Rain or Shine’s Chris Tiu extends playing career as pal Ty Tang retires
In a welcome news to many PBA fans, well-loved Rain or Shine guard Chris Tiu is officially still an active player, having signed a two-year contract extension deal with the Asian Coating Inc. ball club.
Calling it quits was his pal and teammate TY Tang, who has decided to focus on his other endeavors.
“Sometimes life hits us with unexpected punches. We just have to roll with them and make tough decisions. I admire TY’s decision,” said Tiu on his Twitter account.
“We were teammates for seven years in Xavier. Who would have thought, three more years together in ROS. But the friendship will last a lifetime,” Tiu also said.
At the end of PBA Season 40, Tiu was the one thought of going to bid farewell in the PBA.
“I initially intended to play in the PBA for just one contract period but I reconsidered because I never thought I would still enjoy playing basketball this much at this level,” he said.
He cited his teammates, the management, coach Yeng Guiao and the ROS fans for a great ride in the pro league.
“My teammates are just fun to be with and they are amazing players as well. The owners and management are very easy to deal with and they are like family, no nonsense politics,” he said.
“I like coach Yeng’s style of running a team and his basketball philosophy. I’ve been learning a lot and it is only recently that I’ve really been able to adjust and get my confidence and rhythm going, somewhat,” he added.
With only Tang gone and three players coming in from the draft, team owner Raymond Yu said: “We have to free up roster space and make a few more trades.”
A few days back, Rain or Shine dealt Jervy Cruz to Globalport for Jewel Ponferada.
Who will be the other players to be put on the trading block? “We listen to trade proposals. If it’s a fair trade deal, we’re open on it,” said Yu. (SB)
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