AFTER deciding to finally step away from the game of basketball, Chris Tiu found an outpouring of gratitude from his Rain or Shine Elasto Painters teammates.
Raymond Almazan, who’s back with the Elastopainters this season, admitted missing the opportunity to play with Tiu in his last game that saw him explode for a career-high 30 points in the team's last game of the season.
“Malungkot kasi nag-retire sya nung best game nya, hindi ako nakalaro non," Almazan said.
Being a close friend, Almazan described Tiu as a composed leader on the court and a great "kumpare."
“Gusto ko kay Chris kapag nag-uusap kami about sa buhay-buhay eh,” the 6-foot-8 center said. “Magaling siya magpayo. Kung paano mo iingatan yung career, especially yung family mo. Family man talaga sya.”
The former Letran star wished nothing but the best for his pal in the world of business.
Tiu played his entire six seasons in the PBA for the Rain or Shine as the team's seventh overall pick in the 2012 PBA draft.
James Yap said he will miss hanging out with his regular roommate.
“Syempre roommate ko s'ya kahit saan magpunta, out-of-town games, PBA, tapos SEA Games roommate ko siya,” the two-time MVP said. “Lumalabas din kami so mami-miss namin siya, mami-miss ko siya.”
Although it may be too early for 33-year old Tiu to retire, James insisted that that’s what basketball life is about - it’s not forever.
“Goodluck sa next chapter ng career nya. Alam kong maraming businesses yon, magiging busy sya. Sana lahat ng business nya maging successful,” Yap said. Eugene Flores
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
