TERRAFIRMA made a massive move—quite literally—by selecting towering big man Geo Chiu as the first overall pick in the 2025 PBA Draft held Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena Music Hall.
Out of 122 hopefuls, the former Ateneo Blue Eagle stood head and shoulders above the rest, showcasing his 6-foot-10 frame and reaffirming the old adage that height is might in Asia’s oldest pro basketball league.
Though the trend seems to be continuing in the league, Chiu confessed he didn’t expect the result—let alone to be chosen as the top pick in this year’s deep and experienced draft class.
“Siyempre, hindi po,” Chiu said. “You see all these speculations around social media, but like, nothing’s final naman unless you get called. Very surprised pa rin naman.”
“I’m still shocked. I’m really thankful for this opportunity, and I also thank the team for drafting me and believing in me,” Chiu said after getting drafted, who currently plays for Abra Solid North.
However, according to Tiebreaker Times, the decision wasn’t set in stone at first, as draft day nearly took a turn when Terrafirma strongly considered selecting Dalph Panopio with the top overall pick.
Ultimately, Chiu went first, Panopio landed at third with Blackwater, and former UP Fighting Maroon Juan Gomez De Liaño was chosen second overall by Converge.
The next selections went as anticipated: Chris Koon to NorthPort (4th), L-Jay Gonzales to NLEX (5th), Yukien Andrada to Magnolia (6th), Jason Brickman to Meralco (7th), and Will Gozum to Phoenix (8th).
San Miguel made a surprise move by selecting 32-year-old Chris Miller at 9th, followed by Rain or Shine’s Christian Manaytay (10th), Ginebra’s Sonny Estil (11th), and another ROS pick, Jun Roque (12th), rounding out the first round.
Known for frequently trading away their top picks, Terrafirma will now be restricted from making any immediate deals involving Chiu, as the league has enforced a two-season freeze on trading him.
In total, 77 out of 122 applicants were drafted across 11 rounds. Now, the real challenge begins as these players aim to secure contracts with their respective teams.
