Dyip go for ceiling in snagging ex-Eagle Chiu first overall
Terrafirma’s first overall pick Geo Chiu during the PBA Season 50 Rookie Draft.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Terrafirma, whose efforts to sell its PBA franchise the past few months all bogged down, on Sunday made Geo Chiu the first overall selection in the Draft, opting for the tallest player in the pool who could certainly help the Dyip turn their fortunes around when the 50th Season rolls on.
After finishing last in all three conferences last season, the Dyip snagged a legitimate big man project in Chiu, who saw action for Ateneo under Tab Baldwin in the UAAP before playing briefly in Japan as an Asian import.
Chiu becomes the second straight center to be tapped No. 1 after Justine Baltazar went to Converge last season, where the FiberXers made strong runs in the last two conferences.
Converge pulled out a coup of sorts when it traded for the No. 2 pick to Phoenix days before Draft Day. The FiberXers then tabbed a reliable wingman in Juan Gomez de Liaño before Blackwater snagged former Batang Gilas standout Dalph Panopio third overall.
Panopio joins Sedrick Barefield at the Bossing backcourt and could wind up forming one of the most explosive tandems come the landmark season that opens next month.
NorthPort, which still underwent the selection process despite the pending sale of its franchise to Pureblends, went with Ateneo wingman Chris Koon as its fourth pick before NLEX took speedy guard L-Jay Gonzales from Far Eastern University and the MPBL’s Quezon Huskers.
New Magnolia coach LA Tenorio chose a forward in Yukien Andrada at No. 6, bringing his ability to stretch the floor and provide some help inside once he concludes his NCAA stint with San Beda.
That prompted Meralco to go with Jason Brickman, the well-experienced 33-year-old playmaker who has been knocking on the PBA door for years with impressive stints in the Asean Basketball League and Taiwan.
Phoenix turned the No. 8 selection into an inside presence in former College of St. Benilde star and NCAA Season 98 Most Valuable Player Will Gozum.
San Miguel Beer found some needed shooter, albeit a player with stints in Europe, with the selection of 32-year-old Chris Miller at No. 9 while Rain or Shine used its two first round picks to get former University of Santo Tomas mainstay Christian Manaytay at 10th and Letran’s Jun Roque at 12th.
Barangay Ginebra used the 11th pick to take the unheralded Sonny Estil as the only first round surprise. INQ
