“Happens once in a lifetime”: Dalph Panopio on being drafted third overall by Blackwater

Former Gilas Pilipinas youth standout Dalph Panopio was selected as the third overall pick in the 2025 PBA Rookie Draft, joining the Blackwater Bossing on Sunday, September 7, at the Mall of Asia Music Hall.

The Filipino-Italian guard was among the most sought-after prospects in this year’s draft, thanks to his extensive international experience. Despite the hype, Panopio admitted he did not expect to be picked as high as No. 3, calling the moment a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“I thought I was going to be in the second round, so I’m happy and grateful to be in this situation,” Panopio said. “It just gives me more motivation to be as ready as I can. This happens once in a lifetime, so I’m just trying to enjoy it.”

OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

The 6-foot-1 playmaker expressed gratitude to Blackwater’s management for trusting him and vowed to repay that confidence on the court.

“Once in a lifetime.” ⭐️

WATCH: Blackwater Bossing’s No. 3 pick Dalph Panopio looks back on the love and support that fueled his journey to the PBA. | via JK Carandang / GMA Integrated News

Follow #GMASports for more #PBA updates. pic.twitter.com/koTDh26SED

— GMA Sports (@gmasportsph) September 8, 2025

“They’ve had top picks before, and now I hope I can help the team grow and develop. I’m really excited to play with such a talented group. I already feel the connection not just with my coach but also with my teammates—they’ve been helping and pushing me,” he added.

Notably, the 25-year-old had pre-draft workouts with both Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and Blackwater. The latter ultimately worked in his favor.

“If I didn’t attend the tryout, they wouldn’t have seen me in person, so para sa akin, talagang malaking tulong ang desisyon ko na pumunta ako sa Blackwater. Pero ang maganda po dun, it’s also an advantage on both sides, nakita ko yung sistema and players nila, so it was a win-win situation,” Panopio said.

Born in Italy to Filipino parents, Panopio first made his mark on the international stage with Gilas Youth at the 2019 FIBA Under-19 Basketball World Cup in Greece, where he averaged 5.0 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in seven games alongside Kai Sotto, AJ Edu, and Carl Tamayo.

Since then, his career has spanned three continents. He suited up for Cal State Bakersfield in the US NCAA, played for Suwon KT in the Korean Basketball League (KBL), and most recently starred for Mumbai T. in the Indian National Basketball League (INBL), where he posted 14.9 points, 4.4 assists, and 3.7 rebounds in nine appearances.

Meanwhile, Geo Chiu went first overall to Terrafirma Dyip, while Juan Gomez de Liano landed at No. 2 with the Converge FiberXers, before Blackwater completed the Top 3 with Panopio.

👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

📌 Follow our Facebook page Sportsnewsph today and join the community of passionate basketball fans.