New Blackwater signing Dalph Panopio aims to relaunch Gilas career through PBA

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 Arena.

The Filipino-Italian guard entered the draft as one of the most sought-after prospects thanks to his extensive international experience. Now, he looks forward to seizing the opportunity to play in the PBA and hopes to use it as a launching pad to work his way back into the Gilas Pilipinas pool.

“Sana advantage na nandito po ako sa Pilipinas na makasali ako sa Gilas,” Panopio said during of Asia Music Hall.an appearance on Power & Play with former PBA commissioner Noli Eala.

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The 25-year-old has previously represented the Philippines at the youth level, suiting up for Batang Gilas in the FIBA Under-18 Asian Championship in Thailand and the FIBA Under-19 Basketball World Cup.

Panopio eager to prove himself as Blackwater begins rebuild

Blackwater Bossing rookie guard Dalph Panopio is set to enter his first PBA season with excitement and humility, stressing hard work as he adjusts to the professional level. pic.twitter.com/TrHKeZV2gk

— Fastbreak (@fastbreaknewsph) September 10, 2025

Still, Panopio understands the stiff competition for a spot in the Gilas roster and knows he needs to perform at a high level to catch the attention of head coach Tim Cone and his staff. Gilas faces a busy calendar in the second half of the year, with the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers and the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand.

“Syempre tuloy-tuloy po hard work tsaka sakripisyo. Whatever happens, kung tawagan po ako o ano, magpapa-ready lang po ako,” he added.

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

Since then, his basketball journey has spanned three continents. He played for Cal State Bakersfield in the US NCAA, suited up 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 across nine appearances.

Panopio now begins a new chapter in the PBA with Blackwater. His performance in the league could prove pivotal, as strong showings often pave the way for a call-up to the senior Gilas squad.

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