Sweet the first, last time for Chris sake

It was a bitter-sweet moment for Chris Tiu.

The 23-year-old shooting star played his last game for Ateneo last night, scored 16 points, grabbed five rebounds and issued three assists in 30 minutes of action.

Then he went home with his first UAAP crown.

"I couldn't describe the feeling. I can't control my emotion because this is my first championship in the UAAP," said Tiu who came back hard at La Salle after being held to two points last Sunday.

"But this is sweet because it's my last year," he added.

"For me it was unfinished business. We lost in the 2003 finals, my rookie year, and also lost in the 2006 finals. Last year, we lost in the Final Four and since I had one more year left, I gave it my last shot," he said.

It was the shot that mattered.

"Actually, it's a dream come true. We always fell short in the past," said Tiu, adding that he's not sure yet of what he plans to do after this victory, whether he'd play in the PBL or join the PBA.

"I will try to enjoy the moment first," said Tiu who also dedicated the victory to his coach, Norman Black.

"He's an unbelievable coach. We dedicated this victory to him, he's the mastermind of this success. He pushes us hard," said Tiu, who was barely a year old when Black was winning his grand slam as a PBA coach.

"I'm really pleased that he came back for his fifth year. He really didn't have to come back because he actually had other options other than basketball," said Black.

"So, we tried to convince him to come back and we're glad he did. In college basketball, particularly at Ateneo, if you win a title you will be remembered forever. It's like with the other champion teams.

"And the guys who won those championships are looked upon as idols. So I'm happy for Chris. I'm happy he came back and I'm happy he won the championship," said Black.

- Abac Cordero (The Philippine Star - "Sweet the first...")

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Congrats, ATENEO!!

and I'm so happy for you, Chris! Good luck on your career. Stay as humble and as down-to-earth as you are now. We're here to support you.