CHRIS Tiu neither confirmed nor denied that he is retiring, saying he will still ask what Rain or Shine management has on the table with his contract expiring before making a decision on his future.
Tiu said he will be speaking to Rain or Shine team owners soon as his contract is set to expire this year, before he makes a decision on whether to retire or return for another stint with the Elastopainters.
“We will see. My contract is expiring I think in November or December this year. I have to talk to our bosses, sir Raymond (Yu), sir Terry (Que), let’s see that they have in mind. And then, will make an announcement maybe,” said Tiu.
Judging from the atmosphere during Saturday’s game, it was as if Rain or Shine was giving Tiu a fitting swan song in what could possibly be his final game in the PBA.
Tiu set a new career-high of 30 points in Rain or Shine’s 107-101 win over NLEX. The Elastopainters were constantly giving Tiu shot opportunities the entire game and ended with a 9 of 22 clip from the field.
Tiu was then greeted by his teammates on the bench upon being replaced late in the game when the result of the game was already settled.
The 33-year-old Tiu once again hinted during the postgame interview that he is seriously contemplating on closing his six-year career, mentioning his desire to spend more time with his family as well as other commitment.
“When I first joined the PBA, initially my plan was to do one contract. Three years and then na-extend ‘yun ng dalawang taon na, tapos na-extend. And then, nakiusap na naman ang team na mag-extend ng isa pang taon. Kaya ako naglaro this year. Fortunately, a rather successful season for me personally,” Tiu said.
“I’m 33. I’m not getting any younger. I’m happy to be able to still be a significant player for Rain or Shine,” said Tiu.
When asked if Rain or Shine offers another two-year contract, Tiu said: “Two years is a long time. I’ve a lot of things going on also outside basketball for the last how many years. It’s getting busier. I have personal commitments also. I have projects of my own and I have obligations for my family.”
“My kids are growing up fast,” said Tiu, who has two children. “I want to spend a lot of time with them especially in this important formative years. Lot of things to consider. Let’s see.”
Tiu also declined to speak, percentage-wise, about his decision on whether to leave the game or stay.
“It’s hard to say. I don’t want to pre-empt anything. I'd rather talk to our team owners first. And then, we will take it from there,” said Tiu.
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.
