Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tiebreaker Times

Basketball

Chris Tiu vows to be more ‘scoring-minded’ compared to past seasons


For seasoned floor general Chris Tiu, the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters’ 82-79 victory over league favorites TNT Katropa Friday night means more than just a good way to kickstart their 2018 PBA Philippine Cup campaign.

“It’s a good test for us,” shared the fifth-year pro. “Early on we’re playing close games, because towards the end of the elimination round and in the playoffs, if ever we make it there, we’ll be playing a lot of close games.

“So we have to get accustomed to that.”

More than being able to pass the “test”, making the victory even more meaningful was that they have proven that they can close out a game and win — something that they have failed to accomplish in a few games last season.

“A lot of us used to be second stringers,” recalled Tiu of last season, when Rain or Shine was reeling from the loss of multi-titled coach Yeng Guiao, main gunner Paul Lee, and long-timers Jeff Chan and JR Quiñahan to rival teams.

“(But) Now, we’re closing out games without Paul Lee, without Jeff Chan, JR Quiñahan. So it’s me, Mav [Maverick Ahanmisi] maybe [Ed] Daquioag sometimes, maybe [Don] Trollano or [Raymond] Almazan.

“So, you know, it’s a good practice for us as we move forward in the season,” the Rain or Shine lifer added.

As for himself, Tiu finished as the second highest scorer for the Elasto Painters with 12 points, going a perfect 6-for-6 from the stripe. Judging from the way he played, the 32-year-old is seemingly veering away from being a pass-first point guard.

#ReadMore  Blue Eagles hold off rowdy Generals for second win

“[I’m] Trying to be more offensive-minded — I’m more scoring-minded, if there’s such a word,” said Tiu of his aggressiveness in scoring.

“Before I was pass-first, but with the departure of some of our scorers, we have to fill in.”

Now entering his sixth year, Tiu is obviously doing tweaks in his game to contribute better for Rain or Shine. And more than the scoring, Tiu insists that he will always be there to become one of the their leaders especially to younger ones.

“I’m kind of changing my mentality to be more aggressive [not] just to facilitate [but] be more of a leader, especially now that we have a lot of young guys and new personalities in the team,” the 32-year-old said.

“So more on the leadership role siguro.”

Written By

Oftentimes on the sidelines. Forever a student of the game. Morayta-bred.


You May Also Like

Basketball

ANTIPOLO – Adrian Nocum continued to display maturity beyond his years as he powered Rain or Shine past Phoenix, 100-85, to finally break through...

Basketball

Santi Santillan couldn’t help but lament the situation Rain or Shine has gotten into now that its two highly-touted rookie big men are out...

Basketball

San Miguel opened its PBA Philippine Cup title defense bid with a 109-97 rout of the luckless Rain or Shine, Friday at the SMART...

Basketball

In his first game back after figuring in a melee, Jamie Malonzo produced his finest performance. The 6-foot-7 winger, despite still nursing a black...

Basketball

Adrian Nocum saw his season-high outing go down the drain after Rain or Shine remained winless in the PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup, Saturday...

News

Bong Quinto came through in overtime as Meralco survived the hard-fighting Rain or Shine, 121-117, to barge into the win column of the PBA...

Basketball

ANTIPOLO – Experience proved to be the difference as TNT came from behind to beat Rain or Shine, 108-107, for a victorious start to...

Basketball

The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) unveiled the schedule for the season-ending Philippine Cup, set to kick off on February 28 and conclude on May...

Advertisement