CHICAGO - After averaging modest numbers in his lone season in the MPBL, there are more questions about Geo Chiu than there are answers.
Is he ready for the PBA, and will he acquit himself well as the No. 1 overall pick in this year's rookie draft?
While social media is overflowing with Doubting Thomases, the 6-foot-8, 230-pound center has one true believer.
READ Geo Chiu's three-year max contract with Terrafirma a done deal
Coach Tab Baldwin.
"Geo will bring that very rare element of genuine international size to the Terrafirma roster. He also has an excellent basketball IQ, a good skill-set, and for his size, better than average mobility."
TOP GUN.
Tab knows. He coached Chiu to two UAAP championships with the Blue Eagles in 2019 and 2022.
Baldwin cautioned that greatness will not manifest overnight.
"Geo always showed signs of being a late bloomer, but as soon as he adjusts to the physicality of the PBA's interior play. he should begin to live up to this status as the No. 1 pick."
Terrafrima's brain trust, a weird thing to say given the team's dull PBA existence, apparently shares coach Tab's glowing assessment.
Which somewhat explains why the Dyip gave the 24-year old center a guaranteed three-year max offer.
NOT JUST THAT.
With the franchise still for sale, securing Chiu is imperative. His tremendous potential and likability makes Terrafirma appealing to prospective buyers.
Meanwhile, sources revealed that Geo's MPBL exit was ultimately decided by concerns about the stability of the regional league founded by boxing hero Manny Pacquiao.
Unlike the PBA, which has franchises owned mostly by giant corporations, some MPBL teams are run by politicians with tenures that are vulnerable every election.
In this MPBL season for instance, Family's Brand Sardines took a leave of absence while Cebu Greats went through an ownership unheaval that sparked alleged unpaid salaries.
There will be no such worries for Geo Chiu in the PBA.
All he has to do is play and master his craft without looking over his shoulders worrying.
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