September 8, 2025 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — In his first draft continuing, Terrafirma coach Ronald Tubid went for top and made Geo Chiu the No. 1 choose within the PBA Season 50 Rookie Draft yesterday on the Mall of Asia Music Corridor.
Tubid chosen Chiu, the tallest among the many 122 prospects within the pool at 6-foot-10, so as to add not solely ceiling but additionally expertise from worldwide play to the Dyip’s roster.
Converge, one other group with a brand new coach in Pampanga Vice Gov. Dennis “Delta” Pineda, used its newly-acquired No. 2 choose from Phoenix on fancied guard Juan Gomez de Liaño.
Deciding on third total, Blackwater selected Fil-Italian playmaker Dalph Panopio, one of many pre-draft favorites to land within the High 3.
Holding the fourth choose, NorthPort referred to as up Chris Koon adopted 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 Mix MVP Sonny Estil, and ROS once more with Jun Roque.
Drafted within the second spherical had been 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 alternative as prime choose didn’t actually come as a shock for many given his tall body and studying from earlier stints with Gilas Pilipinas, the Taiwan Mustangs in The Asian Event and the Ehime Orange Vikings in Japan.
“I’m nonetheless shocked. It’s one thing each child has dreamed of and now I’m right here, I’m very grateful for this chance and for the group’s belief,” stated the 24-year-old large, who presently performs for the Abra Weavers within the MPBL.
Notes: Forward of his maiden operate as new coach of Magnolia, former Ginebra level guard LA Tenorio introduced he was hanging up his jersey after a 17-year taking part in profession. “As a lot as I wish to consider my work is just not executed and would like to play for Ginebra, alternatives and circumstances come up,” Tenorio, 41, posted on Instagram previous to Season 50 Rookie Draft. “With the utmost belief and love of the San Miguel administration, my household and I consider it’s best to take this chance and step into this subsequent chapter of my life on the earth of basketball – teaching,” he added.
