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| Height is might in the PBA. Geo Chiu 2025 PBA Draft 1st Pick (Photo by OneSports.ph) |
And no, we are not talking about Pureblends/ Titan Maxx or whichever company decides to purchase NorthPort Batang Pier (should the sale push through in what local sports journos have been saying as a "lock, stock, and barrel" deal). We are talking about the Converge FiberXers, which appeared to be back in the hunt after looking a bit worrisome last season (following the exits of Jacob Lao and Charles Tiu). Lao of course, is back with the team, with Delta Pineda stepping in as head coach (armed with consultant Rajko Toroman).
But that's a long format entry for another day, today, let's focus on the up and coming future stars of the PBA. Let's go!
1. Geo Chiu, C, Terra Firma - during the combine, there was simply no denying that Chiu was a towering presence even if he didn't even break a sweat (literally, because he didn't participate in any of the physical activities). The kid is 6"9, has a strong looking build, and is mobile. Yes, he's raw, but he'll get time to develop on a team that you know, isn't really known for giving a F about winning. He's a project based on his whole college run, overseas run included, but still very young, looks like he's got a good head on him, and if he is able to put together 2-3 post moves, would still be okay in a league that doesn't really have a lot of locals standing over 6"7. At worst, he doesn't improve and simply fades away into obscurity. Grade: B-
2. Juan Gomez de Liano, PG, Converge - now this feels more like a traditional PBA Draft top pick. When teams that want to compete and improve their chances, actually went for a player who could help right away. Here's a ready-made leader, who can score, pass, make plays, and isn't a defensive liability. Honestly thought that he should've gone 1st, but just happy that he doesn't need to waste any more time on a team that's notorious for not wanting to win before being harvested elsewhere. At Converge, JGDL could start at 1, with Schonny Winston sliding to 2 and being relieved of point guard duties (which I feel he isn't really as good at vs just slashing and attacking). Grade: A
3. Dalph Panopio, PG, Blackwater - we all had a hunch that Panopio wasn't going to Ginebra or any SMC team-- not after what most said was an impressive tryout with the former. Blackwater gets a proven international-level PG who can orchestrate while also holding his own offensively. Would be interesting to see how he plays alongside resident sophomore star Sedrick Barefield, and you know, who among the two would eventually be moved to you know, one of the MVP teams. Eventually. But right now, BW got the 2nd best young talent available so I'll consider this a win. Grade: A
4. Chris Koon, SF, Northport - a tall and athletic wing who plays with a lot of grit armed with the Tab Baldwin seal of approval. Expected Koon to be an early pick, and NorthPort didn't take long to nab him right away even if maybe they needed a more established scorer moving forward if they were to keep veterans like Jio Jalalon and Calvin Abueva in the fold. Koon is the Will Navarro, Zav Lucero do over, and given his size, even if he played more at the 2 in college, could be easily moved to the PBA 3. Quiet, solid pick for a team that could be enjoying a change of scenery in the next few weeks. Grade: B
5. Ljay Gonzales, SG, NLEX - this pick was rather surprising, considering they still had an MVP brand name available in Yukien Andrada plus they added yet another backcourt scorer with Gonzales. In theory, would make a great backup and even partner for star Robert Bolick. Since Gonzales is known to be able to get to the rim while actually also being able to orchestrate. At FEU, while eyes were on RJ Abarrientos, could say that Gonzales was quietly also holding his own AND play defense. Which is big in today's points guard heavy generation. Grade: B
6. Yukien Andrada, PF, Magnolia - something's amiss. Solid talent, has PBA size to play 4, can sometimes slide to 3 even 5, but don't they have this with Zav Lucero and newly acquired Javi Gomez de Liano? Or is Yukien the Zav insurance policy just in case their prized forward chooses not to renew his contract and heads overseas? Still, best available talent at this spot, and would be surprised if Andrada doesn't make a name for himself in the PBA by Year 3. Grade: B
7. Jason Brickman, PG, Meralco - I have honestly run out of superlatives to use to describe Brickman. and maybe, because of his age, he fell to the 7th pick to a team that's aging fast just the same. Having Brickman on board will be a bit tricky for the Bolts, because they already have Chris Banchero and Aaron Black in the fold. Still, good problem to have. Just a bit, maybe, hopefully, Brickman still has enough gas in the tank (maybe do a Chris Ross and play til he's 40) to lead the Bolts. One thing's for sure, he can get the ball to people at their spots, something Chris Newsome would probably love. Grade: A
8. Will Gozum, PF, Phoenix - So that's why they traded down. Still got newly installed coach Willie Wilson's "hard-nosed forward" wish without having to pay the top rookie max contract. Curious to see if Gozum could find his Benilde MVP form with Phoenix. Was in a rut the year after, and then got hurt, recovered, but isn't really as impressive in the MPBL. Maybe he's just being careful, working his way back and all. Doesn't really address Phoenix need at the moment, since there's Jason Perkins at the PF spot and Gozum is too small to play C. Let's see how it goes, team still needs to make some improvements to get back to that Abueva-Wright Era level of play. Grade: B
9. Chris Miller, SG, San Miguel Beermen - Low risk, high reward. If he pans out as an international level export with deadly range, great. If he doesn't, there's no real loss for the Beermen because they've got a barrage of guys who offer the same skillset (if not better on the PBA level anyway). If we're Miller, all we need to do is stay ready. Those open looks will come playing alongside Junemar Fajardo. Maybe the focus should be on defense, just to earn some minutes first as an "older" rookie. Grade: B
10. Christian Manaytay, SF, Rain or Shine - Everyone had Manaytay going to Rain or Shine at either 10 or 12. Just has that Yeng Guiao brand feel. Hard-nosed, good sized wing. In theory, an improvement over Francis Escandor. Same build, but tougher. In our mock draft, felt that the focus now for RoS is to get taller overall and graduate from their Junior Varsity feels size-wise. Honestly though, thought that given the Combine performance, the next guy picked maybe could've been better at 10? Grade: B
11. Sonny Estil, SF, Ginebra - Combine MVP, wing, with range, toughness and in case you didn't know-- Delta Brand. Best available talent. He's going to have to scrap for his minutes, but with Jamie Malonzo flying to Japan, if Estil plays his cards right, could be part of the rotation by Year 2. My sleeper pick. Grade: A
12. Jun Roque, SG, Rain or Shine - Okay Coach Yeng, I see you. They're going to try to make the team taller all around instead of taking a chance on a big PF or C. Manaytay first, now Roque. Roque is the better scorer between their two picks, but Manaytay enjoys a bit more exposure/ potential having played in the more competitive UAAP (sorry NCAA fans, but we all know that the level of play in the UAAP is better with brains like Baldwin, Gold, Topex running things). At 6"4 and a known scorer, Roque could be another one of those Trollano, Clarito, Nocum finds for RoS. Grade: B
Who are you most excited to watch play in the PBA this season?
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