PBA: Rain or Shine's Tiu nabs Player of the Week nod

MANILA, Philippines -- Rain or Shine veteran guard Chris Tiu exploded for a new career high in what could possibly be his final game as a professional, en route to capturing the Cignal-PBA Press Corps Player of the Week in the 2018 Governors’ Cup.

The 5-foot-11 guard out of Ateneo de Manila University fired 17 of his 30 points in the second for a new career-high effort, leading Rain or Shine past NLEX, 107-101, last Saturday to close the Elasto Painters’ season on a winning note.

The 33-year-old Tiu went 9-of-22 from the floor, lacing his game with three triples, to go along with five assists, four rebounds, a steal and a block in more than 32 minutes of action.

Tiu has yet to formally announce his retirement after playing for six seasons in the PBA. But he cited family and some of his personal commitments as reasons why he contemplates hanging up his jersey.

• READ: Did Chris Tiu just play his last game?

The sweet-shooting guard though intends to sit down with ROS management and hear them out before making an official announcement.

Selected seventh overall by Rain or Shine in 2012, Tiu played a vital cog in the team’s consistent showing in the league, culminating with ROS’ second PBA championship in franchise history during the 2016 Commissioner’s Cup.

According to PBA chief statistician Fidel Mangonon, Tiu concluded the PBA’s Season 43 with averages of 10.7 points, 2.8 rebounds and 3.97 assists in 35 games — all career-high numbers.

Tiu bested Meralco forward Reynel Hugnatan, Phoenix’s Calvin Abueva and Matthew Wright, as well as Ginebra slotman Greg Slaughter for the weekly citation for the period of October 29-November 4.

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