Chris Tiu open to re-sign 1-yr deal with RoS

MANILA, Philippines -- Three-year combo guard Chris Tiu said he’s open to the idea of signing at least a one-year contract with Rain or Shine as he began to talk with management this off season.

Tiu, whose original three-year, rookie PBA contract expires next month, said the one-year contract is just perfect for him, given the tight schedule he has to attend to his showbiz and business commitments.

“I’m not sure if I can commit two years given the demands of my other work, And I think it would be fair if we do a year first, then see what the situation would be like,” Tiu confided to Philstar.com on Wednesday just before he left for Hong Kong.

The six-foot guard said he’s done some soul-searching since news came out early this month that he’ll be retiring after just three seasons in the PBA.

The former Ateneo guard added his decision to possibly play with Rain or Shine came at an unlikely location.

“I was looking for a sign. When I went to PCMC (Philippine Children’s Medical Center) for outreach last week, a 10-year-old, who was suffering from leukemia, saw me and told me that he was a big fan and that he was devastated when he found out that I was going to retire,” recalled the 30-year-old Rain or Shine sweet-shooting guard.

“Although a career in business can provide livelihood, basketball is unique in providing joy, entertainment and inspiration, especially to young kids,” he added.

Meantime, Rain or Shine board governor Atty. Mamerto Mondragon said a one-year contract renewal by Tiu will be fine for them, as long as he decides to play and help the team’s championship pursuit next season.

“Sinabi naman namin kay Chris na ngayon pa na maganda ang nilalaro niya (saka siya magre-retire), but we feel parang okay siya mag-renew. And kahit one or two years lang (period of contract renewal), okay na sa amin,” Mondragon said.

Outside his PBA career, which started in 2012 when Rain or Shine selected him seventh overall from the draft, Tiu is also active in his family business, along with being a commercial model and TV host.

It is no wonder that Tiu admitted wanting to retire early after signing his initial three-year contract with the Elasto Painters during his rookie year in the PBA’s 2012-13 season.

The PBA championship proved elusive though for Tiu after Rain or Shine finished with four runner-up trophies in his first three seasons as a pro.