MANILA – After playing for six seasons with Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), Chris Tiu has announced his retirement on Tuesday.
The former national men’s basketball team mainstay has decided to hang his sneakers for good at the age of 33 as he intends to focus on his family’s various business interests.
“My heartfelt gratitude to every person who has been part of my basketball journey!! Most especially our Lord who makes all things possible. It’s time to move on. My heart is full. #17 signing off,” Tiu wrote on his Twitter account.
Tiu, who have a resurgence in his PBA career in the 2017-2018 season, made the Painters management know of his decision by not accepting the two-year contract extension offered to him.
Tiu started his PBA career in 2012 when he was selected seventh overall by the Painters in the PBA Rookie Draft. He has won a championship with the team in 2016 PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
Apart from that, the 5-foot-11 guard was part of the 2013 PBA All Rookie Team while he also ruled the Three Point Shootout competition of the 2013 PBA All Stars at Digos City, Davao del Sur.
As a national team player, Tiu was part of the original Smart Gilas Pilipinas team under Rajko Toroman and has won two golds in 2011 in SEABA Cup and Southeast Asian Games and a bronze in 2011 William Jones Cup.
After being out of the national men’s basketball team scene for a while, Tiu made his return last year when he was tapped by head coach Yeng Guiao for the Philippine team in 2018 Asian Games where they finished at fifth place.
As a college player, Tiu three championships with the Ateneo Blue Eagles – one in UAAP (2008), one in Nike Summer League (2007) and another one in Philippine Collegiate Champions League (2008). He is also a two-time mythical team member.
Tiu was a decorated player in high school when he won three straight championships with Xavier University at the Metro Manila Tiong Lian Basketball Association./PN
