Terrafirma Dyip put a premium on size by drafting 6-foot-10 center Geo Chiu as the top overall pick in the PBA Season 50 Rookie Draft on Sunday, September 7, at the Mall of Asia Music Hall in Pasay City.

Chiu, a former Ateneo Blue Eagle who also saw action for Gilas Pilipinas and had a stint in Japan’s B.League, rose above 122 applicants to claim the distinction. For the Manila-born big man, the moment was the realization of a lifelong dream.

“This is a blessing and a dream come true,” said Chiu, who is expected to immediately battle the league’s elite frontliners such as June Mar Fajardo, Japeth Aguilar, Poy Erram, and Raymond Almazan.

Guards and wings dominate after Chiu

With the top big man off the board, teams quickly shifted focus to perimeter talent. Converge selected former UP star Juan Gomez de Liano at No. 2, while Blackwater followed with Gilas youth alumnus Dalph Panopio at No. 3.

NorthPort picked Ateneo’s Chris Koon at No. 4, NLEX secured FEU guard LJay Gonzales at No. 5, and Magnolia added San Beda forward Yukien Andrada at No. 6. Meralco brought excitement with the arrival of Fil-Am playmaker Jayson Brickman at No. 7.

Late first-round highlights

Phoenix landed NCAA MVP Will Gozum at No. 8 before San Miguel Beer turned heads with Salem University product Christopher Miller at No. 9. Rain or Shine closed out the round with two picks, drafting UST standout Christian Manaytay at No. 10 and former Letran forward Arthur Roque at No. 12, while Barangay Ginebra took fellow Knight Sonny Estil at No. 11.

Coaches Ronald Tubid (Terrafirma), Willy Wilson (Phoenix), and LA Tenorio (Magnolia) each welcomed their first-ever draft selections, adding further significance to the milestone event.

“I’ll just give my all to the team,” said Gomez de Liano of Converge, while Panopio shared, “I’m excited to finally live my dream and represent my family.”