PBA: NLEX to retire Asi Taulava's jersey

Asi Taulava's legacy will now be forever cemented as NLEX is set to retire his jersey at the halftime break of the Road Warriors' clash against TNT on Wednesday, December 13, at the Philsports Arena.

NLEX made the announcement on Friday as the franchise is looking to honor the 6-foot-9 center and his illustrious career that spanned for over two decades in the PBA and the national team.

Taulava was a direct hire for Mobiline in 1998, a move that paved the way for a stellar career ahead. He went on suiting up for various teams like Coca-Cola, Meralco, and Air 21 before he found a home at NLEX, where he would play for eight years from 2014 to 2022.

Taulava is a one-time PBA champion, MVP, and Finals MVP and is a four-time Mythical Team member. The 50-year-old bruiser is also listed in the PBA's 40 Greatest Players.

"Taulava’s commitment to the sport also extended to the national team, where he proudly represented the Philippines for numerous years, further solidifying his status as one of the country’s basketball icons," NLEX said in a statement.

"The jersey retirement ceremony will be a poignant moment to pay tribute to the legacy of Asi Taulava, recognizing his immeasurable contributions to Philippine basketball."

—Bea Micaller/JKC, GMA Integrated News