New season, new leaders.
Four fresh faces officially stepped into the spotlight at the PBA Season 50 Draft on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Music Hall, signaling a new era for their respective squads.
LA Tenorio now takes charge at Magnolia, Willy Wilson leads Phoenix, Ronald Tubid steers Terrafirma, and Pampanga Vice Governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda looks to work his magic with Converge.
The quartet wasted no time making their presence felt, actively combing through the pool of 122 hopefuls who entered the annual draft.
Tubid and the Dyip struck gold with the No. 1 overall pick, selecting 6-foot-10 big man Geo Chiu, while Pineda and Converge wasted no time in locking up guard Juan Gomez De Liano at No. 2.
For Tenorio, his first official move as Magnolia coach was picking San Beda’s Yukien Andrada at No. 6. Wilson, meanwhile, grabbed former NCAA MVP Will Gozum at eighth for Phoenix.
Terrafirma made the biggest haul with 10 picks, tying Converge, while Magnolia added two more rookies and Phoenix four.
Grateful for the opportunity, Tenorio reflected on his coaching debut: “Thankful sa opportunity. Ang daming puwedeng coaches na possible dito, pero tayo ang binigyan ng pagkakataon. So I think there’s a reason why.”
Season 50 isn’t just about new players—it’s about new voices on the sidelines ready to reshape the league’s future.
