Top pick Chiu vows to repay Terrafirma trust

MANILA, Philippines — Big man Geo Chiu is bent on reciprocating the trust the Terrafirma Dyip gave him, after being selected as the first overall pick in the 2025 PBA Draft.

At 6-foot-9, Chiu was tallest among the rookies picked in Sunday’s draft at the Mall of Asia Music Hall.

The 24-year-old is expected to shore up the frontline for Terrafirma.

Chiu, in an interview with reporters after getting drafted, underscored how blessed he is to be the top pick.

“It's an opportunity that you don't really get a lot. I'm just really grateful for the team for believing in me and choosing me,” he said.

“Hopefully, mabalik ko rin sana yung trust nila sa akin at makapag-help to get more wins this season,” he added.

Terrafirma won a total of three games in the season — one in the Governors’ Cup, one in the Commissioner’s Cup and one in the Philippine Cup.

With big man Kemark Carino still recovering from an ACL tear, Chiu is expected to be the main guy in the middle for the Dyip.

“I mean, so far, whatever the coaches tell me naman. [I will help the team.] Siguro now, I can say that I'll be able to offer siyempre yung size natin. That would be a big help for our team,” he said.

“Kemark, I heard he's injured also. Habang wala pa si Kemark, then we could help with rebounding and hustle,” he added.

The former Ateneo Blue Eagle had stints in Japan, Taiwan and the MPBL before declaring for the draft.