Terrafirma opts for Geo Chiu as PBA Draft headliner

Geo Chiu is the first overall pick of the PBA Draft. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

PASAY--Geo Chiu headlined the PBA Draft as Terrafirma took him first overall early into the draft proceedings on Sunday night at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall.

The Dyip lived up to late speculations and chose the 6-foot-10 Abra Weaver to be their new main man inside the paint.

It's now up to the Abra management whether it will quickly grant Chiu a release so he can join Terrafirma for the PBA Philippine Cup starting Oct. 5 amid the MPBL team's championship bid since it holds the best record so far in the regular season.

Chiu became the fifth Ateneo alumnus to be chosen first overall in the regular PBA Draft and sixth if Isaac Go's selection in the special Gilas round of the 2019 edition counts.

Meanwhile, Converge took Juan Gomez De Liano as the second overall pick.

The FiberXers jumped ahead of everyone but the Dyip in the draft after agreeing on a trade with the Phoenix Fuel Masters for the number eight pick and Bryan Santos.

Phoenix used the eighth overall pick for Will Gozum.

Blackwater opted for Dalph Panopio third overall, while NorthPort, which stayed on the draft board as its proposed franchise sale to Pureblends was deferred, began the mock draft busting by taking Chris Koon at number four.

NLEX picked LJay Gonzales at number five, while Magnolia began its LA Tenorio era by going for Yukien Andrada at number six.

Meralco made Jason Brickman's long-awaited PBA arrival formal by drafting him seventh overall, while San Miguel took Chris Miller, the best shooter in the recent draft combine, at number nine.

Rain Or Shine used its two first-round picks, the 10th and 12th overall picks, by getting Christian Manaytay and Jun Roque, while Ginebra pulled off a major stunner by drafting Sonny Estil, the MVP in the Draft Combine mini tournament, at number 11.