Taulava raring to play in PBA as he softens up on 'Ginebra or nothing' stand

ASI Taulava is ready to roll anytime.

Alhough it has been almost three months since he last played competitive basketball, the reigning Asean Basketball League MVP bared that he can play anytime he’s tapped to play in any league.

“Yeah, I am ready. I’ve been keeping myself in tip-top shape,” said the 40-year old Fil-Tongan cager who was at the gym when reached by Spin.ph on Thursday.

Since his last game in the ABL last June 12 when he helped San Miguel Beer-Philippines snare a maiden ABL crown, Taulava has made sure he has stayed in shape in the home of getting a call-up from a PBA team.

‘The Rock’ is in fact a regular fixture at Treston gym at The Fort where he undergoes plyometrics sessions six a week under well-known conditioning coach John Aquino.

“Asi is really dedicated. In fact, he’s the one pushing other players to train harder,” said the man known as ‘coach John Plyo.'

Taulava bared he is closely monitoring the developments in the PBA, including unconfirmed reports that Meralco and Air21 are talking about a trade that will include his playing rights, which is owned by the Bolts.

“Right now, I don’t want to comment on that but to be honest with you… I am aching to play again,” the many-time national player said. “I can’t wait to go out there, be competitive, and compete with all the great players (in the PBA) these days.”

Asked if he is still firm on his "Ginebra or nothing" stand in his possible PBA comeback, Taulava seemed to sing a different tune, saying, “I don’t want to be too picky about teams right now,” before bursting into laughter.

Besides, Ginebra's interest on Taulava appeared to have waned following the Kings' acquisition of Japeth Aguilar.

Still, Asi is hoping he makes it back to the PBA, if not with Ginebra then with another team.

Source: http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/taulava-raring-to-play-in-pba-as-he-softens-up-on-ginebra-or-nothing-stand