Report: Chris Tiu retiring from PBA

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Rain or Shine Elasto Painters guard Chris Tiu has reportedly decided to call it a career in the Philippine Basketball Association.

After just 3 years in the Philippines’ premier basketball league – all played with the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters – Tiu is retiring, multiple sources have reported.

Tiu, who turns 30 on July 15, played his last game on Wednesday, July 8, when the Elasto Painters fell to the Beermen, 117-110, in Game 4 of the Governors’ Cup semifinals. The former Ateneo Blue Eagles Star scored 5 points. 

Throughout his career, Tiu averaged 5 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.9 assists a game. He finished the 2014-2015 PBA season with similar numbers: 5.6 points, 2.1 assists, and 1.8 rebounds a contest.

Tiu was a member of the UAAP’s Mythical 5 in his last season of college basketball in 2008 – the same year he helped lead the Blue Eagles to the first of 5 straight men’s basketball championships. 

(READ: Glory Days) 

Rain or Shine board governor Atty. Mamerto Mondragon told PhilStar: “He already said last year this will be his last year because he wants to help his father and their businesses.”

Chris’ brother, Charles, recently told GMA that his brother is still unsure about retirement. “Honestly, hindi pa siya decided(he’s still undecided),” Charles, a PBA analyst, said. 

“There is a good possibility (that he will retire),” he said. “But there’s also a chance he will play.” The report also indicates that Charles puts the chances of Tiu continuing to play at “50/50.”

Rappler learned from a team source that Tiu informed his teammates during their team building prior to the 2014-2015 PBA season that he planned on retiring by season’s end. 

Although the source didn’t confirm – nor deny – his plan to push through with retiring following their elimination to San Miguel on Wednesday, the source told Rappler that Tiu sent thank you messages to a Viber group for Rain or Shine’s players, indicating that he plans to push through with calling it a career. 

In a text message sent to Rappler, Tiu said that he “intended to play in the PBA for just one contract period, but now I’m reconsidering because I never thought I would enjoy playing basketball this much in this level.”

Tiu also said that his contract with the Elasto Painters just expired after his third season came to an end, and the two sides have yet to speak if there will be a renewal.”

“At the end of the day,” said Tiu, “I am truly grateful to the Lord, the team, the fans and the support of my family. I trust in God’s plan and I pray that I will do what He wants of me.” (READ: Chris Tiu on PBA future: ‘I trust in God’s plan’)

– Rappler.com