Second-gen Ethan Tan-Chi out to honor God, father Paul in Gilas Pilipinas Youth stint

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Second-generation hooper Ethan Tan-Chi, son of former Ateneo guard Paul, turns heads in the FIBA U16 Asia Cup SEABA qualifiers and helps steady Gilas Pilipinas Youth as the team's starting point guard

PAMPANGA, Philippines – At 16 years old, Ethan Tan-Chi has already represented the country in FIBA competition, won a gold medal, and more importantly, surpassed his father in basketball achievements.

Tan-Chi, son of former Ateneo guard Paul, became the steady hand for the Gilas Youth squad that ran over its opponents by an average of 39 points per game en route to the FIBA U16 Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers gold.

Ethan is one of three second-generation basketball players in the program, the others being FEU’s Chris Paul Miranda, son of Tamaraws basketball program director and former coach Denok, and NU’s Clark Khobuntin, the son of TNT Tropang 5G standout Glenn.

“Ethan’s better, there’s no doubt about it, all of my former teammates have already told me he’s already better than me,” Paul said after Gilas Youth’s 70-40 rout of Indonesia on Friday, May 31.

“I’m very happy for him, as a father, that’s my joy—to see their kids blossom and to be better than them. Very grateful to the Lord.”

Ethan, 16, started at point guard for Gilas Youth, averaging 7.3 points, 4.0 assists, and 2.7 rebounds under the tutelage of first-time head coach LA Tenorio, who incidentally was his father’s former Ateneo teammate.

The two played together in UAAP Season 64 in 2001, Paul Tan-Chi’s last.

While Paul’s basketball career did not extend to the pros, Tenorio authored one of the best careers in the PBA, helping spearhead Gilas Pilipinas back to international basketball relevance.

Now at 40, Tenorio has a chance to help shape the next generation of Filipino hoopers as the Gilas Youth head coach.

“Honestly, when I learned that LA was the coach and then that Ethan made the team, I felt so much peace, since it was my son,” recalled Paul.

“(Tenorio’s) not only a great basketball player, but also a great man, he has a fear of God…I’m very comfortable that he will take care of my son.”

Having graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business management, and a master’s degree in computer science at Ateneo in 2001, Paul now focuses on real estate.

He is also the head of the sports ministry of the Christ Commission Fellowship, a church founded by his father, Peter.

Learning from one of the best

Ethan, who stars for Faith Academy in Rizal, was elated to play under somebody whom he emulates as a player.

“I think (Tenorio) really gives great tips, especially when it comes to handling pressure and how to deal with defenders,” said Ethan. “He gives great tips and always tells us to not settle for good but settle for great.”

Being raised in a religious family also helped him calm his nerves in a pressure-packed role.

“I think always relying on Him no matter what the situation is and really trusting Him because He is the one that gives us the ultimate peace and not looking at the social media too much or the posts that go on and really keeping our eyes on Him really helps me keep calm.”

“I think being able to represent the country at such a young age is such an honor and such a great opportunity that we’ve been given as kids to as growing men to be given this opportunity and something that helps us in our growing careers and I’m super thankful for.” – Rappler.com