Fil-Tongan behemoth Asi Taulava has found his way back to the Philippine Basketball Association via the Air21 ball club.
The Bert Lina franchise acquired Taulava’s signing rights from Meralco in a trade deal also involving Mark Borboran, Mike Cortez and James Sena.
PBA commissioner Chito Salud formally approved this transaction Saturday, giving Taulava the green light to suit up with Air21 as the Express tangle with the Talk n Text Tropang Texters on Sept. 13 at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
The 2013 PBA MVP has started practicing with the Express, his fourth PBA team after Talk n Text, Coca-Cola and Meralco.
“We entered into this deal with the blessing of SMC since Asi is under contract with them in the ABL (Asean Basketball League). Generous naman ang San Miguel, they allowed us to get Asi,” said Air21 top official Lito Alvarez.
“We’re not privy to his contract with San Miguel. We’ll make him an offer, giving him the PBA UPC (uniform player contract),” Alvarez also said.
Taulava is under contract with SMC’s ABL team for two more years. Apparently, however, the San Miguel Beermen are not yet sure whether they’re continuing their ABL participation.
“We’re sure that Asi’s playing for us till the Philippine Cup. After that, it’s up to San Miguel if they want Asi back. Kung hindi naman, Asi can stay with us. Pwedeng sa amin na sya mag-retire,” said Alvarez.
Languishing in the cellar in the season-ending Governors Cup, the Express are tweaking their lineup while already looking at the coming all-Filipino tourney.
“Pinaghahandaan naming ang all-Filipino,” said Alvarez.
As part of their buildup for next season, Alvarez said they’re also looking at Fil-Am free agent Mike Burstche
Source: http://pba.inquirer.net/30217/asi-rejoins-pba-suits-up-with-air21
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