Executive Summary
The 2025 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Rookie Draft is poised to be an event of significant historical note, marked by a record-tying 128 applicants. This unprecedented number, however, presents a paradox: while the quantity of hopefuls suggests immense depth, a closer analysis reveals a class defined not by generational star power but by a unique blend of battle-tested veterans and adapting collegiate standouts. The talent pool has been fundamentally shaped by recent changes in league policy, particularly the new three-year ban on players who refuse to sign with their drafting teams. This rule has deterred certain high-profile names from declaring, but it has also incentivized a larger group of players to commit to the PBA. A comparative review of past "banner" drafts from the last decade, such as the storied 2015 class, provides the necessary context to assess the true quality of this year's aspirants. The analysis concludes that while the 2025 class may lack a singular, undisputed top-tier star, its high-floor, professionally experienced prospects make it a valuable and distinct cohort, far from being the shallowest in recent memory. The ultimate success of this class will hinge on the ability of teams to identify players who can seamlessly transition from international and collegiate systems into the rigors of the PBA.
The Class of 2025: An Unprecedented Assembly
The 2025 PBA Rookie Draft has officially set a new standard for applicant volume, attracting a record-tying 128 hopefuls. This number, a significant increase from previous years, signals a major shift in the dynamics of the Philippine basketball landscape.
The influx of players from outside the traditional PBA ecosystem is a defining characteristic of this class. The list of applicants is headlined by several notable names, including former Ateneo standout Geo Chiu, who is joined by Juan Gomez De Liaño and Yukien Andrada, both of whom are looking to follow the footsteps of their brothers into the league.
This high number of applicants is not a random occurrence; it is the culmination of new league policies and a changing professional environment. The PBA's decision to ease its eligibility rules for Filipino-foreigners, now requiring only a Philippine passport, has opened the door for veterans like Jason Brickman to finally enter the draft after a previously aborted attempt.
The Top Tier: Scouting the Marquee Prospects
While the 2025 draft class is defined by its sheer size, its value lies in a high-floor collection of marquee prospects rather than a single, generational superstar. The potential first-rounders are a diverse group of players who have already proven their capabilities at various high-level competitions. The profiles of these key aspirants are critical for understanding the draft's overall quality.
Juan Gomez de Liaño
A former UAAP sensation and a veteran of the Gilas Youth program, Juan Gomez de Liaño brings a unique combination of collegiate and international experience to the draft.3 He earned the UAAP Rookie of the Year award in 2017 and was named to the UAAP Mythical Team in 2018, where he was also a playmaker and scoring leader.8 After his collegiate career, he embarked on an overseas journey, with stints in Japan's B2.League, the Lithuanian Basketball League, and the Korean Basketball League, where he most recently played for the Seoul SK Knights.8 For the national team, he averaged 12 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists in the FIBA Asia Cup 2021 Qualifiers.8 A former University of the Philippines star and brother of Magnolia Hotshots forward Javi Gomez de Liaño, he is seen as a marquee name with the skills and maturity to immediately impact a PBA team.2
Jason Brickman
At 33 years old, Jason Brickman is the most seasoned and arguably the most accomplished player in the draft.1 His career is defined by elite-level playmaking; he is one of only four players in US NCAA Division I history to record 1,000 career assists.4 Brickman boasts an extensive overseas resume, with stops in Russia, Germany, and throughout Asia, including a championship and Most Valuable Import award in the T1 League in 2022, where he led the league in assists twice.4 He recently helped Strong Group Athletics defend their title in the Jones Cup, further cementing his reputation as a savvy and reliable floor general.4 His entry into the PBA was made possible by the league's relaxed eligibility rules, making him a ready-made asset for any team looking for a veteran leader.
Dalph Panopio
Another product of the Gilas Youth program, Dalph Panopio, a 6-foot-1 Filipino-Italian guard, is a highly versatile prospect with significant international exposure.4 He was part of the 2019 FIBA U19 World Cup team alongside current Gilas mainstays Kai Sotto and AJ Edu.4 After playing college basketball in US NCAA Division 1 at Cal State Bakersfield, he transitioned to professional leagues in Korea and India.4 His most impressive professional stint was with the Mumbai Titans in the Indian National Basketball League, where he posted averages of 14.9 points, 4.4 assists, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.8 steals.4 Panopio is a dynamic guard with a high ceiling, and some observers consider him a potential "dark horse" who can thrive with the right opportunity.10
Will Gozum
Will Gozum is the most decorated collegiate player in the class, having been named the NCAA Season 98 Most Valuable Player.2 In his MVP season with De La Salle-College of St. Benilde, he was a dominant force, averaging 16.9 points and 9.8 rebounds on 53.8% shooting from the field.11 Recognizing the need to adapt for the professional game, Gozum strategically shifted his focus in NCAA Season 99 to become a more versatile player, developing his playmaking skills and focusing on a wing role, which resulted in a statistical dip to 10.67 points and 6.44 rebounds.12 This proactive evolution of his game makes him a compelling prospect for teams seeking a big man who can fit a variety of schemes.
Geo Chiu
Geo Chiu is a highly anticipated big man prospect who brings much-needed size to the draft pool. Standing at 6 feet 10 inches, he has extensive experience with the national team, playing for Gilas Pilipinas and Batang Gilas in various tournaments.13 His professional career has taken him through Japan's B.League with the Ehime Orange Vikings, where he averaged 3.0 points and 3.2 rebounds in 53 games, and most recently the MPBL with the Abra Weavers, where he has averaged 5.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.0 block in eight outings.1 Chiu's profile as a defensive anchor makes him a potential top pick for teams in search of a center who can match up against the league's top big men.1
Table 1: 2025 PBA Draft: Key Player Profiles
| Player Name | Position | Last Team | Key Highlights | Scouting Note |
| Juan Gomez de Liaño | PG/SG | Seoul SK Knights (KBL) | UAAP Rookie of the Year (2017), UAAP Mythical Team (2018), Gilas Youth & Senior Team Experience | Versatile combo guard with international experience and proven playmaking ability. |
| Jason Brickman | PG | Strong Group Athletics (Jones Cup) | NCAA D1 1000+ Assists, T1 League Champion & Most Valuable Import (2022) | A savvy, high-IQ floor general with a championship pedigree. Ready-made veteran talent. |
| Dalph Panopio | PG/SG | Mumbai Titans (INBL) | Gilas Pilipinas Youth standout, Played in KBL & INBL, Strong international resume | Athletic combo guard with defensive tenacity and a strong scoring and passing game. |
| Will Gozum | C/PF | De La Salle-College of St. Benilde | NCAA Season 98 MVP, Led Blazers to finals appearance. | A dominant collegiate player who is adapting his game for the professional level. High-floor prospect. |
| Geo Chiu | C | Abra Weavers (MPBL) | Played for Gilas Pilipinas, Japan B.League & MPBL experience, Tallest in the draft | A much-needed big man prospect with a defensive focus and international experience. |
The Landscape of Local Hoops: Talent Funnel and the Impact of Rule Changes
The composition of the 2025 PBA draft class cannot be fully understood without examining the broader forces at play in Philippine basketball. The talent funnel that feeds the PBA has been significantly influenced by recent policy changes and the contrasting approaches of the country's major collegiate leagues.
In a move to stem the exodus of its top talents to overseas and other local leagues, the PBA's Board of Governors approved a new rule in July 2025.
This new policy, however, has had a visible ripple effect on the 2025 draft class. The decision of prominent names like Kobe Paras, CJ Lane, and Clint Escamis to forgo the draft is directly linked to this ruling.
This situation is compounded by the different rules governing collegiate leagues. The UAAP has a decades-old policy that prohibits student-athletes from joining the PBA draft without completely forgoing their remaining eligibility.
The composition of the 2025 class, therefore, is a direct reflection of these complex constraints. The new PBA ban acts as a filter, while the UAAP's restrictive rules constrict the supply of young stars. The result is a draft pool that is simultaneously bloated and lacking a consensus superstar, a paradox of quantity over a certain kind of quality.
The Historical Context: Retrospective Analysis of PBA Drafts (2015-2023)
To properly evaluate the 2025 draft class, it is essential to benchmark it against the most notable drafts of the last decade. A retrospective analysis of past classes provides a clear framework for what constitutes a "deep" or "shallow" draft. The 2015 PBA draft stands out as a prime example of a "banner" class, widely regarded as one of the deepest in league history.
The depth of the 2015 class is further highlighted by the long and impactful careers of players drafted in later rounds. Don Trollano, a second-round pick, has since become a solid scorer and a multi-time champion.
The 2016 draft, a unique class due to its "Gilas Special Draft," also produced significant, high-impact talent. This special round, created to select players for the national team, included Matthew Wright, Jio Jalalon, and Roger Pogoy, all of whom went on to become franchise cornerstones for their respective teams.
Subsequent drafts have offered a variety of top-end talent. The 2017 draft was headlined by two generational players in Christian Standhardinger and Kiefer Ravena, both of whom have had significant impacts on the league.
Table 2: The Last Decade: A Retrospective PBA Draft Board (2015-2023)
| Year | Top 5 Original Picks | Re-drafted Top 5 (Based on Career) | Key "Diamond in the Rough" |
| 2015 | Mo Tautuaa, Troy Rosario, Maverick Ahanmisi, Chris Newsome, Scottie Thompson | Scottie Thompson, Chris Newsome, Troy Rosario, Don Trollano, Mo Tautuaa | Don Trollano (15th pick), Simon Enciso (17th pick), Kris Rosales (19th pick) |
| 2016 | Mac Belo, Matthew Wright, Jio Jalalon, Roger Pogoy (special draft) | Matthew Wright, Jio Jalalon, Roger Pogoy, Jonathan Grey (14th pick) | Jonathan Grey (14th pick), Bryan Cruz (11th pick) |
| 2017 | Christian Standhardinger, Kiefer Ravena, Reymar Jose, Jason Perkins, Jeron Teng | Christian Standhardinger, Kiefer Ravena, Jason Perkins, Jeron Teng, Rey Nambatac | Rey Nambatac (7th pick), Sidney Onwubere (8th pick), Louie Vigil (17th pick) |
| 2019 | Roosevelt Adams, Maurice Shaw, Mike Ayonayon, Barkley Eboña, Adrian Wong | Arvin Tolentino, Aaron Black, Mike Ayonayon, Rey Suerte, Aris Dionisio | Aaron Black (18th pick), Jerrick Balanza (13th pick), Arvin Tolentino (10th pick) |
| 2021 | B. Ganuelas-Rosser, Jeremiah Gray, Jeo Ambohot, Justin Arana, Gian Mamuyac | B. Ganuelas-Rosser, Jeremiah Gray, Tyler Tio, Encho Serrano, Jhonard Clarito | Tyler Tio (14th pick), Encho Serrano (19th pick), Jhonard Clarito (17th pick) |
| 2023 | Stephen Holt, Christian David, Luis Villegas, Keith Datu, Zavier Lucero | Stephen Holt, Christian David, Zavier Lucero, Henry Galinato, Cade Flores | Kyt Jimenez (9th round), Adrian Nocum (2nd round), Fran Yu (4th round) |
The Verdict: A Comparative Analysis of Depth and Star Power
The central question remains: Is the 2025 PBA draft one of the shallowest in the last ten drafts? The answer is nuanced, but the evidence suggests it is not. The term "shallow" implies a lack of both top-end star power and overall depth, and while the 2025 class has a unique composition, it does not fit this definition.
The argument for shallowness is primarily centered on the absence of a clear, franchise-altering No. 1 overall pick. Unlike the 2017 draft, which had a consensus top choice in Christian Standhardinger, or the 2015 class, which in retrospect produced an MVP in Scottie Thompson, the 2025 class lacks that "can't-miss" prospect with the potential to dominate the league for a decade.
However, the argument against shallowness is compelling and based on the unique strengths of this particular draft pool. The top of the draft is populated by battle-tested professionals who have proven their mettle in international and professional leagues. Players like Jason Brickman, Juan Gomez de Liaño, and Dalph Panopio are not high-risk projects; they are high-floor veterans who are ready to contribute from day one.
The sheer volume of applicants, while potentially inflated by new league policies, also suggests a substantial underlying depth that can only be judged over time. The "diamonds in the rough" that defined the 2015 class could very well be present in the mid-to-late rounds of this year's draft. Therefore, a more accurate description of the 2025 class is that it is uniquely situated. It may lack the singular, explosive star power of past years, but it compensates with a strong, professionally experienced middle tier and a historically large pool of applicants, making it a valuable and distinct cohort that is far from being the shallowest in the last ten years.
Table 3: Draft Class Quality Index: 2015-2025
| Year | Star Power (1-10) | Depth (1-10) | Long-Term Impact (1-10) |
| 2015 | 8 | 10 | 10 |
| 2016 | 9 | 8 | 9 |
| 2017 | 10 | 7 | 8 |
| 2019 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| 2021 | 8 | 7 | 7 |
| 2023 | 8 | 7 | 7 |
| 2025 | 7 | 8 | (Projected) 8 |
Note: Star Power refers to the presence of an undisputed franchise player. Depth refers to the number of impactful rotational players. Long-Term Impact is a retrospective analysis for past classes and a projection for 2025.
Conclusion and Outlook
The 2025 PBA Rookie Draft stands as a testament to the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of Philippine basketball. The sheer volume of 128 applicants, a record-tying number, is a compelling narrative point, but it is ultimately the context behind this number that holds the most significance. The league's new three-year ban, while designed to protect its assets, has had a tangible effect on the talent pool, creating a unique draft class defined by a high floor of proven professionals rather than the explosive, high-risk talent that sometimes headlines past drafts.
The analysis indicates that this draft is far from shallow. While it may not produce a future MVP in the vein of a Scottie Thompson or a Christian Standhardinger, it offers an array of internationally and locally seasoned players who are ready to contribute immediately. The value of this class lies not in the first overall pick but in the lottery and early rounds, where teams can select players who have already demonstrated a clear professional trajectory.
For PBA teams, the strategy for this draft is clear: select the best available player who fits a need without overthinking the long-term project. The risk-reward profile of this class is unusually tilted towards "low-risk, high-floor" prospects. The focus should be on building a foundation of reliable role players, as this draft appears rich with such talent.
Looking ahead, the PBA's new policies will likely continue to shape the talent pipeline. The league's decision to prioritize control over player mobility may deter a certain profile of top-tier talent in the future, as the most globally-mobile players may simply choose to bypass the PBA entirely. Conversely, it could also ensure that the players who do enter the draft are fully committed to a long-term career in the league. The future of the PBA draft will be a continuous balancing act between player freedom and league control, with each passing year serving as a barometer of this complex relationship.
Related Articles: 2025 PBA Draft Controversy: UAAP rejected the proposal of the league!
Comments
Post a Comment