The 6-9 Taulava, a last-minute addition to the team, has impressed the coaching staff, led by head coach Rajko Toroman, and Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas officials with his heads-up games in Smart Gilas’ first three matches in the Stankovic Cup.



“He’s a great fit to the team, maybe he could join us in Guangzhou,” said Smart Gilas team manager Frankie Lim, referring to Taulava, loaned to Smart Gilas for its Lebanon campaign by mother team Coca-Cola and the PBA.



Taulava has been piling up impressive numbers of 12 points and 13 rebounds in three games, including a 16-point and 19-board effort in an 81-67 win over the Syrians Monday.



He came through with another double-double job against reigning titlist and World Championship-bound Jordan, scoring 13 points and hauling down 12 rebounds to power the team to the quarterfinal round.



“I think we can use him in the long-term,” said Toroman.

source: philstar.com

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Asi Taulava's Game Stats:

vs. Lebanon: 7pts, 8rebs, 2stls, 2/5 FG, 3/4 FT (31:53)

vs. Syria: 16pts, 19rebs, 2asts, 2blks, 5/10 FG, 6/8 FT (34:18)

vs. Jordan: 13pts, 12rebs, 1ast, 5/12 FG, 3/4 FT (31:06)

vs. Qatar: 5pts, 9rebs, 1blk, 1ast, 1/3 FG, 3/4 FT (34:09)



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Chris Tiu: "We're now 3rd place in our bracket & will probably play Chinese Taipei or Iran on Friday for quarterfinals. Now we can rest a bit for two days. Kuya Asi has been fitting in perfectly. Banger, fighter & experienced. Just what we need.Dunked twice against Jordan,havent seen that in years."