GEO Chiu looks forward to measuring up against the big names in the PBA such as seven-time MVP June Mar Fajardo after his late entry in the Season 50 Draft.
Chiu, the tallest player of this year’s draft class at 6-foot-10, said he welcomes the challenge of going up against the likes of Fajardo and the rest of the top pro players in the country in Asia's first pro league.
“We know naman na this position is kind of tough. You play against imports and you are playing [against] one of the best players in the PBA,” said Chiu on the sidelines of Day One of the PBA Draft Combine on Thursday.
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“Iba ‘yung makakalaban doon, a lot smarter, mas physical sila. We just try to learn. Something to look forward to, playing against these names out there na really good. We will just maximize siguro what we have.”
The 25-year-old Chiu showed up for Day One of the draft combine but didn’t participate in the physical tests due to an illness.
“May cough lang po pero goods naman, sinabihan ako ng doctor na mag-rest. Medyo pagod din sa schedule. Goods naman,” said Chiu.
Chiu applied for the PBA Season 50 Draft at the last minute after weighing his decision carefully. In the end, he chose be close to his family after a brief stint in the Japan B.League second division last year and with Abra in the MPBL.
“It’s a big decision. I had to take some time. Talked about it with the family as well. This is the move for me,” said Chiu.
“Entering the PBA, it’s a dream of mine. Looking back, it’s something that I want to fulfill. Sakto rin ang opportunity and I want to be close with my family. It’s something na medyo mahirap kasi when you are away from your family,” said Chiu.
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Chiu has darted up most mock drafts as the best big man in the rookie pool after his last-minute application, something that he is embracing.
“No matter what happens, I’m just grateful. It’s something na hindi naman natin control… For me, ineembrace na lang siguro namin. Whatever the outcome is, we will accept it,” said the former Ateneo back-up center.
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