Tiu Hapee's crowd-getter in PBL wars

Chris Tiu, the most celebrated star to come out of Ateneo in years, will be the main attraction of Hapee Toothpaste in the 2009 PBL PG Flex Linoleum Cup following the departure of crowd-pleaser Fil-Am Gabe Norwood.

Hapee Toothpaste manager Bernard Yang said Tiu has agreed to play for the Lamoiyan franchise in the hope of helping the team end a five-year title drought in the country’s premier amateur basketball league.

“He’s definitely joining our squad,” said Yang, who was present when Lamoiyan Corporation owner Dr. Cecilio Pedro asked Tiu’s handler to allow the former King Eagle to experience a new level of competition after helping Ateneo win the UAAP title last month.

“He will be a big boost to the team considering his stature, dedication and leadership. He’s also a good role model not only as a player but also as a student,” said Pedro. “Despite his celebrity status, Chis remains as humble as ever.”

Though the 5-foot-11 Tiu will be joining his new teammates during the parade of the teams in today’s opening ceremony, the wily guard who averaged 14.4 points in his last year with the Eagles won’t be playing for Hapee until next month.

“We understand his situation, he still has to finish his commitments here and abroad, so we will just wait until he’s ready to play for us,” said Yang. “Hopefully, by next month he can play for us.”

According to Yang, Tiu will attend some of the team’s practice later so he can adjust easily with the system of coach Gee Abanilla. He will also show up during their games.

“He’s a disciplined and smart player, so we believe he can easily jell with the team,” said Yang, who is the longest-serving team manager of the league.

The Lamoiyan franchise, now on its 15th year in the league, is determined to end a series of runner-up finishes, including three of the last four conferences.

In eight finals appearances, Hapee Toothpaste won thrice, including back-to-back during the 2003-04 seasons when the team was still backstopped by Ateneo players led by Rich Alvarez, LA Tenorio and Larry Fonacier.