Terrafirma Dyip Selects Stephen Holt as First Overall Pick in PBA Draft
The PBA season is about to kick off as the rookie draft took place on Sunday, September 17. Terrafirma Dyip, formerly known as the Columbian Autocar Corporation, selected Fil-American guard Stephen Holt as their first overall pick in the Season 48 PBA Gatorade Rookie Draft at Market! Market! in Taguig City.
Holt, a 31-year-old guard standing at 6-foot-4, has already gained experience playing in various parts of the world, including the NBA G-League, Europe, and Australia. Head coach Johnedel Cardel recognized the talent of Holt and decided to tap him as the team’s top pick in what was considered a deep draft pool this year.
Terrafirma Dyip is hoping that Holt will be an immediate contributor to the team and create a dynamic backcourt partnership with main man Juami Tiongson. With his vast experience and skills, Holt is expected to make a significant impact on the team.
Meanwhile, Blackwater selected 6-foot-6 Fil-Canadian forward Christian David as their second overall pick. David was supposed to play in the Korean Basketball League but was released due to an injury. Now fully recovered, his size and versatility will be a great addition to the team.
Rain or Shine focused on acquiring size for their third and fourth overall picks in the draft. They selected former University of the East forward Luis Villegas and Keith Datu, who stand at 6-foot-7 and 6-foot-8 respectively. These promising young players are expected to inject fresh energy into the frontline of the Elasto Painters’ lineup, complementing the explosive backcourt led by head coach Yeng Guiao.
The fifth overall pick went to former University of the Philippines forward Zav Lucero, who will join NorthPort’s athletic forward rotation alongside Joshua Munzon and Arvin Tolentino. The sixth pick was Ken Tuffin, a former FEU standout who played as a forward for Wellington Saints in the New Zealand-NBL. He was chosen by Phoenix.
Unexpectedly, NLEX made a surprise pick in the first round, selecting Richard Rodger as the seventh overall pick. Brandon Bates, who was projected to be an early first-rounder, dropped to the eighth pick and joined Meralco. Converge, on the other hand, added former UAAP stars Schonny Winston and BJ Andrade as the ninth and tenth overall picks respectively.
Finishing off the first round, Cade Flores and TJ Miller were selected by NorthPort and Terrafirma as the 11th and 12th overall picks respectively.
With the rookie draft concluded, these young talents are ready to make their mark in the PBA and help their respective teams succeed in Season 48.
