CHRIS Tiu said his desire to spend more time with his family and become the businessman that his family needed him to be prompted his decision to retire from the PBA after six years with Rain or Shine.
In a blog posted on Wednesday entitled ‘One Last Ride,’ Tiu said he believes he can still play a maximum two seasons in the PBA. But he decided to retire as he can no longer commit to the daily grind of training because of his willingness to become a full-time businessman.
Tiu added he also wants to spend more time with his family, particularly with daughters Amanda and Mari so he can give them his full attention.
“To be honest, I think I have at least one or two more productive PBA seasons left in me. But at the same time, I want to channel my current energy and enthusiasm into other projects that are sustainable and have positive impact to the community, some new and some which we have started years ago.
“I believe it’s about time I start a career as a full-fledged businessman and live up to my commitment to the family. At the same time, we have an infant and a toddler who are growing incredibly fast. I want to cherish every moment with them and give them my full attention while I can, which is very challenging to do with basketball where I am overly particular with my training and resting routine,” said Tiu.
In the same blog post, Tiu is happy to have spent his entire professional playing career for a team like Rain or Shine.
Tiu said it was an honor to play for the Elastopainters for his entire six-year career in the PBA, saying the family atmosphere and the team’s simple ways are what he enjoyed the most in the team.
“There were certain turns of events which landed me at the 7th pick with ROS in the PBA draft. For several years, I learned to accept my new role playing as back-up to Paul Lee and tried to contribute to the cause of the team by doing the little things. In spite of that, I feel I could not have asked for a better team to spend my PBA career with.”
“What struck me most about Rain or Shine was the sense of family within the organization, which allowed us to enjoy playing the game even more. Another is its simplicity, giving proof that an underdog can stay competitive, even without the glamor,” wrote Tiu.
Tiu reiterated his gratitude for the chance to play not only for Rain or Shine but also for Gilas Pilipinas, where he was one of the original members of that basketball program.
“I am immensely grateful to our Lord for my basketball journey, four years as a member of the Gilas Pilipinas pioneer team, six years with Rain or Shine in the PBA. That’s 10 years as a professional and five years in college basketball,” wrote Tiu.
Tiu also thanked several persons in the blog, including his wife Cla for being with him for his 18 years in basketball.
Here is the entire blog in this LINK.
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