Chris Tiu inks fresh 2-year deal with Rain or Shine

MANILA, Philippines -- Rain or Shine assured itself of a veteran backcourt presence after re-signing Chris Tiu to a fresh two-year deal on Thursday.

Terms of the contract were not divulged, though team governor Atty. Mamerto Mondragon said Tiu has an option on his second year to leave the team if ever he decides to concentrate full-time on his commitments in show business and family business.

"Sa second year niya, if ever gusto na niya magpahinga, okay lang as amin," Mondragon told Philstar.com.

"Pero pumirma si Chris sa amin ng separate na kontrata sa endorsement."

The six-foot guard out of Ateneo said his desire to win his first-ever championship as a pro has motivated him to reconsider his decision after hinting at retiring at the end of last season.

"I'm still hungry for my first championship (in the PBA). But I'm very excited to continue playing and I felt I got my rhythm and confidence back in the last two conferences," Tiu said.

Selected seventh overall by Rain or Shine in the 2012 PBA draft, Tiu's role is expected to increase after bosom buddy Tyrone Tang announced his retirement last week.

The 30-year-old combo guard will be manning the backcourt, along with Paul Lee, while also serving as one of the mentors of Fil-Nigerian rookie guard Maverick Ahanmishi.

Outside his pro basketball career, the baby-faced looking Tiu is also active in his family business, as well as being a commercial model and TV host.

It is no wonder that Tiu admitted wanting to retire early after signing his initial three-year contract with the Elasto Painters during his rookie year in the PBA’s 2012-13 season.

But the PBA championship proved elusive for Tiu after Rain or Shine finished with four runner-up trophies in his first three seasons as a pro.

Tiu averaged 5.6 points, 2.7 assists and 2.2 rebounds in his three-year pro career.