NLEX Road Warriors veteran big man Asi Taulava says he will turn to a coaching career once his playing days in the Philippine Basketball Association are over.
He is already sharing his knowledge of the sport by serving as deputy coach of the University of the Philippines women’s basketball team, where his daughter Ash Taulava plays.
The 47-year-old Taulava is one of the assistants of coach Paul Ramos.
“I have one leg in. I’ve already stuck one of my foot to the door,” said the former league MVP.
Taulava confessed that he’s still learning the ropes of coaching and is thankful for the help given by the UP staff led by Ramos, who’s setting up a solid program for the women’s Fighting Maroons.
“I have a good coach ahead of me. I want to thank coach Paul (Ramos) for giving me that opportunity,” said Taulava.
The PBA veteran is also grateful to NLEX coach Yeng Guiao and former Blu Detergent teammate Patrick Aquino for their guidance. Aquino is the most successful women’s coach in the country. He turned the National University Lady Bulldogs team into a basketball power.
“I always ask for advice. I want to understand the women’s game of basketball a little bit more. It happened to him (Aquino), and he just learned from experience,” said Taulava of Aquino, who is also head coach of the Philippine women’s team.
While he hasn’t been able to practice outside his home Taulava has spent most of the long break by teaching Ash and his other children to stay in shape. He works out daily with his daughters, from 6 to 7:30 in the evening.
“They have skills work with me. It’s challenging to be a dad and a coach at the same time. I love the game, and at the same time, I’ll be teaching. All this stuff I have in my head, I want to teach,” said Taulava.
Coaching will come inevitably but for now Taulava is still looking forward to playing his 21st season in the league once the PBA resumes activities.
