Tiu keys Painters' strong start, gains PBA Player of the Week citation

MANILA, Philippines – Rain or Shine got off to a flying start in the 2018 Honda PBA Commissioner’s Cup, thanks to the steady leadership provided by veteran guard Chris Tiu.

The 32-year-old Tiu averaged all-around numbers of 14 points, 6.5 assists and 3.0 rebounds as Rain or Shine opened the mid-season conference with victories over Alaska and crowd darling Barangay Ginebra, respectively to become the first PBA Press Corps Player of the Week.

The former Ateneo playmaker had 18 points, issued 6 assists and collared 3 rebounds in a productive night to complement hulking import Reggie Johnson’s monster debut as Rain or Shine outlasted a fighting Alaska squad, 109-103 in overtime last Friday.

Tiu showed no signs of slowing down as two days later, the ROS guard provided solid numbers of 10 rebounds, 7 assists and 4 rebounds to help the Elasto Painters turn what was expected to be a tight contest into a ghastly rout of the Kings, 108-89.

A one-time PBA Three-Point champion, Tiu bested teammate Raymond Almazan, along with TNT guards Jayson Castro, Terrence Romero and Jericho Cruz for the weekly citation for the period of April 22-29.

Rain or Shine currently shares the early lead with TNT at 2-0 and will next face NLEX on Wednesday when action shifts to the Ynares Center in Antipolo.