PBA Rookie Draft: Without Chris Tiu, Casio is top pick

GMA NEWS:

Powerade didn’t prolong the suspense, choosing Smart Gilas Pilipinas stalwart JV Casio as the top pick of the 2011 PBA Annual Draft Sunday at the Robinsons Place in Manila.

At 5-foot-10, Casio went down as the smallest guy in the history of the draft to be selected no. 1 overall but big and good enough for Tigers coach Bo Perasol to describe him as a possible franchise player.

“We know that JV (Casio) is the type of player who can be a franchise player," said Perasol.

Casio, a member of the last La Salle team to win a UAAP men’s basketball championship in 2007, also became the first legitimate point guard to be picked no. 1 since Alaska’s Mike Cortez in 2003.

“Hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala," said the national team player. “I really think that it was my experience in international tournaments that was the factor. I just want to stay focused and concentrate on what I can deliver."

Powerade then added Casio’s Smart Gilas teammate Marcio Lassiter to its roster when it again got its turn at the no. 4 pick.

Rain or Shine selected UE hotshot Paul Lee as the second choice, while Chris Lutz was chosen no.3 by Petron following a Draft day trade with Barako Bull.

Feisty guard Mark Barroca went to Shopinas (formerly Barako Bull), Meralco picked big man Jason Ballesteros, while Barako Bull (formerly Air21) went for Allein Maliksi, the MVP of the inaugural PBA D-League.

Owner of the 9th pick, Ginebra chose power-forward Reil Cervantes, while Dylan Ababou, another Smart Gilas player, ended up with Barako Bull at the close of the first round.

Magi Sison was acquired by Shopinas to start the second round. Talk ‘N Text got John Raymundo, while Alaska, which owned the third, fourth, and fifth picks in the second round, chose Eric Salamat, Julius Pascolado, Phillip Medenilla.

Finally taking its turn to choose for the first time, B-Meg took Brian Ilad, Meralco acquired Gilbert Bulawan, Ginebra selected point guard James Martinez, while Barako Bull chose Kenneth Acibar and Paul Sorongan. Powerade closed out the second round by choosing John Agustin, the son of Petron coach Ato Agustin. OMG, GMA News

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Information Courtesy of GMA News

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/230807/sports/pba-rookie-draft-casio-is-top-pick

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PBA Rookie Draft: Without Chris Tiu, Casio is top pick

GMA NEWS:

Powerade didn’t prolong the suspense, choosing Smart Gilas Pilipinas stalwart JV Casio as the top pick of the 2011 PBA Annual Draft Sunday at the Robinsons Place in Manila.

At 5-foot-10, Casio went down as the smallest guy in the history of the draft to be selected no. 1 overall but big and good enough for Tigers coach Bo Perasol to describe him as a possible franchise player.

“We know that JV (Casio) is the type of player who can be a franchise player," said Perasol.

Casio, a member of the last La Salle team to win a UAAP men’s basketball championship in 2007, also became the first legitimate point guard to be picked no. 1 since Alaska’s Mike Cortez in 2003.

“Hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala," said the national team player. “I really think that it was my experience in international tournaments that was the factor. I just want to stay focused and concentrate on what I can deliver."

Powerade then added Casio’s Smart Gilas teammate Marcio Lassiter to its roster when it again got its turn at the no. 4 pick.

Rain or Shine selected UE hotshot Paul Lee as the second choice, while Chris Lutz was chosen no.3 by Petron following a Draft day trade with Barako Bull.

Feisty guard Mark Barroca went to Shopinas (formerly Barako Bull), Meralco picked big man Jason Ballesteros, while Barako Bull (formerly Air21) went for Allein Maliksi, the MVP of the inaugural PBA D-League.

Owner of the 9th pick, Ginebra chose power-forward Reil Cervantes, while Dylan Ababou, another Smart Gilas player, ended up with Barako Bull at the close of the first round.

Magi Sison was acquired by Shopinas to start the second round. Talk ‘N Text got John Raymundo, while Alaska, which owned the third, fourth, and fifth picks in the second round, chose Eric Salamat, Julius Pascolado, Phillip Medenilla.

Finally taking its turn to choose for the first time, B-Meg took Brian Ilad, Meralco acquired Gilbert Bulawan, Ginebra selected point guard James Martinez, while Barako Bull chose Kenneth Acibar and Paul Sorongan. Powerade closed out the second round by choosing John Agustin, the son of Petron coach Ato Agustin. OMG, GMA News

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Information Courtesy of GMA News

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/230807/sports/pba-rookie-draft-casio-is-top-pick

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Chris Tiu's OFFICIAL STATEMENT on 2011 PBA Draft: My dream has always been to represent our flag and country!

CHRIS TIU:

Chris Tiu Will Not Join The PBA Draft 2011: Read His Official Statement Here

After several months of waiting, the 5'11 guard of the Smart Gilas Pilipinas has finally made an official announcement saying that he will not join the PBA Draft 2011. Unlike his other teammates in Gilas such as Dylan Ababou, Jayvee Casio, Mark Barroca, and Jason Ballesteros who all passed their PBA Draft applications, Chris Tiu decided not to pass his application earlier today to beat the deadline. Instead of accomplishing the draft requirements, he made an official announcement. Much like a press conference saying that he will not turn pro. Here's his official statement.

"After much prayer and consultation with family and friends, I have decided not to take part in the PBA draft this year. My dream has always been to represent our flag and country by competing in the various international tournaments. Should management wish to invite me, it would be my privilege to continue on with the Gilas national team program. Thank you for the support."

I'm sure some of the basketball fans will not be able to appreciate his official statement because they want to see Chris play in the PBA. The best thing that we can do for Chris right now is for us to just respect his decision and let's just support him all the way no matter what.

Tiu, Casio, 3 others staying with Gilas? (Joe Villar)

Smart Gilas Pilipinas will have naturalized Marcus Douthit, team captain Chris Tiu, JV Casio, Chris Lutz and Marcio Lassiter as the spearheads of the team seeking a berth in the 2014 FIBA World Championship.

The five, who are part of the core seeing action in the FIBA-Asia Championship slated Sept. 15-25 in Wuhan, China – where the winner will represent the region in the 2012 London Olympics – were actually named in a meeting done by top by the MVP group of companies funding the program.

"The players staying were already pin-pointed in that meeting and they are Tiu, Casio, Lutz, Lassiter and Douthit," said a reliable source privy to the group.

Tiu, however, is still undecided whether he will apply for the draft or stay with the program for another two years targeting the 2013 FIBA-Asia Championships, where three spots are being staked in the 2014 FIBA Worlds.

"I 'm still consulting with my family," said Tiu, who is reportedly being eyed by Powerade to be its top overall pick.

For his part, Casio, who is currently nursing a swollen left knee that sidelined him late in the Jones Cup where the Nationals finished a strong third in Chinese Taipei, did not return text messages or calls but there were reports he is inclined to stay put.

Lutz and Lassiter, both Fil-Ams, have actually submitted their draft application late last month but can pull out in the last minute if they eventually decide to stay in the program, which was formed three years back.

The 6-10 Douthit, of course, is a clear choice considering that he has proven in past tournaments that he is the answer to the country's perennial woes up front.

Japeth Aguilar, the athletic 6-10 forward, will be allowed to return to his mother club, Talk N' Text, with a chance of being recalled to national team duties.

The rest of the team, co-skipper Mark Barroca, Mac Baracael, Dylan Ababou and Jason Ballesteros, had already served flag and country for three years and would now turn pro. They are all expected to be picked in the first round of the PBA rookie draft on Aug. 28 at Robinson's Place Manila.

"They've served the country for three years now and they're not getting any younger so I think it’s about time they turn pro," said Ed Ponceja, who is the manager or agent of Baracael and Barroca.

"All remaining Smart Gilas players have submitted application," said Charlie Dy, who represents Casio. "If in case my player changes his mind, we could pull out any time before the Aug. 26 deadline."

The retention of Tiu, Casio, Lassiter, Lutz and Douthit came just a week after the Smart Gilas program was extended for another couple of years owing to its recent success, including solid games against a stellar NBA cast in the Smart Ultimate All-Star Weekend last month and the Jones Cup.

There are also plans of re-absorbing seven-footer Greg Slaughter, who is currently playing for Ateneo, and adding several talented players from the collegiate ranks, including Ateneo's Kiefer Ravena, FEU star RR Garcia and Bobby Ray Parks of NU.

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Information Courtesy of Chris Tiu, Ballers Pinas and Phil Star

http://www.ballerspinas.com/2011/08/chris-tiu-will-not-join-pba-draft-2011.html

and

http://www.philstar.com/SportsArticle.aspx?articleId=718162&publicationSubCategoryId=200

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Chris Tiu's OFFICIAL STATEMENT on 2011 PBA Draft: My dream has always been to represent our flag and country!

CHRIS TIU:

Chris Tiu Will Not Join The PBA Draft 2011: Read His Official Statement Here

After several months of waiting, the 5'11 guard of the Smart Gilas Pilipinas has finally made an official announcement saying that he will not join the PBA Draft 2011. Unlike his other teammates in Gilas such as Dylan Ababou, Jayvee Casio, Mark Barroca, and Jason Ballesteros who all passed their PBA Draft applications, Chris Tiu decided not to pass his application earlier today to beat the deadline. Instead of accomplishing the draft requirements, he made an official announcement. Much like a press conference saying that he will not turn pro. Here's his official statement.

"After much prayer and consultation with family and friends, I have decided not to take part in the PBA draft this year. My dream has always been to represent our flag and country by competing in the various international tournaments. Should management wish to invite me, it would be my privilege to continue on with the Gilas national team program. Thank you for the support."

I'm sure some of the basketball fans will not be able to appreciate his official statement because they want to see Chris play in the PBA. The best thing that we can do for Chris right now is for us to just respect his decision and let's just support him all the way no matter what.

Tiu, Casio, 3 others staying with Gilas? (Joe Villar)

Smart Gilas Pilipinas will have naturalized Marcus Douthit, team captain Chris Tiu, JV Casio, Chris Lutz and Marcio Lassiter as the spearheads of the team seeking a berth in the 2014 FIBA World Championship.

The five, who are part of the core seeing action in the FIBA-Asia Championship slated Sept. 15-25 in Wuhan, China – where the winner will represent the region in the 2012 London Olympics – were actually named in a meeting done by top by the MVP group of companies funding the program.

"The players staying were already pin-pointed in that meeting and they are Tiu, Casio, Lutz, Lassiter and Douthit," said a reliable source privy to the group.

Tiu, however, is still undecided whether he will apply for the draft or stay with the program for another two years targeting the 2013 FIBA-Asia Championships, where three spots are being staked in the 2014 FIBA Worlds.

"I 'm still consulting with my family," said Tiu, who is reportedly being eyed by Powerade to be its top overall pick.

For his part, Casio, who is currently nursing a swollen left knee that sidelined him late in the Jones Cup where the Nationals finished a strong third in Chinese Taipei, did not return text messages or calls but there were reports he is inclined to stay put.

Lutz and Lassiter, both Fil-Ams, have actually submitted their draft application late last month but can pull out in the last minute if they eventually decide to stay in the program, which was formed three years back.

The 6-10 Douthit, of course, is a clear choice considering that he has proven in past tournaments that he is the answer to the country's perennial woes up front.

Japeth Aguilar, the athletic 6-10 forward, will be allowed to return to his mother club, Talk N' Text, with a chance of being recalled to national team duties.

The rest of the team, co-skipper Mark Barroca, Mac Baracael, Dylan Ababou and Jason Ballesteros, had already served flag and country for three years and would now turn pro. They are all expected to be picked in the first round of the PBA rookie draft on Aug. 28 at Robinson's Place Manila.

"They've served the country for three years now and they're not getting any younger so I think it’s about time they turn pro," said Ed Ponceja, who is the manager or agent of Baracael and Barroca.

"All remaining Smart Gilas players have submitted application," said Charlie Dy, who represents Casio. "If in case my player changes his mind, we could pull out any time before the Aug. 26 deadline."

The retention of Tiu, Casio, Lassiter, Lutz and Douthit came just a week after the Smart Gilas program was extended for another couple of years owing to its recent success, including solid games against a stellar NBA cast in the Smart Ultimate All-Star Weekend last month and the Jones Cup.

There are also plans of re-absorbing seven-footer Greg Slaughter, who is currently playing for Ateneo, and adding several talented players from the collegiate ranks, including Ateneo's Kiefer Ravena, FEU star RR Garcia and Bobby Ray Parks of NU.

BACK TO KAPUSO ONLINE HOMEPAGE and THE KAPUSO ONLINE AWARDS - A Viewer's Choice Special: CLICK HERE TO VOTE

Information Courtesy of Chris Tiu, Ballers Pinas and Phil Star

http://www.ballerspinas.com/2011/08/chris-tiu-will-not-join-pba-draft-2011.html

and

http://www.philstar.com/SportsArticle.aspx?articleId=718162&publicationSubCategoryId=200

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Top Pick Powerade Select Chris Tiu as Over-all No.1 Rookie Draft; Tiu torn between turning pro or staying with the national team

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.

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Information Courtesy of MB

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/331074/powerade-pick-tiu-no-1

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Top Pick Powerade Select Chris Tiu as Over-all No.1 Rookie Draft; Tiu torn between turning pro or staying with the national team

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.

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Information Courtesy of MB

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/331074/powerade-pick-tiu-no-1

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PBA 2011 Top Draft: Chris Tiu still undecided

MB:

Smart Gilas Pilipinas ace guard Chris Tiu has until Wednesday to decide whether or not he will join the PBA Rookie Draft slated on Aug. 28.

When asked about his plans, Tiu was still uncommital on joining the PBA.

“I’m still thinking about it, and I know the other players are thinking about it, too,” Tiu said.

Like Tiu, Gilas point guard JV Casio is also undecided.

But six of their Gilas teammates have submitted the requirements for joining the draft. These are Mark Barroca, Mac Baracael, Dylan Ababou, Jason Ballesteros, Fil-Ams Marcio Lassiter and Chris Lutz.

Three of the four remaining Gilas players have contracts with the PBA while naturalized Filipino Marcus Douthit is in the payroll of the SBP.

Tiu’s contract with Smart Gilas, as well as that of JV Casio and the six other players will expire on Sept. 30, or 15 days after the FIBA-Asia Championship in Wuhan, China, the qualifier for the 2012 London Olympics.

The event is deemed as the last major tournament for the Gilas Smart team whose aim is to play in the London Games. But at the rate the team has been performing, getting to the Olympics is close to nearly impossible.

Although the Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas headed by businessman Manny V. Pangilinan has promised to continue supporting the team even after the FIBA-Asia tournament, some players are probably weighing their options and some of them are perhaps looking at the PBA as a more rewarding alternative.

Although six of the Gilas players have submitted the requirements, only Ababou of the University of Santo Tomas and Ballesteros of San Sebastian, former Most Valuable Players in the UAAP and in the NCAA, respectively, have openly expressed their desire to turn pro.

If Tiu and Casio and the six others jumped the wagon, the Gilas team will be back to square one and the idea of having a built-in national team will no longer be possible.

Even if Tiu and Casio and the others have submitted their applications, however, they can still pull their names out from the PBA Draft list.

They can do this by not joining the four-day Rookie Camp, which starts Tuesday, or by simply informing the PBA Commissioner’s Office ahead of the Draft Day.

Smart-Gilas team manager Frankie Lim said Tuesday that they are aware of the draft and its complications regarding the team.

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Information Courtesy of MB / WAYLON GALVEZ

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/330946/gilas-stars-still-weighing-options

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PBA 2011 Top Draft: Chris Tiu still undecided

MB:

Smart Gilas Pilipinas ace guard Chris Tiu has until Wednesday to decide whether or not he will join the PBA Rookie Draft slated on Aug. 28.

When asked about his plans, Tiu was still uncommital on joining the PBA.

“I’m still thinking about it, and I know the other players are thinking about it, too,” Tiu said.

Like Tiu, Gilas point guard JV Casio is also undecided.

But six of their Gilas teammates have submitted the requirements for joining the draft. These are Mark Barroca, Mac Baracael, Dylan Ababou, Jason Ballesteros, Fil-Ams Marcio Lassiter and Chris Lutz.

Three of the four remaining Gilas players have contracts with the PBA while naturalized Filipino Marcus Douthit is in the payroll of the SBP.

Tiu’s contract with Smart Gilas, as well as that of JV Casio and the six other players will expire on Sept. 30, or 15 days after the FIBA-Asia Championship in Wuhan, China, the qualifier for the 2012 London Olympics.

The event is deemed as the last major tournament for the Gilas Smart team whose aim is to play in the London Games. But at the rate the team has been performing, getting to the Olympics is close to nearly impossible.

Although the Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas headed by businessman Manny V. Pangilinan has promised to continue supporting the team even after the FIBA-Asia tournament, some players are probably weighing their options and some of them are perhaps looking at the PBA as a more rewarding alternative.

Although six of the Gilas players have submitted the requirements, only Ababou of the University of Santo Tomas and Ballesteros of San Sebastian, former Most Valuable Players in the UAAP and in the NCAA, respectively, have openly expressed their desire to turn pro.

If Tiu and Casio and the six others jumped the wagon, the Gilas team will be back to square one and the idea of having a built-in national team will no longer be possible.

Even if Tiu and Casio and the others have submitted their applications, however, they can still pull their names out from the PBA Draft list.

They can do this by not joining the four-day Rookie Camp, which starts Tuesday, or by simply informing the PBA Commissioner’s Office ahead of the Draft Day.

Smart-Gilas team manager Frankie Lim said Tuesday that they are aware of the draft and its complications regarding the team.

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Information Courtesy of MB / WAYLON GALVEZ

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/330946/gilas-stars-still-weighing-options

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Chris Tiu to Join 2011 PBA Draft?

CHRIS Tiu, easily the most popular cager outside the Philippine Basketball Association, and the rest of the members of the Smart Gilas-Pilipinas national squad, are now on the crossroads of their career whether to turn pro or continue serving the country.

The skipper of the national squad seeking for a berth in the basketball competitions of the 2012 London Olympics via the FIBA Asia Men’s Basketball Championship, met with Powerade board governor JB Baylon recently at the Sentro 1771 in Greenbelt, Makati.

But Baylon clarified that Tiu remains uncertain whether to continue playing for flag and country or take the next big step in his basketball career by entering this year’s PBA Rookie Draft in August.

“I could only hope he will join,” said Baylon when asked whether Tiu has already decided to turn pro. “But we just had coffee and had a casual conversation.”

Baylon reiterated that playing for the national team remains to be Tiu’s priority.

“Chris is committed to playing for flag and country so the national team is his priority,” added Baylon. “But he will weigh all his options and decide in due course.”

But Tiu isn’t the only one under the radar of Baylon, whose squad will have two first-round picks and two second-round picks this year.

“It might be Chris Tiu (if he enters the draft), JV Casio, Chris Lutz or James Martinez,” added Baylon. RJ

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Information Courtesy of Manila Standard Today

http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/insideSports.htm?f=2011/august/2/sports5.isx&d=2011/august/2

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Chris Tiu to Join 2011 PBA Draft?

CHRIS Tiu, easily the most popular cager outside the Philippine Basketball Association, and the rest of the members of the Smart Gilas-Pilipinas national squad, are now on the crossroads of their career whether to turn pro or continue serving the country.

The skipper of the national squad seeking for a berth in the basketball competitions of the 2012 London Olympics via the FIBA Asia Men’s Basketball Championship, met with Powerade board governor JB Baylon recently at the Sentro 1771 in Greenbelt, Makati.

But Baylon clarified that Tiu remains uncertain whether to continue playing for flag and country or take the next big step in his basketball career by entering this year’s PBA Rookie Draft in August.

“I could only hope he will join,” said Baylon when asked whether Tiu has already decided to turn pro. “But we just had coffee and had a casual conversation.”

Baylon reiterated that playing for the national team remains to be Tiu’s priority.

“Chris is committed to playing for flag and country so the national team is his priority,” added Baylon. “But he will weigh all his options and decide in due course.”

But Tiu isn’t the only one under the radar of Baylon, whose squad will have two first-round picks and two second-round picks this year.

“It might be Chris Tiu (if he enters the draft), JV Casio, Chris Lutz or James Martinez,” added Baylon. RJ

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Information Courtesy of Manila Standard Today

http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/insideSports.htm?f=2011/august/2/sports5.isx&d=2011/august/2

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