At the end of the day, height truly proved to be might.
Geo Chiu was selected as the top overall pick by Terrafirma in the 2025 PBA Draft on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall.
The 6-foot-10 center stood out as the tallest among the 122 prospects who made the final cut.
“I’m still shocked. I’m really thankful for this opportunity, and I also thank the team for drafting me and believing in me,” said Chiu, who currently plays for Abra Solid North.
Under new league rules, the Dyip cannot trade Chiu for the next two seasons.
Draft day almost saw a change in plans when Terrafirma considered selecting Dalph Panopio as the top overall pick.
In the end, Chiu went first, while Panopio was picked third by Blackwater, as originally planned.
Juan Gomez de Liano also landed with Converge at two after the team executed a pick swap with Phoenix last week that included Bryan Santos.
The following selections went as expected: Chris Koon to Northport, L-Jay Gonzales to NLEX, Yukien Andrada to Magnolia, Jason Brickman to Meralco, and Will Gozum to Phoenix.
Brickman was absent from the draft due to a prior commitment in Guam.
In the first surprise of the draft, defending Philippine Cup titlist San Miguel selected the well-traveled, 32-year-old guard Chris Miller as the ninth overall pick.
Rain or Shine followed by picking Christian Manaytay and the Letran trio of Jun Roque, Mark Omega, and Deo Cuajao.
Ginebra made only two selections: Draft Combine MVP Sonny Estil at 11th overall and 6-foot-7 Mario Barasi at 13th overall.
Other notable picks included Dave Ando to Phoenix, Ximone Sandagon and Jack Cruz-Dumont to Blackwater, CJ Austria to Northport, Vince Magbuhos to Meralco, Joshua David to Rain or Shine, and Tony Ynot to Converge.
TNT, which began drafting only in the third round, selected Sean Quitevis and Joe Celzo.
All in all, 77 of the 122 prospects were drafted.
