The Freeman

Ageless Taulava grateful to be given two-year extension by NLEX

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Asi Taulava, the oldest player in the PBA, has no plans of slowing down – at least until he reaches 45.

That’s because the ‘Ageless Rock’ has been given a two-year contract extension by NLEX, which hopes the 43-year-old slotman can continue being the cornerston­e of the team’s frontline.

For Taulava, this opportunit­y represents the trust given to him by management and the coaching staff.

“It’s flattering. A lot of players my age would beg for a contract and I was surprised I was given a twoyear contract extension,” Taulava told InterAksyo­n.com in an exclusive interview.

“It feels good. There’s still a lot of work ahead. I guess my bosses and the coaching staff see something in me that I can still help out. But at the same time, I can’t let them down. I’ve just got to keep working and at the same time take care of myself.”

NLEX is still making a push for a playoff berth and despite playing hurt, the 6-foot-9 slotman and the Road Warriors are giving all they’ve got to make it happen.

Last year, Taulava represente­d the national team at a time when June Mar Fajardo and the other big men like Greg Slaughter and Japeth Aguilar decided to skip representi­ng Gilas Pilipinas for the 2015 FIBA Asia Championsh­ip.

The wear and tear of the PBA season and the extra FIBA games has begun to take a toll on Taulava’s body as he’s been bothered by a knee injury.

The veteran cager doesn’t want to make excuses, though.

“I’ve been in the PBA for so long. We all have injuries, have aches, but I’m not using it as an excuse for losing a game. I have to do a better job,” he added.

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