s showing at the Asian Games proved he has a lot to contribute tothe team. With 6-10 Marcus Douthit expected to be naturalized anytime soon, Taulava wouldn’t play as many minutes in Wuhan as in Guangzhou. Douthit and Taulava will alternate at center with Smart Gilas.
SBP executive director Noli Eala said Douthit’s papers are now in Malacanang awaiting the signature of President Aquino. His application for naturalization was approved by both Houses last year and only the Chief Executive’s signature remains to confirm it.
“Marcus’ papers are still pending signature of President Aquino,” said Eala. “I don’t know when it will be signed although I’m confident it won’t be long.” Both the Lower House and Senate approved Douthit’s application by a resounding majority.
In Guangzhou, three PBA cagers were chosen to reinforce Smart Gilas – Taulava, Williams and Rain Or Shine’s Sol Mercado. Taulava was the most productive of the pros as he averaged 11.6 points. Williams hit at a 9.3 clip and Mercado, 4.8. He compiled 18 points and 12 rebounds in Gilas’ 82-73 win over Chinese-Taipei. Taulava was the only Filipino player named to the six-man Honorable Mention mythical selection by FIBA-Asia.
Lim said he supports the idea of Smart Gilas playing in the PBA. “We need the experience of playing together as a team,” he said. “I don’t think it matters too much if the PBA style is different from the international style. It’s still basketball.”
Smart Gilas is booked to play at the Dubai International Invitationals on Jan. 20-29. Aside from Smart Gilas, expected to see action in the tournament are Al Riyadi of Lebanon, Al Hekma of Lebanon, Al Wasi of the United Arab Emirates, the United Arab Emirates national team, Petroshimi of Iran, Al Jazeera of Egypt, two teams from Syria and one team from Morocco.
Since Meralco has been eliminated in the PBA Philippine Cup, Taulava was tapped to play for Smart Gilas in Dubai. The roster lists Chris Tiu, J. V. Casio, Douthit, Dylan Ababou, Jason Ballesteros, Mac Baracael, Mark Barroca, Aldrech Ramos, Greg Slaughter, Taulava, Marcio Lassiter and Chris Lutz.
The team leaves for Bahrain today for two exhibition games before proceeding to Dubai. PBA media bureau chief Willy Marcial confirmed yesterday that Taulava was given clearance by the league to play for Smart Gilas in Bahrain and Dubai.
Joaquin Henson, Philippine Star
