PBA modifies draft rules, restricts No. 1 pick for 2 years

PBA commissioner Willie Marcial announced new policies for the PBA Draft, prohibiting teams from trading the top pick for the next two years.

Following a board of governors meeting, the PBA proceeded with the changes influenced by a recent trend of first overall picks being traded after their rookie seasons, as seen with Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser (2022 Draft) and Stephen Holt (2023).

An initial rule was implemented in 2019 that prohibited the first pick from being dealt in their rookie year.

Terrafirma has had a controversial past with its top picks after shipping 2019 first overall pick CJ Perez to the San Miguel Beermen, and more recently, with Jeremiah Gray and Stephen Holt to Ginebra in different trades.

CHIU-S WISELY ☝🏽

Terrafirma selects 6-foot-9 big man Geo Chiu as its first pick of the PBA Season 50 Rookie Draft!#PBA50 #PBADraft #PBAAngatAngLaban pic.twitter.com/BMsJI7r89y

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) September 7, 2025

Terrafirma Dyip recently drafted former Ateneo big man Geo Chiu as the first overall pick in the 2025 Draft, as mock drafts predicted him to go first overall above the likes of Juan Gomez de Liano and Dalph Panopio.

Chiu told reporters he was grateful to Terramfirma for the opportunity and for granting him the dream of playing in the PBA.

“I’m so shocked, like this is something that every kid has dreamt of, and now I’m here. I’m really thankful for this opportunity, and I’m just also thankful for the team, for drafting me, and for believing in me,” said the soft-spoken Chiu.

The former Atenean will reinforce a rebuilding Terrafirma squad with Mark Nonoy and Paolo Hernandez under former PBA player and newly-appointed head coach Ronald Tubid.

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