Magnolia shuts down talks of trading for No. 1 pick Geo Chiu from Terrafirma

Terrafirma Dyip made the expected move at the 2025 PBA Rookie Draft, snapping up UAAP standout Geo Chiu with the first overall pick on Sunday, September 7, at the Mall of Asia Music Hall.

The 6-foot-10 big man — the tallest among the 122 draft applicants — is set to give the Dyip a much-needed interior presence while bringing with him valuable experience from his stint with the Ehime Orange Vikings in Japan’s B. League.

But even before commissioner Willie Marcial called Chiu’s name, online chatter suggested Terrafirma would flip the No. 1 pick to Magnolia.

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Newly appointed Hotshots governor Jason Webb quickly put those rumors to rest.

“I hope the netizens could tell us sino ang puwede naming i-trade. Kasi right now wala e. Wala kaming nakikita na puwedeng i-trade,” Webb told reporters, pointing out that Magnolia already has size with Ian Sangalang, Zavier Lucero, James Laput, Russel Escoto, and Joseph Eriobu.

What does Jason Webb mean by saying Magnolia doesn’t have the assets to trade for Geo Chiu? Send out aging star Ian Sangalang for the 2025 no.1 pick. But why make a fair trade with its farm team right?

Even if a trade is allowed, they’d likely just surrender James Laput + a 2rp.

— PBA insider 🏀 (@PBAinsider) September 11, 2025

The Hotshots instead grabbed their man at No. 6, selecting San Beda forward Yukien Andrada, before rounding out their draft haul with Gab Gomez in the third round and Joshua Yerro in the fourth.

“We are happy with what we got in that mid-tier draft in Yukien Andrada,” Webb said.

Andrada was in Magnolia’s sights all along, impressing rookie head coach LA Tenorio during a pre-draft workout. The 24-year-old, however, won’t suit up just yet as he plays out his final NCAA season with the Red Lions.

Magnolia is in the middle of a major shake-up ahead of the PBA’s 50th anniversary. Longtime coach Chito Victolero was let go after nearly a decade at the helm, paving the way for LA Tenorio to take over in his first big coaching job.

The Hotshots also ended their long partnership with veteran big man Rafi Reavis, parting ways with the 48-year-old after 15 decorated seasons. Meanwhile, Webb moved into the governor’s chair and Kirk Collier joined the staff from Ginebra as an assistant coach.

On the roster side, Magnolia re-signed Peter Alfaro, Russel Escoto, and Joseph Eriobu, and picked up veteran guard Paolo Taha via free agency.

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