MB:
Chris Tiu has yet to declare himself eligible for the draft but the swift and smart Gilas guard is already being eyed by Powerade as its No. 1 overall pick in the PBA Rookie Draft slated Aug. 28.
The PBA deadline for submission of requirements for the draft is Thursday but Tiu was reportedly still undecided.
But the other high caliber Gilas member rumored to join the draft, JV Casio, has reportedly decided on leaving the national team, a source at the PBA said Wednesday.
“His application papers are with his manager but we have not received it yet," the source who requested not to be identified, said.
Whether Tiu will turn pro or not, Powerade Tigers Gerard Francisco said the only thing definite for them is that they won’t give away their No. 1 pick.
“We’ll definitely keep it. It’s the first time for the franchise to pick first, so we’re excited about it,” Francisco said.
Aside from the top pick, Powerade also owns the No. 4 pick, which the team obtained via a trade with Rain or Shine. The Tigers shipped Larry Rodriguez to the Painters in exchange for Eddie Laure and a first round pick in this year’s Draft.
Francisco said the Tigers are still undecided on who to select for the fourth pick.
The 5-foot-11 Tiu, 26, is torn between turning pro or staying with the Smart-Gilas program, where he is under contract until Sept. 30.
On the other hand, four of their teammates – Mark Barroca, Mac Baracael, Marcio Lassiter and Chris Lutz – have already submitted their documents for Draft applications although they can still pull out of list if they decide to stay with the national team.
Smart-Gilas will compete in the FIBA-Asia Championship in Wuhan, China starting Sept. 15, the qualifying tournament for the 2012 London Olympics.
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president and Smart-Gilas benefactor Manny V. Pangilinan recently said that he will continue to support the national team program through 2013, the year when the FIBA-Asia qualifier for the 2014 World Championship will be held.
Negotiations for contract extension between the six Gilas players and Smart Sports executive Pato Gregorio and Smart-Gilas team manager Frankie Lim are expected to commence soon.
Information Courtesy of MB
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/331074/powerade-pick-tiu-no-1
If You Like This Kapuso Post, Click Here To Subscribe Via Email
