(PBA image)
CANDON CITY – Terrafirma’s top overall pick Geo Chiu is soaking in the moment ahead of the biggest step of his young career, admitting that both excitement and pressure are beginning to build as he prepares for his much-awaited debut in the PBA.
The 6-foot-8 rookie got an early taste of the league’s spotlight during the PBA Season 50 All-Star Weekend in Candon City, where he joined fellow players and took part in the ArenaPlus Obstacle Challenge – Big Man Edition, the opening event of the festivities.
For Chiu, simply being part of the All-Star celebration was already a meaningful milestone before even stepping onto the court for an official PBA game.
“First time ko po kasi sumali ng any PBA event, mas nauna pa po all All-Stars kesa sa game. Pero ‘yun, masaya po ako kasi ‘yung mga tao po sa All-Star sa skills challenge, lahat po nakilala ko po, naka-build ako ng mga kaibigan din po. So it was an overall great experience,” he said.
The former collegiate standout described the experience as both humbling and memorable, grateful for the opportunity to share the stage with some of the league’s brightest stars.
“Very, very humbling po na napabilang ako dito sa event. I’m just grateful and very happy po na I’m here at nabigyan ako ng opportunity,” he added.
But the real test begins soon.
Chiu is expected to make his official PBA debut on Wednesday when the Dyip open their Commissioner’s Cup campaign against Titan Ultra at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
While eager to finally showcase his game at the professional level, the rookie admits the nerves are inevitable.
“Ni-look forward ko po ito, and medyo kinakabahan din po. First time ko sa PBA syempre medyo may kaba pero happy naman po. Ilang months na rin ako nag-eensayo para dito. So sana po ‘yung lahat po ng pinag-ensayuhan ko po ng team namin mag-work, mag-payoff,” he said.
As the No. 1 overall pick, Chiu also understands the expectations that come with the spotlight.
“Yung expectations and pressure, sinubukan kong di isipin pero it’s always going to be at the back of my mind. I’ll try to enjoy and sana mapaganda ang maipakita ko,” he added.
For now, the towering rookie is embracing every moment—learning from the experience, building relationships around the league, and preparing to prove that he belongs when he finally steps onto the PBA hardwood.