CHICAGO - After the Abra Weavers tore through the competition to capture the MPBL title this season, Geo Chiu reached a crossroad.
One path pointed to a return to Abra for another magical carpet ride while a separate route leads directly to the PBA where Terrafirma awaits.
As he sorted out his options, Chiu was only sure of one thing. He didn't want to make a decision while under the influence of euphoria.
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But a week after sweeping the Quezon Huskers in the National Finals, the emotions have calmed a bit and some clarity has emerged.
"We had a sit down with [Terrafirma team governor] coach Pido (Jarencio) and team manager boss Waiyip (Chong). It was a productive meeting, and I was given a generous offer," the two-time UAAP champion told me via text message.
PBA BOUND?
Apparently, the 6-foot-8, 225-lb center, the No. 1 pick in the last PBA draft, was heartened by the Dyip's pitch.
"I am leaning towards the PBA and discussing the matter with my family," the former Ateneo big man added.
Chiu and his representation declined to discuss figures, but multiple sources told me the Dyip really did tender a generous deal.
A three-year max contract fully guaranteed.
Initially, I was told, Terrafirma's offer only hovered somewhere between P250,000 to P300,000 a month, a bounty that wouldn't have been enough to pry Chiu from the MPBL.
BIG-TIME CREDENTIALS. BIG PAY.
A rim-runner and rim-protector at Abra, the 24-year-old Geo averaged a modest but effective 6.0 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.0 block per game.
With his Ateneo pedigree and international experience, Chiu pulled in a reported P400,000 a month with the Weavers and took home a two-month bonus for winning the chip.
An extremely well-funded organization owned by Rep. JB Bernos, the Weavers could easily match or eclipse the Terrafirma proposal.
It won't happen, though.
"The Weavers will not get in the way if Chiu decides that the PBA is the best environment for his ongoing development as a pro basketball player," a source with ties to the team emphasized.
After last year's mishap when the now-defunct NorthPort was unable to come to terms with No.5 pick Dave Ildefonso, being unable to sign a No. 1 pick would have been a bigger black eye for the league.
But Terrafirma, of all damn franchises, came to the rescue.
Merry Christmas.
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