Dalph Panopio is coming home.
The 6-foot-1 Filipino-Italian guard has officially submitted his application to the PBA Office in Pasig for the upcoming 2025 PBA Rookie Draft scheduled for September 7.
Panopio, 25, is no stranger to Philippine basketball.
A former Gilas Boys standout, he represented the country in the 2018 FIBA Under-18 Asian Championship and the 2019 FIBA Under-19 World Cup.
“Super excited! I’m going to give my all to whatever team picks me, and to Gilas if I’m honored to be called to serve again,” Panopio told Tiebreaker Times.
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After a three-year stint with NCAA Division I school CSU Bakersfield, Panopio signed with Korean Basketball League side Suwon KT but was unable to suit up for the Sonicboom.
Earlier this year, he found playing time in India’s INBL, suiting up for Mumbai, where he averaged 14.9 points, 4.4 assists, and 3.7 rebounds in nine games for the Titans.
Now projected as a potential top-three pick, Panopio is eager to finally play in his motherland.
“I’ve had NCAA Division I experience as well as professional stints overseas. I can play both guard spots,” he said.
“I know I can make an impact and I humbly wish to embrace Filipino basketball culture, which is, of course, in my blood.”
