SPORTS
Advocates Philippines
Top Pick Geo Chiu Headlines Rookie Debuts As PBA Commissioner's Cup Tips Off
Photo credit: PBA
All eyes will be on the new faces of the league as several rookies prepare to make their much-awaited debuts when the Philippine Basketball Association opens its PBA Commissioner's Cup on Wednesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Leading the rookie class is towering 6-foot-10 center Geo Chiu, the No. 1 overall pick in Season 50, who will suit up for the Terrafirma Dyip right on opening day. The Dyip will face Titan Ultra in the curtain-raiser of a scheduled doubleheader.
Chiu’s debut has been highly anticipated, especially after he wrapped up his stint with the Abra North Weavers in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League, where he helped the team capture a championship before officially joining the PBA roster.
Also making his first appearance for Terrafirma is fellow rookie Shawn Umali, who previously played for the College of Saint Benilde in NCAA Philippines Season 101.
Meanwhile, Titan will showcase its own batch of newcomers, including Bryan Sajonia and Mark Omega. Sajonia comes into the league with strong credentials after starring for the San Beda Red Lions and even earning Finals MVP honors when the team swept the Letran Knights to reclaim the NCAA men’s basketball crown.
Omega, on the other hand, has had an interesting journey before landing with Titan. He was initially drafted by the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters before being traded to Converge FiberXers for a future draft pick. Although he signed with Converge, he never saw action and was later moved to Titan as part of a deal involving veteran Calvin Abueva.
The rookie spotlight doesn’t end there.
Fans will also get their first look at Jason Brickman and Vince Magbuhos with the Meralco Bolts, Will Gozum with the Phoenix Fuel Masters, and a trio of newcomers from Rain or Shine—Josh David, Jun Roque, and Deo Cuajao.
Among them, Brickman, Gozum, and Roque were all first-round selections in the draft, taken seventh, eighth, and 12th overall, respectively. Magbuhos, Cuajao, and David were selected in the second round.
Not all rookies, however, will be able to debut right away. Arvin Gamboa of the NLEX Road Warriors and Ximone Sandagon of the Blackwater Bossing are currently listed on their teams’ injured or reserved lists.
Still, with a deep rookie class ready to showcase their talent, the Commissioner’s Cup is shaping up to be an exciting stage for the league’s newest stars to begin their PBA journeys.
Leading the rookie class is towering 6-foot-10 center Geo Chiu, the No. 1 overall pick in Season 50, who will suit up for the Terrafirma Dyip right on opening day. The Dyip will face Titan Ultra in the curtain-raiser of a scheduled doubleheader.
Chiu’s debut has been highly anticipated, especially after he wrapped up his stint with the Abra North Weavers in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League, where he helped the team capture a championship before officially joining the PBA roster.
Also making his first appearance for Terrafirma is fellow rookie Shawn Umali, who previously played for the College of Saint Benilde in NCAA Philippines Season 101.
Meanwhile, Titan will showcase its own batch of newcomers, including Bryan Sajonia and Mark Omega. Sajonia comes into the league with strong credentials after starring for the San Beda Red Lions and even earning Finals MVP honors when the team swept the Letran Knights to reclaim the NCAA men’s basketball crown.
Omega, on the other hand, has had an interesting journey before landing with Titan. He was initially drafted by the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters before being traded to Converge FiberXers for a future draft pick. Although he signed with Converge, he never saw action and was later moved to Titan as part of a deal involving veteran Calvin Abueva.
The rookie spotlight doesn’t end there.
Fans will also get their first look at Jason Brickman and Vince Magbuhos with the Meralco Bolts, Will Gozum with the Phoenix Fuel Masters, and a trio of newcomers from Rain or Shine—Josh David, Jun Roque, and Deo Cuajao.
Among them, Brickman, Gozum, and Roque were all first-round selections in the draft, taken seventh, eighth, and 12th overall, respectively. Magbuhos, Cuajao, and David were selected in the second round.
Not all rookies, however, will be able to debut right away. Arvin Gamboa of the NLEX Road Warriors and Ximone Sandagon of the Blackwater Bossing are currently listed on their teams’ injured or reserved lists.
Still, with a deep rookie class ready to showcase their talent, the Commissioner’s Cup is shaping up to be an exciting stage for the league’s newest stars to begin their PBA journeys.
Mar 11, 2026
We are dedicated storytellers with a passion for bringing your brand to life. Our services range from news and media features to brand promotion and collaborations.
Interested? Visit our
Contact Us page for more information. To learn more about what we offer, check out our latest article on services and opportunities.
