Draft prospect Geo Chiu at the sidelines of the PBA Draft Combine, September 4, 2025 at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City. Paige Javier, ABS-CBN News
MANILA -- One of the top prospects in the PBA 50 Draft sat out the first day of the Draft Combine as he continues to feel under the weather.
Big man Geo Chiu was present during Day 1 of the 2025 PBA Draft Combine, Thursday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City. However, he did not participate in the individual tests and instead sat on the stands while wearing a face mask.
Chiu told reporters he was advised by his doctor to rest since he is still recovering from cough and colds.
"I'm feeling under the weather but I'm alright naman. I just need rest siguro. Tough din yung schedule namin sa MPBL and it's been raining too so I think it's also a factor why I'm feeling like this. But I'll be alright naman," said Chiu.
When asked if he would participate in the second day activities, Chiu said it would depend on his condition on Friday.
"Right now wala kaming games today. Hopefully if I feel better, I'll consult with my doctor if I'm fit to play na rin," he said.
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The former Ateneo Blue Eagle said there have been teams that contacted him to practice with them.
"Unfortunately since I'm not feeling the best, I didn't wanna spread whatever I have with the players or to other teams. So I just told them I'm not feeling the best right now so it would be best if I stay and just recover first," he said.
"Medyo sad na hindi tayo makasali sa Draft Combine. I wasn't able to join sa workout ng teams. That's something I was looking forward to before pa," he added.
Despite not joining the drills, Chiu said he was glad to see his former and current teammates and fellow rookie aspirants.
"They're really well naman pero medyo sayang lang I can't join them. I'm looking forward to joining them if ever tomorrow," he said.
NO PRESSURE
Draft prospect Geo Chiu at the sidelines of the PBA Draft Combine, September 4, 2025 at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City. PBA MediaChiu is being touted as one of the top prospects in the PBA Draft set for Sunday. But the two-time UAAP champion said it's not something he thinks about or pressures himself about.
"Oo andiyan siya at the back of your mind. But for me naman, I'm just enjoying the process. It's a childhood dream of mine to enter the PBA. And now na may ganitong opportunity, I think it's a big one. So parang I'm just enjoying it no pressure naman," he said.
Chiu is one of the players who beat the August 29 deadline of the PBA Draft.
The Abra Solid North Weavers big man said it was a 'big decision' that he had to consult with his family before finally throwing his name in the draft.
"Siguro lang with my stint right now in the MPBL, it really helped a lot in terms of confidence and you know just having mindset na parang I have to something if I want to get to the next level. I think with the help of my coaches and teammates in Abra, malaking help siya," he said.
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The 6-foot-10 player shared what he would contribute to his future PBA team.
"Given na medyo mas may height advantage tayo, we could grab more rebounds. You know for me kasi, personally how I see myself, I could pass the ball. Ngayon working tayo on the offensive side of it," Chiu said.
"I think on that side, I could defend people like that. I could get rebounds, I could get assists, I could get yung mga guard sa mga open shots. I think that's something I could offer to the table," he added.
Chiu previously played for the Ehime Orange Vikings in the Japan B. League, the Taiwan Mustangs in The Asian Tournament, and Strong Group Philippines in their title defense in the William Jones Cup.
The PBA 50 Draft is set on September 7, Sunday at the Mall of Asia Music Hall.