All news tagged GeoChui

Terrafirma Dyip has confirmed its participation in the Philippine Basketball Association’s (PBA) 50th season, but the franchise remains officially up for sale. 

PBA chairman Ricky Vargas said management is committed to competing this season while keeping the door open for potential buyers. 

“We talked to Terrafirma management. They’re committed to perform their best and they’re committed to stay, but they also said that they are for sale,” Vargas said

Commissioner Willie Marcial noted that although there is interest from several groups, none have made concrete moves yet.

“Hindi lang natin alam kung gaano ka-interesado ang mga ito. Kaya parang hanging ang Terrafirma,” Marcial said. 

The franchise has previously come close to being sold, with talks involving Starhorse Shipping Lines and Zamboanga Valientes eventually falling through. 

League legal counsel Ogie Narvasa stressed stricter vetting for future applicants.

“Remember we have two interested applicants, but we had problems with submission of requirements. So we have to be a little more careful in vetting the companies that are interested to join the PBA,” Narvasa said.

“So they’re committed to stay until there’s really a buyer,” Narvasa added.

For now, Terrafirma is gearing up for the new season, having drafted Geo Chiu as the No. 1 overall pick and appointing Ronald Tubid as head coach. 

The team remains focused on preparations while awaiting any developments regarding a possible sale.

“Let’s see what happens,” Vargas concluded.

Terrafirma Dyip prioritized size in the PBA Season 50 Rookie Draft, selecting 6-foot-9 center Geo Chiu as the No. 1 overall pick. 

Chiu joins a list of former top picks for Dyip, though many before him have moved on from the team. Whether he can break the trend and become the franchise anchor remains to be seen.

The 24-year-old rookie said this after he unsurprisingly emerged the first overall pick of the PBA Rookie Draft held on Sunday. 

“In going pro, you’re up against veterans, seasoned veterans. There is a lot to learn with my new team right now,” said Chiu.

Chiu’s college and pro track record shows he has something to prove, having never averaged double-digit points. 

But he still could not suit up immediately for Terrafirma as he is yet to finish his stint with the Abra Weavers in another league—and it will last until December, depending on their campaign.

Chiu also said that he'd still be with his MPBL team.

"Opo, yes. Mga December po siguro. I think... if ever we reach the finals, then baka mga December po siya," he added. 

Still, head coach Ronald Tubid is expected to give him every opportunity to develop as the Dyip rebuilds with a roster that includes nine more rookies.

Veteran departures have forced a reset, with only a handful of holdovers left. NorthPort Batang Pier also loaded up in the draft, selecting 11 players and making key offseason trades. 

Of 122 applicants, 78 were drafted, but only about 20 rookies are expected to stick with final lineups.

All eyes are now on Chiu as he aims to carve out a lasting role and help turn Terrafirma’s fortunes around.