Chris Tiu: "A basketbal game to help and inspire"

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 “The aim is to teach Filipinos all over the world certain values and lessons,” said cager Chris Tiu as he explained why he thought his job as a TV host was equally important as his thriving basketball career.

“All my programs are wholesome, educational and entertaining. Television, like sports, is a powerful platform. A lot of people would love to be in my shoes, and I know that I’ve been put in this position for a purpose,” said the host of “Hanep Buhay” and “I-Bilib: The Wonders of Horus” on GMA 7.

“The day when TV offers stray from what I want to achieve is when I stop doing this,” said Chris, who is also host of “1 on 1 Tiu-torials” on AKTV 13.

Tonight at 7, Chris joins a fundraising basketball game called “Built Upon the Rock” at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

The event was organized by Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) cager Asi Taulava, cosponsored by Swatch Watch. It will also be attended by Swatch endorsers Derek Ramsay, Matteo Guidicelli and Billy Crawford. Proceeds will go to victims of the recent floods, particularly in Pasig, Rizal and Bulacan. Tickets are being sold at P1,000, P500, P200 and P100.

Other celebrity participants include Carlos Agassi and John Hall, and basketball superstars Chris Lutz, Mark Cardona, Ren-Ren Ritualo, Arwind Santos, Chris Ross, Kelly Williams, Marcio Lassiter, Dylan Ababou, Denok Miranda, Mark Barroca, Gerard Francisco, Doug Kramer and Jay-Jay Helterbrand.

“Many people say they want to help, but only a few go out there and actually do,” Chris told the Inquirer during a recent media gathering at the Diamond Hotel in Manila. “When Asi called me, I immediately said yes … More than the actual funds we can raise, this game is a symbol and an inspiration— that’s more important to me.”

Petron Blaze chose June Mar Fajardo the number one pick in PBA 2012 Draft

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Petron Blaze just got a little bigger after the Boosters selected 6-10 center June Mar Fajardo with the first overall pick of the 2012 PBA Draft. The selection of Fajardo, who played for the San Miguel Beermen in the ASEAN Basketball League last season, was no surprise as San Miguel Corporation executives had confirmed him going number one earlier in the week.

NCAA MVP Calvin Abueva went to Alaska with the second pick while Petron, who also owned the third pick of the draft, selected Alex Mallari. Meralco chose Clifford Hodge fourth while Aldrech Ramos was a surprise pick for Barako Bull at 5th overall.

Ginebra drafted Chris Ellis and Keith Jensen at the sixth and eighth spots. Rain or Shine, at seventh, selected former SMART-Gilas stalwart Chris Tiu.

GlobalPort, which acquired the ninth pick from B-MEG, picked Vic Manuel and Jason Deutchmann to close the first round.

Ginebra Coach Tanquincen wants Chris Tiu

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The most popular team is hoping the most popular player in this Sunday’s rookie draft would fall on its lap.

“I hope Chris Tiu will still be available,” Ginebra coach Siot Tanquingcen told InterAKTV in a telephone interview.

Ginebra is picking sixth and eighth in the first round, and Tanquingcen said the team is hoping to get a guard and a frontliner to boost the squad, making Tiu a perfect fit.

The former SMART-Gilas Pilipinas team captain seems to like the idea too.

“I would love to play for Ginebra. It’s a historical team where some of the greatest players played,” Tiu wrote in a text message. “I appreciate the trust of the coaches and management. We don’t know what will happen on Sunday. I’m excited and nervous.”

Availability issue

But Tiu might not be available for Ginebra on Sunday, with four teams picking ahead of Ginebra. Apart from his on-court ability, he brings a sizeable following among fans that should help boost any squad in the league.

Barako Bull, which picks one spot ahead of Ginebra, has also expressed interest on Tiu.

“Nabanggit din namin sa discussion ng coaches si Chris Tiu and in my opinion, if ever he will be available at No. 5, we might consider him as well,” said Barako Bull assistant coach Bong Ramos.

InterAKTV’s latest mock draft pegs Tiu to be drafted third by Petron.

Another player who has caught Tanquingcen’s eye is Keith Jensen, a rugged Filipino-American forward who has spent the past season with the PBA D-League’s Big Chill squad.

But Tanquingcen said that the team could still engage in trades that might end up including one of Ginebra’s picks.

“It’s a possibility considering we need to unload players,” said Tanquingcen. “There are redundancies in position, so we really have to move players. Don’t be surprised if trades will be worked out during draft day.”

Chris Tiu wants to play in a team with a "big fan base"

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PRO-BOUND Chris Tiu has expressed his desire to suit up for a PBA team with a “big fan base” -- a wish that could very well be granted if Barangay Ginebra selects him in Sunday's PBA rookie draft.

The longtime amateur star, one of the last to declare for the draft, said playing for a pro ballclub with popular backing would serve an added motivation as he enters a new chapter in his basketball career.

“I’m thankful to be given an opportunity to soon play in the PBA. A lot of San Miguel teams have expressed interest to get me. But then, I don’t really know saan ako pupunta," Tiu told Spin.ph shortly after the PBA rookie biometrics session at the Club Six Fifty in Libis, Quezon City.

“But it helps if I could play for a team with a big fan base because that could give me an added motivation. Nobody wants to play in an empty gym.”

The former Ateneo star may get his wish if he lands at Ginebra, undoubtedly the league's most popular team which will be picking at No. 6 in the draft proceedings at Robinsons Midtown Mall in Manila.

Tiu’s arrival could further boost the fan following of the Gin Kings, who already have top league attractions like reigning league MVP Mark Caguioa, Jay-jay Helterbrand, Kerby Raymundo, Enrico Villanueva and Mike Cortez.

Even Meralco team consultant Jong Uichico believes Tiu can be a big, big asset to any team marketing- and basketball-wise.

“Chris can be a crowd-drawer, especially to teams who need following. He’s smart, very competitive and a good shooter,” noted Uichico, a decorated PBA coach who currently is part of the Smart-Gilas II coaching staff.

The question, however, is on whether Tiu would still be available for Ginebra at No 6.

Petron, which owns the first and third pick overall, is expected to make 6’10” Cebuano June Mar Fajardo this year’s top draft pick. Tiu is tipped to land anywhere from Nos. 2 to 6 along with NCAA star Calvin Abueva and Fil-American Cliff Hodge.

But at this point, Tiu said he isn’t too consumed with where he’ll be headed. Instead, he has been focusing on improving certain facets of his game to ensure a smooth transition into the pro ranks.

“I do plyometrics then lift weights. I also participate in some alumni games of Xavier and do a lot of shooting as well. But I need to bulk up,” added Tiu.

Tiu, an original member of the Smart-Gilas national squad, is no stranger to PBA play. He was the starting guard for the Smart-Gilas squad that played as guest team in the 2009-2010 Philippine Cup as well as in last year's Commissioner’s Cup.

“I want to play competitively in the PBA. I need to get stronger and bigger. I also need to improve further my one-on-one skill because I noticed that in the PBA, there are a lot more teams relying on one-on-one plays. It’s a far different system (that Smart-Gilas) coach Rajko (Toroman) used,” he added.

Chris Tiu excited to play in the PBA

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Although he hasn’t been drafted yet by any of the 10 PBA teams, Chris Tiu has sent a message to fans of the league: It will be an exciting season.

The former SMART-Gilas Pilipinas team captain finally made himself available for the PBA draft on Friday, the last day for filing an application.

“I’m excited. I hope I will be given the opportunity to play to whichever team needs me,” said Tiu.

He skipped the draft last year, hoping to continue playing for the national program while focusing on his other interests in business and entertainment, but changes in SMART-Gilas prompted him to join the PBA.

Tiu, however, said he still hopes to have the chance to suit up for the national team in the future.

“It has always been on top of my priority when it comes to playing,” said Tiu. “I just hope I will be given the opportunity again. Nothing gives me more pride than representing the country.”

The delay in his decision, he said, was because of his consultations with his family, who were concerned about the physical nature of the games in the PBA.

“They were having apprehensions of me joining the PBA because of the highly-physical games,” said Tiu. “They want me to concentrate on business, instead.”

But in the end, passion won out. “I love playing and to play, help the team, and entertain the fans will be my ultimate objective in the PBA.”

Tiu hopes he ends up playing for a team which will utilize his services.

“Gusto kong makatulong sa team. Ang career ng player hindi naman matagal, so I want to play and be given exposure,” he said.