Terrafirma remains undecided on its No. 1 overall pick in the PBA Draft

The 2025 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Rookie Draft is just three days away, with 128 hopefuls set to be evaluated by league franchises ahead of the historic 50th season.

The Terrafirma Dyip enter the draft holding the all-important No. 1 overall pick after a dismal campaign in which the team won only three games last season.

Newly appointed head coach Ronald Tubid was in attendance, along with other team officials, on Day 1 of the PBA Draft Combine at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City. Speaking to the media, Tubid admitted that management has yet to decide who to select with the top pick.

“I’m here to scout the best available talents for the draft. For now, undecided pa rin. Pero going there na diretso na kung sino dito ang mapipili. Pinag-uusapan na namin ng coaching staff saka ng management,” Tubid said.

“We already have a list, but it’s not 100% finalized kasi what if ganito, ganyan? Maraming tanong eh. Pero meron na kaming pinagpipilian for number one. As of now, hindi muna sasabihin kasi surprise,” he added.

Terrafirma head coach Ronald Tubid shares updates on the team’s goals for the league’s 50th season, hinting that they already have a list of players in mind as the PBA Rookie Draft approaches. | via Jan Ballesteros/One Sports#PBA50 #PBAAngatAngLaban pic.twitter.com/3qcCSHIz8V

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) September 4, 2025

Top prospects include Juan Gomez de Liano, Jason Brickman, Dalph Panopio, Will Gozum, and Geo Chiu. However, it should be noted that Terrafirma management does not have a strong history of retaining talent. Most recently, they traded the rights to returning player Javi Gomez de Liano to the Magnolia Hotshots in exchange for Jerrick Ahanmisi and a second-round pick.

Tubid believes, however, that the team has a solid core to build on, especially with seven players under contract who have played with Magnolia.

“Depende na yun sa management namin. Kasi may ano naman kami sa draft at even sa free agency,” Tubid concluded.

The 43-year-old coach only recently took over the reins after management’s failed bid to sell the franchise to Starhorse and the Zamboanga Valientes. Tubid is no stranger to Terrafirma, having served as both team manager and assistant coach, and he is eager to make the franchise competitive as it approaches the PBA’s 50th anniversary season.

The 2025 PBA Rookie Draft takes place on Sunday, September 7, at the Mall of Asia Music Hall.

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