Top Pick Chiu, Gomez de Liaño and Panopio finish 2-3 in PBA Rookie Draft
PBA Rookie Draft Highlights: Geo Chiu Taken First Overall by Terrafirma
The 50th PBA Season's Rookie Draft has come to a close, with several exciting picks that are sure to shake up the league. Here are the key highlights from the event.
In a surprising turn of events, Geo Chiu was selected as the No. 1 pick by Terrafirma. Standing at 6-foot-9, Chiu is the tallest among the 122 draft applicants and boasts international experience, having played with Gilas Pilipinas and Ehime Orange Vikings in the Japan B. League.
Converge, who acquired the second overall pick through a pre-draft trade with Phoenix, chose talented guard Juan Gomez de Liaño. Gomez de Liaño, a former national team prospect, also has a well-traveled professional career, having played in Lithuania, Japan, and Korea.
Chris Koon of Ateneo and LJay Gonzales of FEU were chosen at No. 4 and No. 5 respectively, going to NorthPort and NLEX. Meanwhile, Dalph Panopio was chosen No. 3 by Blackwater. Panopio, born to Filipino parents in Italy, joins the PBA after professional stints in Korea and India.
The Meralco Bolts selected Chris Miller in the 1st round, and the team added a savvy playmaker by selecting veteran guard Jason Brickman at No. 7. Brickman has impressive credentials among the rookie aspirants, having played in Russia, Germany, Thailand, Malaysia, and Taiwan.
Former NCAA MVP Will Gozum of St. Benilde was chosen by Phoenix at No. 8, and Rain or Shine drafted Christian Manaytay at No. 10. Rain or Shine also drafted Jun Roque at 12th overall to round out the first round.
Sonny Estil, who earned MVP honors in the Draft Combine, was chosen by Barangay Ginebra at No. 11. LA Tenorio, in his first draft as Magnolia head coach, selected San Beda forward Yukien Andrada with the No. 6 pick.
Dalph Panopio, a former Gilas Youth standout, and Juan Gomez de Liaño are set to bring their unique skills and experiences to the PBA, while Geo Chiu's size and international experience could make him a force to be reckoned with in the league. The 50th PBA Season is shaping up to be an exciting one, and these rookies are sure to play a significant role in the action.
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