2025 PBA MOCK DRAFT | THE CONFIRMED VERSION

I actually waited for the draft applicants to be finalized, and while this year’s pool isn’t exactly top-heavy with a clear-cut number one, it would be ridiculous to say it lacks quality.

I mean, who would have guessed the list would balloon to more than 100 names?

The UAAP stuck to its guns and kept its graduating players out, but the NCAA clearly didn’t get the memo. We’re looking at at least 20 names tied to Season 100 and the current Season 101, with guys like John Barba, Yukien Andrada, Tony Ynot, Bryan Sajonia, Shawn Umali, JM Bravo, Deo Cuajao, Jun Roque, Gab Cometa, and Mark Denver Omega leading the pack. The catch? These players still have to finish their Season 101 commitments, which is hilarious if you think about it—because for them to sneak into the PBA’s opening conference, they basically need their college teams to lose early. And honestly, their chances of having a decent rookie year go way up if they debut in a conference without imports.

I was actually about to whip up a mock draft before the official list came out, but then I thought about Terrafirma’s first pick and just tapped out. Once again, the Dyip reminded me that the only cure for the PBA’s farm-team plague, empty arenas, sinking ratings, and lukewarm fan support is to simply cut the Terrafirma cord and move on. With or without a replacement, just let it go.

I could’ve just recycled my blurbs, but since my first-round draft board got wrecked by the lack of star power, I decided to chop things up and push the mock up to the third round.

And just so we’re clear, I’m not a PBA insider. Everything here is simply the ramblings of a guy who’s way too invested in the draft.

Game starts...

BUT WAIT!

Before I dive into the mock draft, let me explain the method to my madness. I’m approaching this with zero bias and sticking strictly to team needs. For the record, Jason Brickman might be the rare exception, but I don’t expect to see too many names born in the early-to-mid ’90s cracking the top of the list. My focus will also be on players with international experience and recent college standouts.

It’s no secret that UAAP players usually dominate the first round, with NCAA talents sneaking in during the second before flooding the third round. Given how deep this pool is, I expect the NCAA to snag a healthy chunk of fourth- and fifth-round slots too. MPBL experience might work in their favor, but let’s be real—the MPBL is also where PBA second-stringers try to resurrect their careers and where ex-pros in their 40s test whether their bodies can still bully people in the post. For the non-UAAP and non-NCAA guys, though, an MPBL stint could actually boost their stock in this draft.

The rise of the MPBL pretty much triggered the downfall of the PBA D-League, which now makes it harder for fresh rookies to find steady minutes—unless, of course, they’re suiting up for struggling MPBL squads like the Bacolod Tubo Slashers or the Bulacan Kuyas. That said, I’m giving serious consideration to players in the 24-to-26 age range who made a real impact in the MPBL despite having so-so college careers. If they can shine in the MPBL with decent playing time against PBA free agents in their 20s and 30s, then there’s a solid chance they can carry over that success to the PBA.

Game starts now.

FIRST ROUND

1 | TERRAFIRMA | GEO CHIU

YEAR OF BIRTH | 2001

COLLEGE TEAM | ATENEO BLUE EAGLES

MPBL TEAM | ABRA WEAVERS

MPBL STATS | 5.6PPG - 5.4RPG - 0.6APG (AS OF AUG 28, 2025)

Yes, I know I always rag on the talent wasteland that is Terrafirma, but if I’m going to play GM for them, I have to think like one. Their best move is to secure the most valuable prospect—whether that’s to entice a potential buyer down the road or to justify flipping one of their bigs to an SMC squad. Phoenix reportedly wants a Dorian Peña-type, which means Terrafirma could very well SPOIL this pick for the Fuel Masters. Still, Geo Chiu deserves a long look. He’s a 6’10 former Gilas player who trained in the Ateneo system, and even though his stock isn’t as strong as his contemporaries, size like his remains rare in a league dominated by 6’6 centers.

2 | PHOENIX | JUAN GOMEZ DE LIANO

YEAR OF BIRTH | 1999

COLLEGE TEAM | UP FIGHTING MAROONS

KBL TEAM | SEOUL SK KNIGHTS

KBL STATS | 3.2PPG - 1.5RPG - 1.1APG

Phoenix could really use a big man like Geo Chiu, but if he’s unavailable, I don’t see them turning to Will Gozum. Gozum thrives when he’s ball-dominant, and pairing him with Kai Ballungay—who also needs touches to avoid the dreaded sophomore slump—might not maximize their production. Instead, Phoenix might shore up their backcourt by drafting Juan Gomez de Liano, a taller guard option than Tio who not only brings much-needed youth to their aging backcourt of RJ Jazul and RR Garcia, but also gets a chance to rebuild his confidence after stints in Lithuania and South Korea while reuniting with former UP teammate Ricci Rivero.

3 | BLACKWATER | DALPH PANOPIO

YEAR OF BIRTH | 2000

COLLEGE TEAM | CAL STATE - BAKERSFIELD

COLLEGE STATS | 4.6PPG - 1.0RPG - 0.8APG

Dalph Panopio may have disappeared from the local basketball scene when he suited up for Cal State–Bakersfield, but that doesn’t mean his game stagnated. Competing in NCAA Division I gave him the chance to battle against future NBA players and top prospects, which makes him a very attractive option in the draft. In fact, his profile is comparable to Blackwater’s previous top picks, Sedrick Barefield and Christian David, who both carried that same “NCAA D1 pedigree” tag.

The good thing about Panopio’s overseas stint is that he avoided being pulled into the usual MVP vs. SMC tug-of-war for talent. And with Jeffrey Cariaso still in the process of building Blackwater into a competitive team rather than a feeder for the powerhouse franchises, this gives the Bossing a rare chance to actually hold on to a blue-chip guard. If Blackwater is serious about moving away from its reputation as a farm team, then Panopio could be the first major step in proving that.

Of course, there’s still the risk that they fall back into old habits. Their roster remains thin up front, and it will take more than one pick to fix that. Still, Panopio has the potential to be the spark that jumpstarts Blackwater’s rise, provided the franchise finally commits to breaking its losing cycle.

4 | NORTHPORT/PUREBLENDS | WILL GOZUM

YEAR OF BIRTH | 1999

COLLEGE TEAM | BENILDE BLAZERS

MPBL TEAM | QUEZON HUSKERS

MPBL STATS | 5.2PPG - 2.3RPG - 0.8APG (AS OF AUG 28, 2025)

Much like my earlier take, I still see NorthPort spamming their picks on big men. With Arvin Tolentino, Will Navarro, and Abu Tratter gone, they’re left with Cade Flores, Sidney Onwubere, and Damie Cuntapay to hold the fort up front—and that’s a shallow frontline by any measure. Drafting Gozum gives them a reliable scorer in the paint and a presence they badly need. On top of that, this pick doubles as a valuable asset should NorthPort’s rumored sale finally push through.

5 | NLEX | JASON BRICKMAN

YEAR OF BIRTH | 1991

COLLEGE TEAM | LONG ISLAND UNIVERSITY - BROOKLYN

MPBL TEAM | ABRA WEAVERS

MPBL STATS | 2.0PPG - 3.0RPG - 6.0APG (1 GAME AS OF AUG 28, 2025)

NLEX has Robert Bolick, a do-it-all guard who often carries the Road Warriors on both ends. However, his scoring numbers dipped recently since he also had to shoulder the team’s playmaking duties. That’s why this draft gives them a chance to grab what’s left among Juan Gomez de Liaño, RJ Panopio, and Jason Brickman. Brickman may already be in his 30s, but his steady veteran presence and knack for making his teammates shine are assets you can’t ignore. With his extensive international experience, the former LIU Shark could walk into NLEX with the same confidence and impact that Jordan Heading once brought. If things click, he might just be the missing piece that finally leads the Road Warriors to their elusive first PBA championship.

6 | MAGNOLIA | CHRIS KOON

YEAR OF BIRTH | 2001

COLLEGE TEAM | ATENEO BLUE EAGLES

COLLEGE STATS | 7.6PPG - 4.2RPG - 1.8APG

It’s a bit surprising to see Magnolia land in the top half of the first round, but this works out well for new coach LA Tenorio. Chris Koon looks like the ideal replacement for Will Navarro, bringing length, defense, and versatility to the forward rotation. While his UAAP numbers don’t quite match Kai Ballungay’s, Koon’s production could rise in the PBA since defenses won’t be keying on him as much. If he’s still on the board, it makes too much sense for the Hotshots—and their newly-minted Ateneo coach—to grab the Ateneo forward.

7 | MERALCO | YUKIEN ANDRADA

YEAR OF BIRTH | 2001

COLLEGE TEAM | SAN BEDA RED LIONS

COLLEGE STATS | 12.1PPG - 5.7RPG - 1.5APG

Meralco could target a shooting guard to cover for Allein Maliksi’s injury concerns, but bolstering the frontline is also a real possibility. This is where Yukien Andrada comes in, a San Beda forward who plays more like Ryan Anderson or Mike Hrabak—stretchy and offense-minded—unlike his brother, Yutien, who thrives on defense. Taking him at seventh might feel like a reach, but the shallow pool of big men makes him an intriguing choice. The catch is that Andrada still has one year of college eligibility left, though Meralco’s ties with San Beda through the MVP group could give them a strategic advantage if they’re willing to be patient.

8 | CONVERGE | CHRIS MILLER

YEAR OF BIRTH | 1993

COLLEGE TEAM | SALEM UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE STATS | 3.9PPG - 2.0RPG - 0.5APG

It took Converge some time to sort out Schonny Winston’s contract, but that whole situation still feels much simpler compared to the ongoing Mikey Williams saga. Williams’ move forced the Fiberxers to part ways with Jordan Heading, which opens the door for Chris MIller to become an intriguing addition. Like Panopio, Brickman, and Micek, Miller also logged time in NCAA Division I before playing professionally in Germany, Switzerland, and Iraq. He may not be on Williams’ level, and his age could raise concerns, but Converge has every reason to take a calculated gamble on what he can bring to the squad.

9 | SAN MIGUEL | LJAY GONZALES

YEAR OF BIRTH | 1999

COLLEGE TEAM | FEU TAMARAWS

MPBL TEAM | QUEZON HUSKERS

MPBL STATS | 10.8PPG - 5.5RPG - 3.7APG (AS OF AUG 28, 2025)

San Miguel is at a point where they need to invest in players who can be developed as long-term projects. Chris Ross still contributes on the court, but with his assistant coach role and looming retirement, the team must prepare for the future. A promising option in this draft is Ljay Gonzales, a former FEU guard whose balanced offensive and defensive game has translated well to his post-UAAP career. He proved his value by serving as one of the key catalysts behind the Quezon Huskers’ impressive run to the 2024 MPBL Finals, making him an ideal prospect for the Beermen.

10 | RAIN OR SHINE | TONY YNOT

YEAR OF BIRTH | 2000

COLLEGE TEAM | BENILDE BLAZERS

COLLEGE STATS | 10.8PPG - 5.2RPG - 4.2APG

Rain or Shine is likely to use its two first-round picks to secure a big-man/small-player combo, and leading the way could be Tony Ynot. He’s had a colorful basketball journey, suiting up for San Beda, then Benilde, seeing action in the MPBL, and even getting minutes with Strong Group Athletics. What makes Ynot stand out is his fearlessness—he doesn’t shy away from taking over in clutch situations, even if it means pulling off some hero-ball plays. In many ways, he resembles a smaller version of Jericho Cruz, bringing that same fire and unpredictability on the court.

11 | GINEBRA | COLE MICEK

YEAR OF BIRTH | 1996

COLLEGE TEAM | ST. FRANCIS COLLEGE - ILLINOIS

COLLEGE STATS | 12.8PPG - 2.6RPG - 1.7APG

Cole Micek enters the draft as one of the more experienced players available, having played NCAA Division I basketball and even suiting up for the Macau Black Bears. He was once close to joining Ateneo in the UAAP, which shows just how far his basketball journey has taken him. While he may be an older rookie who also dabbles in modeling, that won’t stop him from adding depth to Ginebra’s loaded backcourt, especially with LA Tenorio’s retirement.

12 | RAIN OR SHINE (FROM TNT) | SHAWN UMALI

YEAR OF BIRTH | 2000

COLLEGE TEAM | BENILDE BLAZERS

COLLEGE STATS | 11.0PPG - 6.1RPG - 2.7APG (LPU)

When I saw Shawn Umali’s name on the list, I instantly pictured him getting pointers from Beau Belga—and that’s not a bad thing. Umali knows how to use his burly frame to his advantage, and like Beau, he’s got a reliable mid-range jumper. I’m still not sure why he left LPU given Benilde’s crowded frontline, but when Belga was on NCAA commentary, he openly praised Umali’s game. Rain or Shine’s roster is young, and their system feels like a place where he can thrive. At 6’3”, I doubt he can slot in full-time at center to cover for Luis Villegas’ injury concerns, but if he earns Yeng Guiao’s trust, Umali has the tools to be a draft steal.

SECOND ROUND

13 | GINEBRA (FROM TER) | LADIS LEPALAM

YEAR OF BIRTH | 1999

COLLEGE TEAM | BENILDE BLAZERS

MPBL TEAM | MUNTINLUPA CAGERS

MPBL STATS | 4.1PPG - 4.4RPG - 0.0APG (AS OF AUG 28, 2025)

At 6'9, Ladis Lepalam immediately addresses Ginebra’s size issue, something that became glaring after the departure of Christian Standhardinger and the injury to Isaac Go. While he may not be expected to become a major contributor right away, Tim Cone has a history of drafting projects early—players like Mike Burtscher, Isaac Holstein, and Ken Holmqvist come to mind. Lepalam fits this mold, focusing on defense while providing rebounds and putbacks when the opportunity arises.

14 | PHOENIX | MARK DENVER OMEGA

YEAR OF BIRTH | 2000

COLLEGE TEAM | LETRAN KNIGHTS

COLLEGE STATS | 6.6PPG - 8.2RPG - 1.4APG (PERPETUAL)

Honestly, I can also see Mark Denver Omega sneaking into the late first round. The former Perpetual Alta and now Letran Knight gives me shades of Mark Isip and Norman Gonzales. Sure, those guys weren’t superstars, but they carved out long PBA careers by balancing just enough offense with solid defense. Phoenix is clearly on the hunt for a dominant big, but if Omega slips into the second round, he might be worth a gamble. Coming from the NCAA—where local bigs are trained to be more offensively assertive since they don’t have to defer to foreign players—he’s got the kind of inside scoring foundation that could surprise people.

15 | BLACKWATER | JOHN BARBA

YEAR OF BIRTH | 2000

COLLEGE TEAM | LPU PIRATES

COLLEGE STATS | 17.5PPG - 5.8RPG - 2.8APG

The LPU Pirate may not be the flashiest player, but he knows how to put points on the board—and that’s exactly what Blackwater needs right now. With Troy Rosario, Rey Suerte, and James Kwekuteye gone, the team has lost a chunk of its scoring punch. Barba, part of the NCAA S100's Mythical Five, helped steer LPU to multiple Final Four appearances. While Blackwater could use a dominant big, adding Barba gives them a scoring upgrade that, in my view, is already a step up compared to the likes of Jaydee Tungcab and RK Ilagan.

16 | NORTHPORT/PUREBLENDS | KYLE TOLENTINO

YEAR OF BIRTH | 2001

COLLEGE TEAM | LETRAN KNIGHTS

MPBL TEAM | GENSAN WARRIORS

MPBL STATS | 13.0PPG - 6.7RPG - 2.0APG (AS OF AUG 28, 2025)

Kyle Tolentino is the kind of player who thrives on proving people wrong. A third-generation baller and grandson of the late Ato Tolentino—who once averaged nearly 27 points per game for Great Taste—Kyle built his own path after seeing limited minutes following Letran’s championship run under current Northport coach Bonnie Tan. Instead of fading into the background, he bet on himself by moving to the MPBL, where he quickly became one of the league’s top young players. He may not have the same profile as Arvin Tolentino, but his drive and growth suggest that he can carve out his own legacy as an overachiever.

17 | NLEX | CHRISTIAN MANAYTAY

YEAR OF BIRTH | 1999

COLLEGE TEAM | UST GROWLING TIGERS

COLLEGE STATS | 8.5PPG - 4.3RPG - 1.3APG

Christian Manaytay was one of the main reasons UST managed to claw its way back into the Final Four. Now that he’s taking his talents to the pro level, a team like NLEX could find real value in his skill set. At 6’5, he brings versatility as a combo forward—someone who can rebound, stretch the floor with his range, and hold his own against bigger bodies. Currently suiting up for the MPBL’s Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards, he continues to put up solid numbers despite sharing the court with a roster stacked with former PBA veterans.

18 | TERRAFIRMA (FROM MAG) | KING GURTIZA

YEAR OF BIRTH | 1999

COLLEGE TEAM | EAC GENERALS

COLLEGE STATS | 15.2PPG - 4.7RPG - 3.1APG

EAC has rarely seen its players make a mark in the PBA, with Sidney Onwubere being their most notable name at present. King Gurtiza could be the next to break through, and Terrafirma—despite its reputation as a “farm team”—might actually be a good landing spot for him. Known for his efficiency in the NCAA and his steady play in the MPBL, Gurtiza has the tools to stand out in a draft loaded with combo guards, especially now that Terrafirma is parting ways with Terrence Romeo.

19 | MERALCO | BRYAN SAJONIA

YEAR OF BIRTH | 2000

COLLEGE TEAM | SAN BEDA RED LIONS

COLLEGE STATS | 10.0PPG - 3.5RPG - 1.8APG

One of San Beda’s go-to scorers, Bryan Sajonia might have to adjust his role in the pros, but he’s definitely someone who can energize Meralco’s second unit. The Bolts already have a loaded backcourt, yet Sajonia has the tools to carve out a role and secure minutes in the rotation. The only catch is that he’s set to finish his NCAA stint in Season 101. Still, if the Red Lions put on a strong showing this year, I wouldn’t be surprised if Meralco decides he’s worth the wait.

20 | RAIN OR SHINE (FROM CON) | CJ AUSTRIA

YEAR OF BIRTH | 2001

COLLEGE TEAM | DLSU GREEN ARCHERS - UAAP

COLLEGE STATS | 3.4PPG - 2.1RPG - 2.3APG

CJ Austria still had UAAP eligibility left, but he opted to suit up in the MPBL to gear up for his pro career. In hindsight, it might have been the right call—especially with DLSU bringing in a wave of freshmen and high-profile transferees. Now with the Abra Weavers, Austria is putting up better numbers than in his final UAAP season, a promising sign given that Yeng Guiao has a knack for rewarding players who overachieve.

21 | CONVERGE (FROM SMB) | JOSHUA DAVID

YEAR OF BIRTH | 2000

COLLEGE TEAM | DLSU GREEN ARCHERS

COLLEGE STATS | 5.9PPG - 5.5RPG - 3.9APG - 1.1SPG

The DLSU Green Archers built their offense around Kevin Quiambao and Mike Phillips, but Joshua David still managed to be the team’s third-leading scorer—tied with JC Macalalag—despite modest point averages. Now suiting up for the Abra Weavers, David is sharpening his skills alongside a mix of former PBA veterans, collegiate standouts, and international talents. Converge could find value in him as a pass-first point guard who isn’t afraid to battle for rebounds. And while La Salle ultimately fell short in the finals, David’s steady play was a key reason they got there in the first place.

22 | RAIN OR SHINE | XIMONE SANDAGON

YEAR OF BIRTH | 1999

COLLEGE TEAM | FEU TAMARAWS

MPBL TEAM | QUEZON HUSKERS

MPBL STATS | 6.2PPG - 4.7RPG - 0.9APG (AS OF AUG 28, 2025)

If there’s a coach who knows how to turn hidden gems into valuable contributors, it’s Yeng Guiao. Ximone Sandagon has been showing solid play for the Quezon Huskers, and his growth since his FEU days has been noticeable. Some mock drafts even have him going earlier than expected, which says a lot about his stock. Don’t be surprised if Rain or Shine takes a chance on him and we eventually see him rocking the ROS jersey.

23 | GINEBRA | JACK CRUZ-DUMONT

YEAR OF BIRTH | 2000

COLLEGE TEAM | UE RED WARRIORS

COLLEGE STATS | 6.8PPG - 3.1RPG - 2.2APG

Son of former Pasig Blue Pirate John Dumont, JCD carved out a solid run with the UE Red Warriors before moving to the Abra Weavers. He carries that classic Never Say Die spirit—always grinding, always in the fight. Minutes might be tough to come by in a stacked rotation, but his two-way game could be enough for him to earn a role in Tim Cone’s system.

24 | RAIN OR SHINE (FROM TNT) | DEO CUAJAO

YEAR OF BIRTH | 2001

COLLEGE TEAM | LETRAN KNIGHTS

COLLEGE STATS | 11.4PPG - 2.3RPG - 1.5APG

Rain or Shine’s fifth pick has historically been tricky, and even though they fielded four rookies last season along with free agent Kris Porter, this spot still feels like a whammy for any incoming talent. Deo Cuajao entered Letran a season after their championship run, which in many ways hurt his chances of further boosting his draft stock. His arrival coincided with Jimboy Estrada, while he’s also finishing his NCAA eligibility alongside Mark Omega and Jun Roque—both of whom are also aiming to raise their profiles. Even so, Cuajao carries a fearless aura on the court, and that kind of confidence could earn him a place in Yeng Guiao’s rotation.

THIRD ROUND

25 | TERRAFIRMA | KASCIUS SMALL-MARTIN

YEAR OF BIRTH | 1998

COLLEGE TEAM | BROCK UNIVERSITY

MPBL TEAM | ABRA WEAVERS

MPBL STATS | N/A

Yes, I slotted Kascius Small-Martin in the third round along with a handful of other Fil-Am guards. The PBA has a history of overlooking Fil-Am backcourt players since local guards are often more in sync with the PBA style. Just look at the 2015 Draft—Simon Enciso, Abel Galliguez, and Kris Rosales slipped to the late second round, while Mike DiGregorio and Jerramy King didn’t get picked until the fourth. That said, Terrafirma could use a stroke of luck with Small-Martin. He’s a confident combo guard who can provide a spark, and given how shallow the Dyip lineup is, they’d gladly take anything that brings positive energy to the squad.

26 | PHOENIX | HARVEY PAGSANJAN

YEAR OF BIRTH | 1999

COLLEGE TEAM | EAC GENERALS

COLLEGE STATS | 12.1PPG - 5.4RPG - 1.6APG

Harvey Pagsanjan is one of the more intriguing names in this draft. He’s already proven he can adapt, having played in the UAAP, NCAA, and MPBL, and EAC thrived with him because of his star power. Pagsanjan isn’t just a 3-and-D guy—he can rebound, generate steals, and bring a physical edge when needed. On top of that, his offense makes him a fit for a team like Phoenix, which only has five players averaging at least seven points per game.

27 | BLACKWATER | RENZ CAPULONG

YEAR OF BIRTH | 2000

COLLEGE TEAM | ARELLANO CHIEFS

COLLEGE STATS | 11.8PPG - 6.6RPG - 1.1APG

Renz Capulong is one of those big men in the draft who still brings great value. His stint with the Arellano Chiefs may not have come with a lot of wins, but he showed tremendous growth as he bagged the Most Improved Player award and earned a spot on the All-Defensive team. He even led the Chiefs in points, rebounds, and blocks, proving he can carry a heavy load on both ends. Blackwater already has several bigs, but none of them have truly stood out, which could give Capulong the chance to carve a role and secure steady minutes in their rotation.

28 | NORTHPORT/PUREBLENDS | JUN ROQUE

YEAR OF BIRTH | 2001

COLLEGE TEAM | LETRAN KNIGHTS

COLLEGE STATS | 12.9PPG - 7.5RPG - 2.1APG (PERPETUAL)

If this were any other draft, Jun Roque would probably be a second-rounder. He should have posted the kind of numbers Mark Gojo Cruz delivered in Season 100—maybe even better. The catch is that he spent his final year before the 2025 PBA Draft redshirted, making it tough to get a real read on his game. Still, Roque is a stud, and Northport will be very fortunate to land him because he has the tools to be a real game-changer.

29 | NLEX | DAVE ANDO

YEAR OF BIRTH | 2000

COLLEGE TEAM | UST GROWLING TIGERS

MPBL TEAM | ILAGAN ISABELA COWBOYS

MPBL STATS | 2.5PPG - 2.5RPG - 0.5APG (AS OF AUG 28, 2025)

I know Dave Ando’s offense is still a work in progress, but the former UST Growling Tiger brings something every team needs—size and toughness. At 6’7, his specialty is banging bodies inside, grabbing rebounds, and providing those extra possessions that swing momentum. With NLEX already stacked with combo guards and wing players, taking a chance on Ando makes sense. He won’t light up the scoreboard, but he’ll give the team a defensive presence and a big body to throw at the likes of June Mar Fajardo when needed.

30 | MAGNOLIA | ISAIAH AFRICANO

YEAR OF BIRTH | 1998

COLLEGE TEAM | PACIFIC UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE STATS | 5.7PPG - 3.1RPG - 0.9APG

YouTube highlight reels can be misleading, especially when the uploader is the player himself, so I usually take them with a grain of salt. However, Isaiah Africano’s videos stood out because they showcased more than just flashy plays—he consistently forced offensive fouls and altered shots with his defensive instincts. Magnolia could have used someone like Calvin Abueva during the Philippine Cup playoffs, and Africano’s potential at the small forward spot suggests he could bring that same kind of defensive edge. If he pans out, the Hotshots might just land themselves a defensive powerhouse who can shift the momentum of games.

31 | MERALCO | KOBE MONJE

YEAR OF BIRTH | 2000

COLLEGE TEAM | LETRAN KNIGHTS - NCAA

COLLEGE STATS | 9.1PPG - 2.4RPG - 0.8APG

Kobe Monje is one of two players named Kobe in this draft, and he made his mark as part of Letran’s championship machine a couple of years ago. He brings the versatility of a true swiss army knife—capable of playing multiple positions, contributing on both ends of the court, and knocking down shots from range. Alvin Pasaol never quite fit in with Meralco due to positional issues, but Monje has the skillset to thrive as the Bolts’ do-it-all utility guy.

32 | CONVERGE | JM BRAVO

YEAR OF BIRTH | 2000

COLLEGE TEAM | LPU PIRATES

COLLEGE STATS | 11.0PPG - 7.4RPG - 1.0APG

Converge has a knack for grabbing college standouts who specialize in hustle and flow, and JM Bravo fits that mold perfectly. As one of the leaders of the LPU Pirates, he’s proven that he can score and crash the boards with consistency. His presence has been a big factor in LPU’s repeated Final Four runs in the NCAA. If there’s a concern, it’s his past health issues, but it seems like he’s managed to overcome them. At this point in the draft, he’s a solid value pick.

33 | SAN MIGUEL | ROYCE MANTUA

YEAR OF BIRTH | 2002

COLLEGE TEAM | ADAMSON SOARING FALCONS

COLLEGE STATS | 6.1PPG - 1.6RPG - 0.8APG

Royce Mantua was one of the standout players for Adamson during UAAP Season 87. Interestingly, the Falcons were the only team in both the UAAP and NCAA without a single player averaging double figures, but Mantua still managed to make his presence felt. He may be considered a project pick at San Miguel, yet the upside is clear. With the right development and guidance, especially from fellow Adamson alumni who have thrived in Beermen colors, Mantua has the potential to carve out a solid role in the future.

34 | RAIN OR SHINE | GAB GOMEZ

YEAR OF BIRTH | 2000

COLLEGE TEAM | ATENEO BLUE EAGLES

MPBL TEAM | ILAGAN ISABELA COWBOYS

MPBL STATS | 5.8PPG - 2.6RPG - 2.4APG (AS OF AUG 28, 2025)

With five selections already in the bag, passing on the third round could be seen as a humane move for the rest of the PBA applicants. Still, with 128 names in the pool, it’s unlikely that Yeng Guiao is finished searching for diamonds in the rough. That’s where Gab Gomez comes in. The former Ateneo Blue Eagle has always been an overachiever, and that relentless mindset is exactly the kind of quality Guiao looks for in his players.

35 | GINEBRA | JAMES UNA

YEAR OF BIRTH | 2001

COLLEGE TEAM | SAN SEBASTIAN GOLDEN STAGS

MPBL TEAM | ZAMBOANGA SIKAT

MPBL STATS | 5.6PPG - 6.0RPG - 1.4APG (AS OF AUG 28, 2025)

Much like Rain or Shine, Ginebra is one of those teams that can afford to pass on their picks as a humane gesture, giving other applicants a better shot at landing on a team where they can play. That said, James Una could still be worth a look. His stint with San Sebastian may have been short, but he showed flashes of being a solid presence inside the paint. Think of him as a mini version of KG Canaleta—someone who can hold his own and surprise people with his versatility.

36 | TNT | CEDRICK ABIS

YEAR OF BIRTH | 2000

COLLEGE TEAM | PERPETUAL ALTAS

COLLEGE STATS | 9.1PPG - 5.1RPG - 2.9APG

The last time the draft had more than 80 applicants, Chot Reyes shocked everyone by passing without picking a single player. It felt cruel, but at the same time, it was practical—after all, what kind of player can you realistically get at 36? Still, if TNT decides to grab someone, Perpetual’s Cedrick Abis could be worth the gamble. Now heading into his final year of eligibility, Abis is expected to raise his game in Season 101. And if he lands with TNT, he’ll strengthen the Perpetual–TNT connection, joining Kim Aurin and Jielo Razon in the squad.

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I can probably push this all the way to a fourth round, though at this point it’s going to feel more like a speed run. The truth is, this draft may not have a ton of depth at the very top, but once you start digging into the later rounds, you’ll find some really solid names. It’s the kind of class where patience pays off, because the hidden value lies deeper in the board.

37 | TERRAFIRMA | GAB COMETA

YEAR OF BIRTH | 2000

COLLEGE TEAM | BENILDE BLAZERS

COLLEGE STATS | 8.1PPG - 2.3RPG - 1.9APG

38 | PHOENIX | ROYCE ALFORQUE

YEAR OF BIRTH | 2000

COLLEGE TEAM | FEU TAMARAWS

COLLEGE STATS | 7.6PPG - 4.9RPG - 2.9APG

39 | BLACKWATER | GREG CUNANAN

YEAR OF BIRTH | 1999

COLLEGE TEAM | LPU PIRATES

COLLEGE STATS | 5.5PPG - 4.1RPG - 5.1APG

40 | NORTHPORT/PUREBLENDS | ROBI NAYVE

YEAR OF BIRTH | 1999

COLLEGE TEAM | BENILDE BLAZERS

MPBL TEAM | RIZAL GOLDEN COOLERS

MPBL STATS | 7.5PPG - 3.0RPG - 2.2APG (AS OF AUG 28, 2025)

41 | NLEX | SEAN QUITEVIS

YEAR OF BIRTH | 1999

COLLEGE TEAM | ATENEO BLUE EAGLES

COLLEGE STATS | 2.9PPG - 2.1RPG - 2.0APG

42 | MAGNOLIA | KENNY ROCACURVA

YEAR OF BIRTH | 1999

COLLEGE TEAM | LETRAN KNIGHTS

MPBL TEAM | BINAN TATAK GEL BEAST

MPBL STATS | 11.1PPG - 5.6RPG - 2.4APG (AS OF AUG 28, 2025)

43 | MERALCO | MACOY MARCOS

YEAR OF BIRTH | 2000

COLLEGE TEAM | BENILDE BLAZERS

MPBL TEAM | ILAGAN ISABELA COWBOYS

MPBL STATS | 4.9PPG - 1.9RPG - 1.7APG (AS OF AUG 28, 2025)

44 | CONVERGE | WILFRID NADO

YEAR OF BIRTH | 1999

COLLEGE TEAM | PACIFIC UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE STATS | 4.9PPG - 0.5RPG - 0.9APG

45 | SAN MIGUEL | JUDEL FUENTES

YEAR OF BIRTH | 1998

COLLEGE TEAM | CEU SCORPIONS

MPBL TEAM | QUEZON HUSKERS

MPBL STATS | 13.3PPG - 3.5RPG - 2.1APG (AS OF AUG 28, 2025)

46 | RAIN OR SHINE | JOSHUA YERRO

YEAR OF BIRTH | 2000

COLLEGE TEAM | ADAMSON SOARING FALCONS

COLLEGE STATS | 5.0PPG - 2.9RPG - 1.6APG

47 | GINEBRA | MARK SANGCO

YEAR OF BIRTH | 1999

COLLEGE TEAM | BENILDE BLAZERS

COLLEGE STATS | 5.1PPG - 3.6RPG - 1.3APG

48 | TNT | ANDREW MILOT

YEAR OF BIRTH | 2001

COLLEGE TEAM | WHITTIER UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE STATS | 8.1PPG - 2.0RPG - 2.8APG

I decided to coast a bit on my fourth-round picks, but that doesn’t mean the talent pool is empty beyond this stage. There are still plenty of solid players who might rise higher if they wait a little and hone their skills in the MPBL. The league has been home to many with impressive credentials, though some stayed too long or simply slipped out of the spotlight. If you think my mock draft made sense, I’d love for you to share this blog. And if you think it sucks, well… just don’t be a hater, okay? Hehe.

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