Geo Chiu admits he was shocked at being picked No. 1 in the PBA Rookie Draft

The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) standout Geo Chiu was selected as the first overall pick of the Terrafirma Dyip in a move that was widely expected during the 2025 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Rookie Draft held on Sunday, September 7, at the Mall of Asia Music Hall.

Chiu, who stands at 6-foot-10 and was the tallest among the 122 draft applicants, will provide Terrafirma with a much-needed boost while also bringing international experience from his stint with the Ehime Orange Vikings in the Japan B. League.

The rookie admitted that he did not expect to be chosen as the top overall pick despite mock drafts projecting him at the top.

“Siyempre, hindi po. You see all these speculations around social media, but nothing is final naman unless you get called. Very surprised pa rin ako,” Chiu told the media at the event.

Notably, the center missed the two-day Draft Combine due to a cough and cold, but he remained Terrafirma’s top choice. However, Chiu will not be able to suit up for his new PBA team immediately, as he is currently contracted to the Abra Weavers in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL), which is expected to run until December.

At 6-foot-10, Chiu will be Terrafirma’s newest presence in the paint. @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/nV9HyGyNSm

— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) September 7, 2025

“Opo, yes. Mga December po siguro. I think if ever we reach the finals, then bale mga December po siya,” he added.

Despite his MPBL commitments, Chiu said he plans to join Terrafirma’s training sessions whenever possible to get familiar with the coaching system and gel with his new teammates.

“Napag-usapan namin na if ever may mga breaks kami, I could come over and join team practices para lang, kahit paano, makapag-get together with the team and makapag-practice na rin. Siguro depende po sa pag-usapan namin, like soon, but I have yet to talk to them about the specific details of it,” Chiu concluded.

Chiu is expected to provide a major boost to Terrafirma as they continue to build a young core of players that includes Louie Sangalang, Mark Nonoy, and Brent Paraiso.

Meanwhile, Juan Gomez de Liano was selected as the second overall pick, while Blackwater Bossing chose former Gilas Pilipinas Youth standout Dalph Panopio at third to round out the Top 3 of the 2025 PBA Rookie Draft.

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