2025 Rookie Draft: Chiu is No. 1 pick

MANILA, Philippines — In his first draft proceeding, Terrafirma coach Ronald Tubid went for height and made Geo Chiu the No. 1 pick in the PBA Season 50 Rookie Draft yesterday at the Mall of Asia Music Hall.

Tubid selected Chiu, the tallest among the 122 prospects in the pool at 6-foot-10, to add not only ceiling but also experience from international play to the Dyip’s roster.

Converge, another team with a new coach in Pampanga Vice Gov. Dennis “Delta” Pineda, used its newly-acquired No. 2 pick from Phoenix on fancied guard Juan Gomez de Liaño.

Selecting third overall, Blackwater chose Fil-Italian playmaker Dalph Panopio, one of the pre-draft favorites to land in the Top 3.

Holding the fourth pick, NorthPort called up Chris Koon followed by NLEX with Ljay Gonzales, Magnolia with Yukien Andrada, Meralco with Jason Brickman, Phoenix with Will Gozum,  San Miguel Beer with Chris Miller, Rain or Shine with Christian Manaytay, Barangay Ginebra with Draft Combine MVP Sonny Estil, and ROS again with Jun Roque.

Drafted in the second round were Mario Barasi (Ginebra),Dave Ando (Phoenix), Xymon Sandagon (Blackwater), CJ Austria (NorthPort), Arvin Gamboa (NLEX), Shawn Umali (Terrafirma), Vince Magbuhos (Meralco), Mark Omega (Rain or Shine), Kobe Monje (Converge), Vince Cuajao (ROS), John Abis (Ginebra) and Vincent Joshua David (ROS).

Chiu’s choice as top pick didn’t really come as a surprise for most given his tall frame and learning from previous stints with Gilas Pilipinas, the Taiwan Mustangs in The Asian Tournament and the Ehime Orange Vikings in Japan.

“I’m still shocked. It’s something every kid has dreamed of and now I’m here, I’m very thankful for this opportunity and for the team’s trust,” said the 24-year-old big, who currently plays for the Abra Weavers in the MPBL.

Notes: Ahead of his maiden function as new coach of Magnolia, former Ginebra point guard LA Tenorio announced he was hanging up his jersey after a 17-year playing career. “As much as I would like to believe my work is not done and would love to play for Ginebra, opportunities and circumstances arise,” Tenorio, 41, posted on Instagram prior to Season 50 Rookie Draft. “With the utmost trust and love of the San Miguel management, my family and I believe it is best to take this opportunity and step into this next chapter of my life in the world of basketball – coaching,” he added.