Alex Eala makes history with first WTA title in Guadalajara
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Geo Chiu goes No. 1 overall as Terrafirma opens 2025 PBA Draft
The PBA welcomed its historic 50th season by ushering in a fresh generation of talent, with 122 hopefuls vying for their professional dreams in the 2025 Rookie Draft held Sunday, September 7, at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall.
Terrafirma Dyip set the tone by selecting Ateneo’s 6-foot-9 center Geo Chiu as the No. 1 overall pick—an unsurprising choice, given his status as one of the most highly touted prospects in this year’s record pool of applicants.
Converge FiberXers stayed on script at No. 2, picking Gilas Pilipinas guard Juan Gomez de Liano, who boasts international stints in Japan, Lithuania, and South Korea.
At third, Blackwater Bossing chose 6-foot-1 guard Dalph Panopio, a former Batang Gilas standout who also gained overseas experience in South Korea and India. NorthPort followed at fourth by nabbing Ateneo guard Chris Koon.
NLEX reinforced its backcourt with the selection of speedy guard LJay Gonzales at No. 5. Magnolia secured San Beda forward Yukien Andrada at sixth, while Meralco bolstered its rotation with veteran playmaker Jason Brickman at seventh.
PBA COMMISSIONER WILLIE MARCIAL WITH SEASON 50 ROOKIES
The second half of the opening round saw San Miguel Beer draft shooter Chris Miller at eighth, Rain or Shine pick Christian Manaytay at ninth, and Barangay Ginebra select combine MVP Sonny Estil at tenth.
The first round closed with Rain or Shine capping its haul by choosing Jun Roque as the 11th and final pick.
From UAAP and NCAA standouts to internationally tested players, the 2025 PBA Rookie Draft showcased a deep talent pool ready to make its mark in the league’s golden season.
