Tiu urges fellow 'King Eagle' Ravena to keep rising above challenges

MANILA, Philippines — From one King Eagle to another. 

Chris Tiu has been in the league for quite some time that he has gone through everything Kiefer Ravena has been in so far: tight wins, meltdowns, scoring showcases. Heck, even a team’s skid like Friday night. 

READ: Painters bounce back, trip Road Warriors

Shortly after Rain or Shine’s conquest of NLEX, Philstar.com caught up with the veteran Painter, who like Ravena was a product of the elite Ateneo de Manila University’s caging program; had been a part of many iterations of the Philippine national basketball team early in their careers; and have served under fiery mentor Yeng Guiao.

“I’m not really surprised that he’s dominating [matchups],” Tiu said, praising the Road Warriors rookie.

"He’s an an incredibly intelligent, he’s very skilled and matapang — or should I say courageous and aggressive? He’s a tough player,” added Tiu.

But after the praises, Tiu was quick to add pieces of advice for his fellow guard, who is experiencing a setback to his career in the form of a four-game losing streak.

“You just gotta trust in the coaches, in your teammates and believe in yourself,” the one-time PBA champion said. "I believe that’s inculcated early on and it’s still there, college level pa lang, by his coaches."

“Moments like this actually tests the character of the individual,” Tiu emphasized. "Whether you succumb to the pressure, the criticisms, the negativity in your head; or you rise above it all.”

The 32-year-old Tiu finished 11 points in Rain or Shine’s third win in six outings. Ravena, for his part, had 14. 

But Tiu, penciled as among the intelligent players in the league just like his young counterpart, was also swift in saying that the slump is nothing to worry about.

“Knowing him, there's nothing to worry,” he said with a smile. "It’s only four games, and he’s under coach Yeng  They’re gonna come back and they’re probably gonna be one of those teams we’ll face in the playoffs."