Chris Tiu. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Is Chris Tiu ready to hang up his sneakers for good?
That has been the ongoing speculation after the 6-foot Rain or Shine guard implied through social media that he might end his professional basketball career soon.
Tiu, through his Twitter account @chris_tiu, expressed his gratitude to the Elastopainter fans after the team’s exit in the semifinals of the 2015 PBA Governors’ Cup.
READ: San Miguel ousts Rain or Shine, sets up Finals rematch with Alaska
“I want to thank all the ROS fans for your support, rain or shine! Thank you for believing. Sana ‘wag kayong magsawa! #BayanNgROS”
He followed it up with a cryptic tweet that could be interpreted as saying goodbye to his teammates.
“To my teammates & coaches, BIG thank u for making the PBA fun for me! It’s an honor & pleasure to play w/ u guys! Love this team! #ROSfamily”
Sources close to the situation has said that Tiu was open to the possibility of retirement, speaking about his plans prior to the season.
READ: Guiao hints at player changes, but intent on keeping RoS core
A third-year player, Tiu blossomed under the tutelage of coach Yeng Guiao and has been named in the 2013 All-Rookie Team. He also won the Three-Point Shootout in the 2013 All-Star Weekend.
However, other sources imply that Tiu is still leaving the door open to another go-round and might even sign a short extension.
Even his brother, sportscaster Charles Tiu said, “I hope to see him win a PBA title (before he retires). He was close for a number of times and maybe after that, he can (retire).”
With Tiu in tow, Rain or Shine went to the Finals four times but fell short, with its last coming in the 2015 Commissioner’s Cup, where the Elasto Painters lost to Talk ‘N Text in seven games.
For his part, Guiao was non-committal on his shooter’s future.
“He’s the only person who can confirm,” he said. CFC