Asi Taulava

Asi Taulava
Asi with the Coca-Cola Tigers in 2010
Personal information
Born (1973-03-02) March 2, 1973 (age 51)
Nukuʻalofa, Tonga
NationalityFilipino / Tongan
Listed height6 ft 9 in (2.06 m)
Listed weight245 lb (111 kg)
Career information
CollegeBYU–Hawaii
PBA draft1998: Direct Hire
Selected by the Mobiline Phone Pals
Playing career1997–2023
PositionCenter
Career history
1997–1999Blu Detergent Kings
1999–2007Mobiline Phone Pals / Talk 'N Text Phone Pals
2007–2010Coca–Cola Tigers
2010–2012Meralco Bolts
2012–2013San Miguel Beermen (ABL)
2013–2014Air21 Express
2014–2023NLEX Road Warriors
Career highlights and awards
Medals
Men's basketball
Representing  Philippines
FIBA Asia Championship
Silver medal – second place 2015 Changsha Team
William Jones Cup
Silver medal – second place 2015 Taipei Team
Bronze medal – third place 2007 Taipei Team
Bronze medal – third place 2011 Taipei Team

Pauliasi Taulava (born March 2, 1973) is a Tongan-born Filipino former professional basketball player in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).

Standing 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) tall and weighing 245 pounds (111 kg), Taulava is considered by many to be one of the greatest and most dominant Filipino basketball players to ever play the center position in the PBA. Throughout his 24-year career in the league, Taulava has used his size and strength to overpower opponents for points and rebounds. He is also a many-time member of the Philippine national team in international competitions.

Following his career in the PBL, Taulava entered the PBA in 1999, when he was directly hired by the Mobiline Phone Pals. With his performance, he quickly emerged as one of the top centers in the league, even winning the 2003 MVP award. After eight years with Talk N' Text, he was traded to the Coca-Cola Tigers where he played until 2010. He was later traded to the Meralco Bolts, leading the team for two seasons with his presence and style. In 2012, Taulava decided to leave the PBA to play for the San Miguel Beermen in the ABL. After a brief stint in the league, he returned to the PBA in 2013, where he signed for the Air21 Express.

Taulava's individual accolades include the 2003 MVP award, two All-Star Game MVP awards and the 2013 ABL MVP award.

However, Taulava is also one of the most controversial figures in Philippine basketball due to his numerous issues about his citizenship since he arrived in the local basketball scene in 1997.

He is also known for his dyed hair, although he has also shaved his head bald numerous times in the past. His moniker is "The Rock".

Taulava is also a brand ambassador of the sports clothing brand Under Armour Philippines.[1]

  1. ^ Terrado, Reuben (May 17, 2016). "Ageless Asi Taulava a source of inspiration as he joins Under Armour team of ambassadors". Sports Interactive Network Philippines. Retrieved May 17, 2016.