Promising guard Tyler Tio will finally suit up for the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the UAAP this year after officially acquiring his Filipino citizenship on Tuesday.
The 5’11” former Xavier standout was one of the highly touted freshmen in 2016, but eligibility issues forced him to sit out that year.
Tio is a Canadian citizen born to Filipino parents. But he was not officially recognized as a Filipino until he took oath before Solicitor General Jose Calida on Tuesday.
“He was born and raised here in the Philippines. As a matter of fact, he was supposed to represent the Philippine Youth Team a few years back. His talent will be a big contribution to the country,” Calida said in a release.
Tio is a big boost to the Ateneo backcourt which already boasts solid guards Thirdy Ravena, Aaron Black, Jolo Mendoza and Matt Nieto.