Chiu lands at No. 1 as Gomez de Liaño, Panopio go 2-3 in PBA Rookie Draft

MANILA, Philippines, September 8 ------ Terrafirma beefed up its roster going into the 50th PBA season by selecting Geo Chiu as the No. 1 pick of the Rookie Draft. Chiu, the tallest among the record 122 draft applicants at 6-foot-9, provides the embattled Dyip a much-needed frontline boost and brings with him international experience following stints with Gilas Pilipinas and Ehime Orange Vikings in the Japan B. League. “I’m in shock. This is something every kid has dreamt of and now I’m here,” said Chiu at the Mall of Asia Music Hall. “I’m really thankful for this.”

With hardly any surprise, Converge used the second overall pick that it acquired through a pre-draft trade with Phoenix on talented guard Juan Gomez de Liaño. The FiberXers moved up to No. 2 after dealing their original No. 8 pick and Bryan Santos to the Fuel Masters. Gomez de Liaño, a former national team prospect like Chiu, finally makes the jump to the PBA following a well-traveled professional career that took him to Lithuania, Japan, and Korea.

Also making a homecoming is former Gilas Youth standout Dalph Panopio, who got chosen No. 3 by Blackwater. Panopio, born to Filipino parents in Italy, joins the PBA after professional stints in Korea and India. Former UAAP guards Chris Koon of Ateneo and LJay Gonzales of FEU completed the top five as they went to NorthPort at No. 4 and NLEX at No. 5, respectively.

In his first draft as Magnolia head coach, LA Tenorio used the Hotshots’ No. 6 pick on San Beda forward Yukien Andrada. Meralco, meanwhile, added a savvy playmaker by selecting veteran guard Jason Brickman at No. 7. Brickman boasts of one of the most impressive credentials among the rookie aspirants after playing in Russia, Germany, Thailand, Malaysia, and Taiwan.

Former NCAA MVP Will Gozum of St. Benilde went to Phoenix at No. 8 followed by Chris Miller to San Miguel at No. 9, Christian Manaytay to Rain or Shine at No. 10, and Sonny Estil to Barangay Ginebra at No. 11. A journeyman in college, Estil entered the draft with hardly any noise, but he boosted his stock by earning MVP honors in the Draft Combine. Rain or Shine drafted Jun Roque at 12th overall to round out the first round.

Source: rappler.com