Now one of the young gunners in the PBA, Tio knows the trek to where he is right now wasn't easy.
“Kuya, pa-picture naman.”
This was the line every kid told Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters ace Tyler Tio when fans mobbed him at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
He nodded politely each time, placed his hand gently on their shoulder, and smiled for a picture that would be up on Facebook or TikTok minutes later, probably laced with hashtags synonymous to greatness or, well, fresh and good looking.
It was only halftime of their PBA On Tour game against the Meralco Bolts. He was on his way back to the bench for another shoot around for the next 24 minutes of action. But these supporters seemingly formed a phalanx of sorts in the hallway separating the dugout and the court that never allowed him to do so.
Still, the former Ateneo Blue Eagle kept his poise, knowing such was part of the career he chose. Who knows, one of these kids will become the next Tyler Tio, or perhaps the next LeBron James?
That moment also proved one thing, though: Tio has risen from relative obscurity and become one of the rising stars in the PBA today.
Well, he did show flashes of brilliance ever since he first stepped on the PBA parquet floor.
Tabbed as the 14th overall pick in the 2022 PBA Draft, Tio made a splash right away and netted 17 points in his debut in the Philippine Cup. Take note: it was against no less than the San Miguel Beermen that features the likes of six-time MVP June Mar Fajardo and another superstar in Terrence Romeo.
What makes his first game even more impressive was that his offensive output was built on an immaculate 5-of-5 shooting from the 3-point land.
After the conference, he emerged as one of the main gunners of the Fuel Masters, logging the league’s highest shooting percentage from the three-point area with 49%.
That set the tone for everything. He’s been unstoppable since then. His long range marksmanship has the league teetering on its heels and to cut the long story short, he is in the running for the Rookie of the Year award.
Of course, the trek to this moment wasn’t easy.
“I won’t lie, sometimes it gets tough. Some days I feel like stopping. But I push myself beyond my limits and become unstoppable,” said the 5-foot-11 guard.
To reach this status, Tio has had to pour blood and sweat—lots of the latter, really—be it at the arena or a non-descript gym. That’s why Rexona has played an integral role in his development as a basketball player.
Players of his stature need unstoppable protection from sweat and odor. To become an elite baller, one needs to move beyond his limits.
And Rexona helps the 25-year-old cager do just that by keeping him feeling dry and fresh to stay confident before and after games. Siyempre dapat lagi ring fresh tuwing may magpapa-picture!
“As an athlete, sweat has always been a main concern. Good thing Rexona provides your skin with a sweat barrier that is more effective at preventing sweat and odor to keep you feeling dry all day long and feeling unstoppable,” said Tio, one of the new Rexona Unstoppable Movers.
In the last PBA On Tour tilt, Tio remains the main gunner for the Fuel Masters. He is norming 9.17 points, 3.33 rebounds, and 2.83 assists.
With Rexona keeping him confident all day long, he will only keep moving forward and continue to be better.
“I became who I am today because I didn’t stop moving forward even when I felt like quitting,” he said.