PBA Draft 2012: The Chris Tiu Factor

Tiu: Petron, Alaska or Meralco?

We already know where 6"9 big man June Mar Fajardo is going. The KKS Vince McMahon has already gone public with the Petron Blaze Boosters' choice for the number one overall pick of the promising PBA Draft 2012. It's not rocket science, they brought him in from Cebu, nurtured him and gave him international experience battling mostly American giants in the ASEAN Basketball League so  let the Boosters have their man.

What's becoming even more of a conundrum is who gets picked next. The Alaska Aces appear to be opening up to the idea of bringing in "The Beast" Calvin Abueva of the NCAA's San Sebastian Golden Stags. Arguably the best, most decorated and widely respected player among the applicants given his monstrous efforts on the basketball court.

Cliff Hodge, the 6"7 Fil-Am who people expect to blossom into another Kelly Williams or Jay Washington, is also in the Top 3 mix given all his potential. He won't develop under some coaches, but if he were to land in a fixed system with roles already made for him, he'd do just fine in the pros. At worst, Hodge could end up to be the next Mike Holper-- decent, but not someone you'd expect to be a 2nd or 3rd overall pick.

If you're the Aces, you could take a gamble on Hodge because his quiet, business-like on-court demeanor just screams of a Wilfred Uytengsu, Jr.-type classy player. For the Boosters, they could have Hodge coming off the bench as another versatile wing-- something that could either benefit or hurt him.

Either he learns while playing backup to the likes of perennial MVP contenders Arwind Santos or Washington, or becomes the Boosters' new Nonoy Baclao.

Enter Chris Tiu.

Like James Yap before him but only bigger in terms of market reach, endorsements, public approval and so on.

The Aces have no need for Tiu, a solid SG who fits their overall philosophy as sports ambassadors-- but it doesn't really make their team better overall. They lack a fiery competitor at the wing spot and that's Abueva-- or someone flexible like Hodge. Tiu would be hard-pressed to take minutes away from Cyrus Baguio who had a so-so season this year.

The Boosters on the other hand, have everything to gain from picking Tiu. They already have most of the SMART Gilas I core in Marcio Lassiter, Chris Lutz and even the coach in Rajko Toroman. They have the KKS Vince McMahon operating in the sidelines and doing his work. Tiu will find it hard to start for this team, but that won't stop the Boosters from bringing him in if only to rub it on their rival Team MVP's faces.

"Hey, your posterboy works for us now."

If the Aces take Abueva, it opens the door for the Boosters to draft Tiu. They already have a bunch of guys at SF and hybrid PFs, but they have an opening at the SG spot. Dondon Hontiveros is nearing the end of his illustrious career. Joseph Yeo is a one-trick pony who is best used off the bench and is only serviceable when his shots are going in. Lutz and Lassiter can play SG but have no problems switching to SF given their height and sizes.

If the Aces or Boosters don't get hold of Tiu, then you can bet the whole farm that the Team MVP-owned Meralco Bolts will quickly pluck this kid from the Draft and build from there.

Ikaw na ang maging bata.