THE biggest hopeful heard his name in the biggest way last night.
Opting to give its frontline a big boost, Terrafirma tabbed 6-foot-9 big man Geo Chiu as the No. 1 pick overall in the annual rookie PBA Draft before a good-sized crowd at the Mall of Asia Music Hall in Pasay.
Chiu, 24, emerged as the top freshman choice in the 50th season proceedings with Converge opting to go for prized playmaker Juan Gómez de Liaño with the No. 2 selection—the pick originally from Phoenix but traded to the FiberXers for the latter’s No. 8 slot.
It also marked the first official appearance of Pampanga Vice Governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda as the new Converge coach.
Blackwater went for highly-touted Fil-Italian floor general and former Gilas Pilipinas Youth cager Dalph Panopio.
“I just try to do whatever they ask me to do,” Chiu said. “So, hopefully I’ll be able to help the team get some wins and have a great season.”
With the sale of its franchise to Pureblends still in the works, NorthPort got former Ateneo wingman Chris Koon at No. 4, followed by former Far Eastern University standout L-Jay Gonzales with the fifth pick.
Under new tactician LA Tenorio, Magnolia landed Yukien Andrada from San Beda University at No. 6 before Meralco took veteran point guard Jason Brickman at the seventh spot.
Ditto with the Fuel Masters, whose rookie strategist Willy Wilson and his brain trust made Will Gozum the eighth draftee in the first round.
Reigning Philippine Cup champion San Miguel Beer laid its hands on Fil-Am Chris Miller (No. 9) followed by Rain or Shine, which chose University of Santo Tomas product Christian Manaytay.
Ginebra decided to go with Draft Combine MVP Sonny Estil at 10th overall.
The Elasto Painters closed the opening round by going with Jun Roque.
Chiu won titles in the UAAP while playing for coach Tab Baldwin and further honed his skills overseas in the second division of the Japan B.League.
The Kings plucked Mario Barasi as the first pick in the second round, with Phoenix, Blackwater, NorthPort, NLEX, and Terrafirma getting Dave Ando, Ximone Sandagon, CJ Austria, Arvin Gamboa, and Shawn Umali with the next five selections, respectively.
The Bolts (Vince Magbuhos), Rain or Shine (Mark Omega), Converge (Kobe Monje), the Painters (Deo Cuajao), Ginebra (John Abis), and Rain or Shine (Joshua David) wound up the next batch of picks.
The fourth round was still going on at press time last night but these draftees bigger mission begins today in practices—to show their real worth and receive contract offers.
