Their skipper, however, skipped a chance to turn pro and said he is happy to be a cheerleader for his former teammates—at least for now.

Chris Tiu attended the opening rites of the new PBA season and said he’s not envious at all of his former teammates who are now with different clubs.

“I’m here to cheer for them and see how they do with different teams,” said Tiu, as the whole Smart Gilas Pilipinas team was honored by the league during the colorful opening ceremonies. The team was without its imports from the PBA, Jimmy Alapag and Kelly Williams, who are currently in the United States for a much-needed vacation.

Seven former Gilas players were all selected—in the first round—in the Rookie Draft in August. JV Casio and Marcio Lassiter are now with Powerade, Marnel Baracael with Alaska, Chris Lutz with Petron Blaze, Dylan Ababou with Barako Bull, Mark Barroca with B-MEG and Jason Ballesteros with Meralco.

Japeth Aguilar, a former pro who was loaned to Smart Gilas, has returned to Talk ’N Text.

Only Tiu and naturalized player Marcus Douthit stayed in the program, which was extended to two more years by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.

The 26-year-old Tiu, who also dabbles as a television host, said delaying a PBA stint does not mean something is missing in his basketball career.

“I have other options. But I still don’t know. I might apply for, or not play in the PBA at all,” said the five-foot-11 shooting guard when asked if playing in the PBA someday is still an option.

(Joel Orellana)