Transitioning from collegiate level play to the pro leagues is something that Geo Chiu looks forward to.
And getting picked as the top recruit of Terrafirma Dyip will give the 6’9” Chiu his opportunity to make that shift.
The 24-year-old Chiu said this after he unsurprisingly emerged the first overall pick of the PBA Rookie Draft held Sunday at SM Mall of Asia Music Hall.
“In going pro, you’re up against veterans, seasoned veterans. There is a lot to learn with my new team right now,” said Chiu, one of the talented cagers, who have joined this year’s PBA Draft, which drew 122 applicants.
Chiu’s basketball career included stints with Gilas Pilipinas and the Ehime Orange Vikings in the Japan – B2 League.
During the draft, former University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons’ star Juan Gomez de Liano went to Converge as the no. 2 pick.
Former Gilas youth standout Dalph Panopio got selected by Blackwater as the no. 3, choice and Ateneo’s Chris Koon went to NorthPort at no. 4,
FEU’s LJay Gonzales was NLEX’s at No. 5, followed San Beda’s Yukien Andrada, who went to Magnolia at no. 6.
Fil-Am hotshot Jayson Brickman found a spot with Meralco at no. 7, and Phoenix grabbed 6’6” Will Gozum at no. 8.
The San Miguel Beer tagged Salem University standout Christopher Miller at no. 9, and Rain or Shine went for University of Santo Tomas big man Christian Manaytay at no. 10.
For, Barangay Ginebra, they got Sonny Estil of Letran, while Rain or Shine acquired another Letran cager in Arthur Roque.
