New coaches, new era as PBA season 50 opens with draft

The PBA’s historic 50th season kicked off with major changes, as four teams debuted new head coaches during the 2025 Rookie Draft at the Mall of Asia Music Hall. 

LA Tenorio (Magnolia), Willy Wilson (Phoenix), Ronald Tubid (Terrafirma), and Dennis “Delta” Pineda (Converge) wasted no time putting their stamp on their squads, selecting from a deep pool of 122 applicants.

Tubid and Terrafirma picked Geo Chiu first overall, while Pineda and Converge took Juan Gomez de Liano at No. 2. 

On the other hand, Tenorio drafted Yukien Andrada (No. 6), and Wilson chose Will Gozum (No. 8) for Phoenix. 

Terrafirma and Converge each drafted ten players, with Magnolia and Phoenix also bolstering their lineups.

“Thankful sa opportunity. Ang daming puwedeng coaches na possible dito, pero tayo ang binigyan ng pagkakataon. So I think there’s a reason why,” Tenorio said. 

With new leadership and a strong rookie class, the PBA’s golden season promises exciting games and intrigue.