After retiring ahead of the 44th season of the PBA, Chris Tiu could not help but be proud that the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters are doing well without him.
Young guns Javee Mocon, Ed Daquioag, and Rey Nambatac all played major roles in the Elasto Painters’ 91-86 win over the NorthPort Batang Pier on Sunday, which propelled them to the semifinals.
Tiu, who retired about five months ago, was in attendance of the quarterfinal clash at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. He also admitted it had been his first time to watch a game live.
“Yung grupo nila yung nagpalayo eh – sila Ed Daquioag, si Rey Nambatac and si Javee Mocon. So it’s good to see these young guys making the most out of their PBA experience,” Tiu said.
“The few years that they have in the league – or few months diba – they’re really showing the league and the fans what they’re capable of doing, and I wish them all the best.”
Of the three young bloods, Nambatac was adjudged the Player of the Game. He fired 14 points built on four three-pointers, and also added five rebounds and two assists.
Nambatac has always been vocal of his readiness to take the spot left by Tiu. For Tiu, he’s impressed with the way the former Letran Knight has progressed.
“I’m very happy for him. I haven’t been really watching the game, but I’ve been looking at the stats and seeing some highlights and you know, his improvement has been remarkable.
“From when he first joined the team till now, ang laki ng ginaling niya. And I guess, his hard work is really paying off,” said the heady floor general, who played with Nambatac last season.
Given all this, Tiu believes that Rain or Shine’s future stars have plenty in store for them as their respective careers go on.
“I think they’re in a good organization and a good team that will allow them to thrive with the system and with the culture,” said Tiu, who played for Rain or Shine for six years.
“I wish them all the best.”
