2025 PBA MOCK DRAFT | THE REALISTIC VERSION

I’m going to start this with a bunch of disclaimers. I’m a PBA outsider. I don’t know the draft order. I’m working off whatever stats I can dig up online. And honestly, I have no clue if some of these applicants will even take the great, big leap to the PBA.

That said, the PBA Draft is still one of my favorite things on the league calendar. This is the time when basketball junkies put on their tin foil hats and predict which fresh faces are about to change the game. But 2025? Oh boy, this year is a whole buffet of uncertainties. Sure, there are a couple of clear standouts, but nobody’s flawless—and beyond the top pick, it’s a complete guessing game.

The real kicker? Many of the biggest names are either still in college or making bank overseas. Quentin Millora-Brown is suiting up for the Macau Black Bears. Rhenz Abando is back with the KBL’s Anyang Red Boosters. Gilas Pilipinas’ Carl Tamayo and Kevin Quiambao are in the KBL. Kai Sotto and AJ Edu are balling in the Japan B.League. And players like Thirdy Ravena, SJ Belangel, JD Cagulangan, Migs Oczon, Justin Gutang, and James Spencer don’t seem in any rush to trade their hefty paychecks for PBA contracts.

Instead of banning players who look elsewhere, maybe the PBA should fix its own system. Twelve teams might just be too much—especially when the talent pool isn’t deep enough to keep the balance. Why watch a Terrafirma, Blackwater, Phoenix, or NorthPort game if you already know they’ll either lose to the top dogs or eventually lose their stars to them?

So, here’s my take: a realistic 2025 PBA mock draft. I’ve sprinkled in some international players, standout college stars, and MPBL veterans. Fun fact—while combing through MPBL rosters, I noticed that a lot of intriguing talents are clustered in one team: the Abra Weavers.

Go figure.

The final list of applicants isn’t even due until August 29, so yes—this is all speculation. But that’s the beauty of it.

Game starts now.

FIRST ROUND

1 | TERRAFIRMA | DJ FENNER

LAST INTL TEAM PLAYED | MAZEIKIAI - LITHUANIAN LEAGUE

STATS | 8.5PPG - 2.9RPG - 1.1APG - 1.0SPG

Terrafirma almost left the PBA and might still cede their franchise down the line, but for now, they need a player who can carry the load and keep the team respectable. DJ Fenner, fresh from a strong showing with Strong Group Athletics in the Jones Cup, checks all the boxes. He’s got the size, scoring instincts, and versatility to deliver import-like numbers from day one. Fenner could give the Dyip the go-to guy they’ve been missing—someone who can put points on the board, steady the offense, and at least make opposing teams sweat a little. For a roster often written off before the season starts, this is as close to a game-changer as they can get.

2 | PHOENIX | JASON BRICKMAN

MPBL TEAM | ABRA WEAVERS - MPBL

MPBL STATS | 2.0PPG - 3.0RPG - 6.0APG (1 GAME AS OF AUG 8, 2025)

Jason Brickman or Juan GDL could both make sense here, but Phoenix has to think bigger picture—and by “bigger,” I mean leadership. Tyler Tio is the future, but right now this team needs a floor general who can steer them out of the gutter. Brickman is that guy. Sure, they still need size, but ever since Matthew Wright left, the Fuel Masters have leaned heavily on RJ Jazul and RR Garcia—both solid vets, both in their mid-30s. Brickman may be in that age range too, but his passing vision, pacing, and clutch decision-making could free Tio to slide into an off-ball scoring role, creating a devil-may-care backcourt that’s actually fun to watch. Plus, his presence gives Kai Ballungay a stable environment to develop into a high-impact combo forward alongside Jason Perkins, especially in import-laden conferences.

3 | BLACKWATER | GEO CHIU

COLLEGE TEAM | ATENEO BLUE EAGLES - UAAP

MPBL TEAM | ABRA WEAVERS - MPBL

MPBL STATS | 6.7PPG - 5.8RPG - 1.0BPG (AS OF AUG 8, 2025)

After testing the international waters, Geo Chiu looks ready to throw his name into the PBA Draft—and that’s great news for Blackwater. Sure, the Bossing have Sedrick Barefield and Christian David to carry the scoring load, but losing Troy Rosario in the middle of the 2024–25 season left a massive hole in their frontcourt. Chiu, a former Ateneo standout now playing in the MPBL, brings the size and interior presence this roster badly needs. With last season’s main big men being Justin Chua and Richard Escoto, Jeffrey Cariaso could use a reliable post anchor to balance his offense and defense. Chiu won’t just plug a gap—he gives Blackwater a foundation to build around in the paint.

4 | NORTHPORT | WILL GOZUM

COLLEGE TEAM | BENILDE BLAZERS - NCAA

MPBL TEAM | QUEZON HUSKERS - MPBL

MPBL STATS | 4.8PPG - 2.8RPG - 1.0APG (AS OF AUG 8, 2025)

Bonnie Tan hasn’t forgotten Will Gozum—and for good reason. Back when Tan was steering Letran, Gozum was leading Benilde and nearly derailed the Knights’ championship run in the NCAA. Now, fate might put them on the same side. NorthPort could opt to bolster their point guard trio of Jio Jalalon, Fran Yu, and Evan Nelle, but losing Arvin Tolentino, Will Navarro, and Abu Tratter has gutted their frontline. With Sidney Onwubere and Damie Cuntapay forced into heavy minutes, a skilled big like Gozum is exactly what they need. Despite a devastating injury that hurt his 2024 draft stock, he’s been rehabbing with the Quezon Huskers and still has the talent that once earned him NCAA MVP honors—16 points and nearly 10 rebounds per game. Paired with Cade Flores and Calvin Abueva, Gozum could give NorthPort a much-needed inside presence.

5 | MERALCO | KOBE PARAS

COLLEGE TEAM | UP FIGHTING MAROONS - UAAP

LAST INTL TEAM PLAYED | ALTIRI CHIBA - JAPAN B-LEAGUE DIVISION 2

STATS | 5.3PPG - 0.9RPG - 1.0APG (2022-23 SEASON)

If there’s one team that can afford to wait for Kobe Paras to rediscover his game after years of inactivity, it’s Meralco. The Bolts are already stacked in the backcourt, and while a big man would help, adding an athletic wing with rocket boosters in his shoes could change their offensive dynamic. The former UP Fighting Maroon—and son of PBA legend Benjie Paras—could slide into the role Allein Maliksi has been playing, giving Meralco a versatile guard-forward who can attack from anywhere. The question mark has always been Paras’ attitude and whether he truly wants to be in the PBA. But if he buys in and realizes he can be the future of a championship-caliber team, Kobe has the tools to make waves in a hurry.

6 | CONVERGE | JUAN GOMEZ DE LIANO

COLLEGE TEAM | UP FIGHTING MAROONS - UAAP

LAST INTL TEAM PLAYED | SEOUL SK KNIGHTS - KBL

STATS | 3.2PPG - 1.5RPG - 1.1APG

Juan Gomez de Liano was part of the second wave of college stars who tested their skills overseas, with stints in Japan, Lithuania, and Korea. Unfortunately, it was either a case of limited minutes or simply not being able to match the level of competition. That’s a shame, because when JGDL is given the freedom to run a team, he can be electric. Converge could use that kind of spark, especially after the messy Mikey Williams trade forced them to part ways with Jordan Heading. With Schonny Winston’s future with the FiberXers also uncertain, Gomez de Liano could find the perfect stage for a career revival—one where he finally gets the keys to the offense and a real chance to prove himself in the PBA.

7 | NLEX | CLINT ESCAMIS

COLLEGE TEAM | MAPUA CARDINALS - NCAA

COLLEGE STATS | 17.1PPG - 3.3RPG - 4.0APG - 2.1SPG

Clint Escamis isn’t just NCAA Season 99’s MVP—he’s the guy who helped end Mapua’s 33-year title drought in Season 100. With the Cardinals hosting Season 101, he’s looking to go out in style before taking the leap to the pros. Over at NLEX, Jong Uichico has already reshaped the team despite working with limited resources, but scoring depth remains a glaring need. Robert Bolick carried the offense last season, and no other Road Warrior averaged double digits. Sure, Xyrus Torres impressed as a rookie and Kevin Alas is inching back to full strength, but imagine pairing Bolick with a fiery, fearless combo guard like Escamis. His ability to create shots, score in bunches, and inject energy on both ends could make NLEX a whole lot harder to stop.

8 | SAN MIGUEL | CJ LANE

CURRENT TEAM | BATANGAS CITY - TANDUAY RHUM MASTERS - MPBL

Reports say CJ Lane won’t be entering the PBA Draft, but with him recently signing with Batangas City in the MPBL—and given his age—he might want to reconsider. The 6’10” tower brings the kind of size San Miguel needs, especially with June Mar Fajardo's wear and tear and the team’s frontcourt depth looking thin. The question is whether Lane’s game has matured enough to thrive under the Beermen's championship aspirations. Austria isn’t shy about benching rookies who can’t adapt, and Lane’s shooting percentages, as noted in a Spin.ph article, are potential red flags. But if Lane commits to the grind, he could become San Miguel’s much-needed JMF supersub.

9 | MAGNOLIA | CHRIS KOON

COLLEGE TEAM | ATENEO BLUE EAGLES - UAAP

COLLEGE STATS | 7.6PPG - 4.2RPG - 1.8APG

Will Navarro finally fulfilled his dream of playing in the KBL—a journey that started rocky when his first attempt was blocked. But with Navarro gone and Calvin Abueva dealt away to make that short-lived stint possible, Magnolia now has a hole in their roster for a versatile forward with grit and two-way impact. Enter Chris Koon. His numbers at Ateneo didn’t exactly pop, and he wrapped up his UAAP career during one of the Blue Eagles’ rare downswings, but the tools are there. At 6’5”, Koon can operate both inside and outside, giving Magnolia flexibility in their rotations. With newly-appointed coach LA Tenorio at the helm, there’s reason to believe Koon’s untapped potential could be unlocked—especially in tandem with Zavier Lucero as a dynamic combo-forward pairing.

10 | RAIN OR SHINE | RAVEN GONZALES

COLLEGE TEAM | DLSU GREEN ARCHERS - UAAP

COLLEGE STATS | 5.1PPG - 3.6RPG - 0.6BPG

For most rookies, getting drafted by a championship-hunting squad is the beginning of the end for their playing time. But Rain or Shine under Yeng Guiao isn’t your typical contender. Even after acquiring Stanley Pringle in the offseason, ROS parted ways with Nick Demusis, Francis Escandor, and Mark Borboran, opening up space in the frontcourt. Add the lingering injuries to Beau Belga and Luis Villegas, and the need for a young big becomes clear. Enter Raven Gonzales—a raw but promising big man who could thrive in Guiao’s tough-love system, provided he’s thick-skinned enough to take the heat. If there’s any coach who can turn a late first-rounder or even a second-rounder into an important championship piece, it’s CYG.

11 | GINEBRA | LJAY GONZALES

COLLEGE TEAM | FEU TAMARAWS - UAAP

MPBL TEAM | QUEZON HUSKERS - MPBL

MPBL STATS | 10.7PPG - 5.6RPG - 3.6APG - 1.9SPG (AS OF AUG 8, 2025)

Two things are working against Tim Cone as the PBA enters its Golden Season: the departure of Jamie Malonzo to the Japan B.League and the retirement of LA Tenorio. Malonzo’s absence could be mitigated by giving Jeremiah Gray a bigger role, but filling the leadership and playmaking void left by Tenorio is another story. Enter Ljay Gonzales. While Ginebra is likely to give RJ Abarrientos a more prominent role, drafting Gonzales gives Cone insurance and the option to pair RJ with Scottie Thompson in dynamic backcourt sets. A proven go-getter, Gonzales shone with the Quezon Huskers, serving as one of their focal points during their 2024 run to the MPBL Finals against the Pampanga Giant Lanterns—a campaign that also earned him a spot on the All-MPBL Second Team. His energy, toughness, and willingness to take big shots make him a perfect fit for Ginebra’s win-now mentality.

12 | RAIN OR SHINE | TONY YNOT (FROM TNT)

COLLEGE TEAM | BENILDE BLAZERS

COLLEGE STATS | 10.8PPG - 5.2RPG - 4.2APG - 1.3SPG

With their second pick in the first round, Yeng Guiao could take a swing on a player like Tony Ynot. Yes, “Tony” spelled backwards is “Ynot,” but he’s more than just a fun name— the NCAA S100 Mythical Fiver is a fearless competitor who thrives under the spotlight. Once a San Beda Red Lion before transferring to the Benilde Blazers, Ynot played a key role as a combo guard in steering Benilde to the NCAA Season 100 Finals. His future in the collegiate ranks is uncertain, especially with the league’s more relaxed rules for graduating players and the Blazers’ stacked roster heading into Season 101. If he does jump to the PBA, he could arrive on the back of both individual accolades and team success—exactly the kind of confident, big-moment player Guiao loves to mold into a difference-maker.

SECOND ROUND

13 | GINEBRA | YUKIEN ANDRADA (FROM TERRAFIRMA)

COLLEGE TEAM | SAN BEDA RED LIONS - NCAA

COLLEGE STATS | 12.1PPG - 5.7RPG - 1.5APG

The graduating San Beda Red Lion has been a vital cog in the Red Lions’ NCAA campaigns, bringing a blend of size and shooting that translates well to the PBA. At 6’4”, Yukien Andrada can space the floor with deadshot three-point accuracy while still providing physicality on defense. Ginebra may already have a stretch big in Isaac Go, and Ryan Anderson might not be the perfect NBA archetype to emulate, but there’s no harm in adding another versatile forward who can knock down shots. In Tim Cone’s system—where spacing is crucial and shooters are rewarded—Andrada could quickly carve out a niche as a valuable rotation piece.

14 | PHOENIX | KYLE TOLENTINO

COLLEGE TEAM | LETRAN KNIGHTS - NCAA

MPBL TEAM | GENSAN WARRIORS - MPBL

MPBL STATS | 13.4PPG - 6.1RPG - 1.8APG - 1.0SPG (AS OF AUG 8, 2025)

Kyle Tolentino is one of those players who found a way to turn setbacks into comebacks. After the departure of Brent Paraiso and King Caralipio at Letran, he seemed poised to step into a bigger role—only for limited playing time to derail that path. His move to the MPBL became a blessing in disguise, as Tolentino not only saw the floor more but also put up numbers that proved his growth. Phoenix could use exactly that type of player in their rotation: someone who adapts quickly, thrives when opportunity knocks, and plays with a chip on his shoulder. The Fuel Masters may be far from title contention, but adding pieces like Tolentino could make them one of the league’s more dangerous sleepers.

15 | BLACKWATER | JOHN BARBA

COLLEGE TEAM | LPU PIRATES - NCAA

STATS | 17.5PPG - 5.8RPG - 2.8APG - 1.2SPG

It’s unclear if John Barba is graduating this year, but if he is, it wouldn’t be wise for any PBA team to overlook his talent. When left unchecked, Barba will shoot the living daylights out of his opponents—a big reason why the LPU Pirates have strung together consecutive Final Four appearances. The only reason he’s slipping this far is the PBA Draft’s historical tendency to undervalue NCAA players. Still, the Season 100 Mythical Five member would be a perfect fit for Blackwater, especially after losing James Kwekuteye and Rey Suerte to trades last season. Plugging Barba into the SG spot could give the Bossing a much-needed scoring punch on the wings.

16 | NORTHPORT | KEVIN SANTOS

COLLEGE TEAM | LETRAN KNIGHTS - NCAA

STATS | 7.3PPG - 6.1RPG - 1.0APG - 2.1BPG

Familiarity could drive this selection. Back when Bonnie Tan guided the Letran Knights to an NCAA title, Kevin Santos played behind Louie Sangalang and Pao Javillonar in the rotation. Now, with Northport’s glaring shortage of frontliners, Santos could be exactly what they need. Whether he decides to enter the PBA Draft in his final NCAA year remains uncertain, but his profile fits the Batang Pier’s needs. His offense may still be a work in progress, but his defense is rock-solid—evoking comparisons to Omanzie Rodriguez, Mapua’s defensive anchor, who carved out a long pro career. For a team desperate for interior grit, Santos could be a quiet but valuable pickup.

17 | MERALCO | CHRISTIAN MANAYTAY

COLLEGE TEAM | UST GROWLING TIGERS - UAAP

COLLEGE STATS | 8.5PPG - 4.3RPG - 1.3APG

One of the key reasons UST clawed its way back to the Final Four was Christian Manaytay. Now that he’s free to turn pro, teams have a chance to scoop him up—and Meralco might be one of them. With Alvin Pasaol now in the MPBL (unclear if on loan or gone for good), the Bolts could use someone with a similar skill set. While Pasaol’s UAAP career was more decorated, Manaytay’s style might actually translate better to the PBA. Think of him as a younger Bong Quinto who can also slide in as a small-ball power forward.

18 | CONVERGE | JOSHUA DAVID

COLLEGE TEAM | DLSU GREEN ARCHERS - UAAP

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.

19 | NLEX | KING GURTIZA

COLLEGE TEAM | EAC GENERALS - NCAA

COLLEGE STATS | 15.2PPG - 4.7RPG - 3.1APG - 1.0SPG - 0.8BPG

Part of me wants to slot King Gurtiza early in the third round so he could land with a team starved for talent. Still, the combo guard could find a decent role with NLEX. Yes, the Road Warriors might be overloaded with guards—especially if they draft one in the first round—but how do you pass on his skill set? For years, he was the heart and soul of the EAC Generals, and his mix of scoring punch and defensive hustle could make him a useful combo guard under Jong Uichico’s system.

20 | SAN MIGUEL | JACK CRUZ-DUMONT

COLLEGE TEAM | UE RED WARRIORS - UAAP

COLLEGE STATS | 6.8PPG - 3.1RPG - 2.2APG

Chris Ross is still an above-average guard, but he’s nearing retirement. While Jack Cruz-Dumont isn’t at Ross’s All-Defensive Team level, he could still earn a spot in San Miguel’s camp. The combo guard can knock down threes and hold his own as a perimeter defender. Currently honing his game with the Abra Weavers after his UE Red Warriors stint, he may not be a game-changer, but he could give the Beermen useful depth at both SG and SF.

21 | RAIN OR SHINE | CJ AUSTRIA (FROM MAGNOLIA)

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.

22 | RAIN OR SHINE | KOBE MONJE

COLLEGE TEAM | LETRAN KNIGHTS - NCAA

COLLEGE STATS | 9.1PPG - 2.4RPG - 0.8APG

The Letran Knights went from undefeated champions to a team scrambling for wins by the end of Kobe Monje’s NCAA run. Roster changes cut into his minutes, and with the rise of Jimboy Estrada and Vince Cuajao, Monje had to fight to stay relevant. Still, his energy and defensive grit make him an intriguing project for Rain or Shine. Under Yeng Guiao’s guidance, he could carve out minutes as a versatile combo forward who thrives on relentless defense.

23 | GINEBRA | RAFAEL ARE

COLLEGE TEAM | SAN SEBASTIAN GOLDEN STAGS - NCAA

STATS | 17.9PPG - 4.2RPG - 4.4APG - 2.5SPG

There are plenty of factors working against Paeng Are, starting with his biggest hurdle—his height. He also never had the chance to showcase his skills in an NCAA Final Four game. That said, you can’t ignore the fact that he’s the reigning NCAA scoring champion, averaging 17.9 points per game, including five outings with 25 or more. He also led the league in steals at 2.5 per game. While Ginebra is already loaded with point guards—and I’d honestly love to see other teams scoop him up early in the second round—Are has the kind of fire and grit that perfectly matches the Barangay’s “Never Say Die” spirit. If they’re looking for a spark plug who can bring both buckets and hustle, he’s their guy.

24 | RAIN OR SHINE | HARVEY PAGSANJAN (FROM TNT)

COLLEGE TEAM | EAC GENERALS - NCAA

STATS | 12.1PPG - 5.4RPG - 1.6APG - 1.1SPG

Harvey Pagsanjan once suited up for the UE Red Warriors before making his mark in his lone NCAA season with the EAC Generals. In that short stint, he proved himself as an above-average rebounder for a shooting guard/small forward. Rain or Shine might be overloaded with wing options, and it’s unlikely a second-round pick will immediately crack their rotation, but Pagsanjan has the tools to follow in the footsteps of some of the Elasto Painters’ successful late selections—just ask Adrian Nocum, who was also taken 24th overall.

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Looking at the remaining talent pool, some prospects might actually benefit from sliding into the third round so they can land with teams that can give them minutes right away. This is especially true for NCAA players.

From JRU, Joshua Guiab is a versatile inside-outside forward with a strong work ethic, making him a solid fit for Terrafirma, Northport, Blackwater, or Phoenix. LPU’s Vincent Cunanan thrives on defense and hustle—traits that translate well in the pros. His Pirate teammates bring intrigue too: JM Barba, who overcame a scary NCAA S100 moment to lead the team in rebounds while scoring in double figures, and Mac Guadana, who battled injuries but still put up steady scoring numbers.

Benilde has its own batch of sleepers: Robi Nayve, a sturdy point guard and Season 99 Finals contributor; Mark Sangco, the Season 100 captain with a two-way edge; and Makoy Marcos, another forward worth a look. Ladis Lepalam, a 6’9 presence now sharpening his game in the MPBL, could get a look for size alone.

San Sebastian’s Raymart Escobido (13 PPG, nearly 3 APG and 2 SPG) offers two-way play, while EAC’s Axel Doromal, Perpetual’s Ray Barcuma, and Mapua’s Jasper Salenga are other potential late-round finds.

UAAP’s big-man depth is tricky due to foreign-student restrictions, and most stars have gone overseas, but UE’s Gjerald Wilson, DLSU’s Lian Ramiro, and Adamson’s Joshua Yerro could crack PBA rotations. UST’s one-and-done Chase Lane didn’t stand out statistically, but at 6’5 with ball-handling ability, he’s an intriguing project.

Interestingly, this class might actually have more productive NCAA prospects than UAAP ones—at least if you’re looking at their numbers. From the MPBL side, someone like Michael Maestre could replicate the path of Aris Dionisio, Mike Ayonayon, or Jhonard Clarito and make a name in the pros.

Of course, this projection could change drastically. If UAAP graduating players like Mike Phillips, Nic Cabanero, and Harold Alarcon declare, or if NCAA’s Allen Liwag decides to test the waters early, that shifts the landscape. And if international-based Filipinos—Thirdy Ravena, SJ Belangel, Matthew Aquino, James Spencer—or the much-hyped Fil-Ams enter, this draft could go from “shallow” to “above average” overnight. Once the PBA finalizes the applicant list, this board gets a full re-do.

Get Sydrified.