Stephen Holt is Terrafirma’s top pick in 2023 PBA Draft

MANILA, Philippines—Terrafirma selected Stephen Holt as the first overall pick of the 2023 PBA Draft at Market! Market! in Taguig on Sunday.

The 6-foot-4 Holt had stints in the NBA G League and the Summer League with the Atlanta Hawks after going undrafted in the 2014 NBA Draft.

The 31-year-old also played in Australia and Europe.

“I’m a two way player and [I’m] committed to both ends of the floor… I’m known for being a shooter, athletic and rebounding,” said the Filipino-American guard, who was not present during the PBA draft, in a video call.

“I’m definitely gonna try and make an impact on the floor and hopefully we get a good season.”

Butler University product Christian David was then selected by the Blackwater Bossing at No. 2.

University of the East one-and-done player Luis Villegas, meanwhile, was the No. 3 overall pick by Rain or Shine under coach Yeng Guiao.

“I’m super grateful for the journey and I’m grateful that it came to this,” said Villegas.

The Elasto Painters stayed on the podium after Villegas to select Keith Datu Jr., another big man like Villegas.

Zavier Lucero, who is still in California, completed this year’s Top 5 picks after being selected by Northport.

“I’m just excited, really happy to hear my name called, I’m ready to get healthy and show everything I need to show on the court. I’m just grateful for the opportunity,” said the Fighting Maroon, who is still recovering from an ACL injury.

Ken Tuffin, a Far Eastern University product, showed out in this year’s Draft Combine, winning the three-point contest and earning the attention of coach Jamike Jarin. He was drafted sixth for the Phoenix LPG Fuel Masters.

NLEX selected Richie Rodger at seventh while former La Salle big man Brandon Bates landed at Meralco for pick No. 8.

Converge then went on back-to-back selections, banking on an All-UAAP tandem of DeSchon Winston (La Salle) and BJ Andrade (Ateneo).

NCAA Season 98 Rookie of the Year and Defnesive Player of the Year Cade Flores of Arellano was also selected by Batang Pier with the 11th pick while Terrafirma ended the first round on a high by selecting TJ Miller.

FULL 2023 PBA DRAFT RESULTS:

FIRST ROUND:

Terrafirma – Stephen Holt
Blackwater – Christian David
Rain or Shine – Luis Villegas
Rain or Shine – Keith Datu Jr.
Northport – Zav Lucero
Phoenix – Ken Tuffin
NLEX – Richie Rodger
Meralco – Brandon Bates
Converge – DeSchon Winston
Converge – BJ Andrade
Northport – Cade Flores
Terrafirma – TJ Miller

SECOND ROUND:

Terrafirma – Kemark Cariño
Converge – Bryan Santos
Rain or Shine – Henry Galinato
Phoenix – Raffy Verano
Phoenix – Ricci Rivero
NLEX – Enoch Valdez
Converge – JL Delos Santos
Blackwater – James Kwekuteye
NLEX – Jhan Nermal
Terrafirma – Louie Sangalang
Ginebra – Ralph Cu

Rain or Shine – Adrian Nocum

THIRD ROUND:

Terrafirma – JB Bahio
Blackwater – Cliff Jopia
Rain or Shine – Sherwin Concepcion
Phoenix – Matthew Daves
Northport – Brent Paraiso
NLEX – Dom Fajardo
Converge – Inand Fornilos
Meralco – Jolo Mendoza
TNT – PASS
Magnolia – Pat Maagdenberg
Ginebra – Kim Aurin

San Miguel – Troy Mallilin

FOURTH ROUND:

Terrafirma – Tommy Olivario
Blackwater – Archie Concepcion
Rain or Shine – JC Cullar
Phoenix – John Lloyd Clemente
Northport – Fran Yu
NLEX – Francis Giussani
Converge – Jerick Balanza
Meralco – Zach Huang
Magnolia – Ray Anthony Peralta
Ginebra – Franz Abuda
San Miguel – Jayson Apolonio

FIFTH ROUND:

Terrafirma – Damie Cuntapay
Blackwater – DJ Bayla
Rain or sHine – Larry Arpia Jr.
Phoenix – Daniel Atienza
Northport – John Amores
NLEX – Enzo Navarro
Converge – Rhinwil Yambing
Meralco – Jessie Sumoda
TNT – PASS
Magnolia – Warren Bonifacio
Ginebra – Brandrey Bienes
San Miguel – Itchie Altamirano

SIXTH ROUND

Terrafirma – Ken Villapando
Blackwater – PASS
RoS – PASS
Phoenix – Joe Gomez de Liano
Northport – Jan Sobrevega
NLEX – PASS
Converge – Kamron Vigan
Meralco – Shean Jackson
TNT – PASS
Magnolia – Christian Bunag
Ginebra – PASS
San Miguel – John Gob II

SEVENTH ROUND

Terrafirma – JJ Pido
Blackwater – PASS
RoS – PASS
Phoenix – Theo Flores
Northport – Ian Herrera
NLEX – PASS
Converge – Raymond Binuya
TNT – PASS
Magnolia – PASS
Ginebra – PASS
San Miguel – Jayvee Dela Cruz

EIGHTH ROUND

Terra- Enrique Caunan Jr.
Blackwater – PASS
RoS – PASS
Phoenix – PASS
Northport – Johnel Bauzon
NLEX – PASS
Converge – MJ Garcia
Meralco – PASS
TNT – PASS
Magnolia – PASS
Ginebra – PASS
San Miguel – Jamel Ramos

NINTH ROUND

5TH, Northport – Joemari Lacastesantos
7th Converge – Andree Flores
12th, Kyt Jimenez

TENTH ROUND

5th, Northport – Nikko Paranada
7th, Converge – Jonathan Del Rosario

ELEVENTH ROUND

5th, Northport – Reggie Boy Basibas

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TAGS: PBA, PBA Draft