2025 PBA Mock Draft – First Round Overview: New Stars, Familiar Names, and the Rise of the Modern Filipino Baller 🏀🇵🇭
Date: September 7, 2025 | Byline: Fictional PBA Draft Analyst
The 2025 PBA Rookie Draft is shaping up to be one of the deepest and most balanced in recent history. With a mix of high-upside big men, Fil-Am scorers, collegiate stars, and returning names, teams are hunting for the next franchise cornerstone—or at least a solid piece to build around.
Here’s how the fictional 1st round shakes out:
1. Terrafirma Dyip – CJ Lane (6’10)
Terrafirma makes a bold but smart call with CJ Lane, a long, athletic center with raw tools and All-Star potential. Though still unpolished, his motor, timing, and rim-protecting instincts are elite. For a team long stuck in rebuild purgatory, Lane could finally be the franchise pillar they’ve been seeking.
> “Think of CJ as a young Japeth Aguilar—with better defense,” a scout noted.
2. Phoenix Fuel Masters – Michael Phillips (6’7)
Phoenix lands the most intense and tireless player in the class. Phillips dominated the collegiate scene with his hustle, rebounding, and defensive versatility. He’s tailor-made for a team that’s hungry for culture and energy.
> “Every coach wants five guys like Mike Phillips,” said a UAAP coach.
3. Blackwater Bossing – Justice De Corsi (6’7)
A mobile forward-center hybrid, De Corsi brings both perimeter skills and interior grit. He fits perfectly in Blackwater’s system—hungry, scrappy, and desperate for a big man who can stretch the floor and protect the paint.
4. NorthPort Batang Pier – Kobe Paras (6’6)
The comeback story continues. Paras, now mature and focused, returns to the PBA draft with refined shot selection and better decision-making. NorthPort rolls the dice on box office potential—and a possibly explosive scorer.
> “We’re getting a better Kobe. Less flash, more fire,” a NorthPort exec claimed.
5. Magnolia Hotshots – Geo Chiu (6’10)
Magnolia opts for size and steadiness. Chiu is a true center with great footwork and court awareness. With Ian Sangalang aging, the timing couldn’t be better to bring in a mentee with old-school fundamentals.
6. Meralco Bolts – DJ Fenner (6’5)
A polished Fil-Am scorer who can guard 1 through 3, Fenner brings pro experience from Europe and the ABL. He’s ready to contribute immediately—something the Bolts sorely need after back-to-back playoff exits.
7. NLEX Road Warriors – Will Gozum (6’6)
Gozum is built for the PBA: bruising, relentless, and unafraid of contact. He’s a plug-and-play forward who can absorb punishment in the paint and still drop double digits.
8. Converge FiberXers – Chris Koon (6’4)
One of the smartest players in the draft, Koon is an ideal 3-and-D wing with winning habits. He plays within a system and never forces the issue—perfect for Converge’s young core.
9. San Miguel Beermen – Robin Duncan (6’3)
San Miguel knows how to draft for depth. Duncan, a sturdy, two-way guard with high IQ and excellent court vision, will fit right in with their veteran-loaded squad.
10. Rain or Shine – Juan Gomez de Liaño (6’2)
Swagger. Buckets. Flash. JGDL brings it all. Coach Yeng Guiao gets a dynamic, unpredictable weapon to energize his offensive schemes.
11. Rain or Shine (from TNT) – Jack Dumont (6’3)
Unknown to many but beloved by scouts, Dumont is a combo guard with two-way upside. A long-term project worth the wait.
12. Barangay Ginebra – Jason Brickman (6’0)
Experience, control, leadership. Brickman is built for Coach Tim Cone’s system. At 33, he’s not the future—but he’s exactly what Ginebra needs right now.
Verdict:
This 2025 class blends flash, grit, and basketball IQ. Whether it’s CJ Lane anchoring a franchise, Kobe Paras finally living up to the hype, or Brickman steering a title contender, this draft could reshape the PBA’s next generation.
#PBA2025Draft #FilipinoBasketball #FutureStars #MockDraft2025
