Charles Tiu joins Converge coaching staff in PBA return

Charles Tiu is back in the PBA as an assistant coach of the Converge FiberXers.

Tiu was seen helping Converge's interim head coach Franco Atienza on the sidelines of their match against Terrafirma Dyip on Wednesday where they won, 127-95.

The newest first assistant coach of Converge said he, along with Rajko Toroman as consultant, were just tapped by the FiberXers weeks ago to help the squad.

"We weren't expecting it. Coach Rajko [Toroman] and I, we were just focused on Saint Benilde and then Jacob Lao (Converge manager) called me, asked me if we could help their team out. We're close, of course we'll help you guys out because we're like family," said Tiu, who is also the men's basketball head coach of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde.

"It's kinda how it happened. We did not really plan on this at all."

Tiu is not new in the PBA as he was also part of the coaching staff of the Meralco Bolts and the Barako Bull Energy teams in the league before.

However, Tiu said this stint will be different.

"To be honest, I don't think I've ever had this big of a role in the PBA, so it's also a first for me and it's something I value and hopefully, I can do well with talaga.

"It's a good challenge. It's a blessing and hopefully I can also improve as a coach and help the team win some games."

On top of being part of Converge, Tiu will still stay with the Blazers as the Taft-based squad eyes to rule NCAA Season 100.

And after that?

"We'll see how it goes, basta we just want to focus on our NCAA campaign."

Atienza, meanwhile, said it is a privilege to have Tiu and Toroman in the coaching staff.

"It's a privilege to have them on the bench. If you have weapons, why not use [them]," Atienza said.

—GMA Integrated News