Stephen Holt (not present) is the no. 1 overall pick by Terrafirma in the 2023 PBA Draft. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Terrafirma selected Stephen Holt as the first overall pick of the 2023 PBA Draft at Market! Market! in Taguig on Sunday.
The 6-foot-4 Holt had stints in the NBA G League and the Summer League with the Atlanta Hawks after going undrafted in the 2014 NBA Draft.
The 31-year-old also played in Australia and Europe.
“I’m a two way player and [I’m] committed to both ends of the floor… I’m known for being a shooter, athletic and rebounding,” said the Filipino-American guard, who was not present during the PBA draft, in a video call.
“I’m definitely gonna try and make an impact on the floor and hopefully we get a good season.”
2023 PBA Draft Second overall pick Christian David. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Butler University product Christian David was then selected by the Blackwater Bossing at No. 2.
University of the East one-and-done player Luis Villegas, meanwhile, was the No. 3 overall pick by Rain or Shine under coach Yeng Guiao.
“I’m super grateful for the journey and I’m grateful that it came to this,” said Villegas.
The Elasto Painters stayed on the podium after Villegas to select Keith Datu Jr., another big man like Villegas.
Zavier Lucero, who is still in California, completed this year’s Top 5 picks after being selected by Northport.
“I’m just excited, really happy to hear my name called, I’m ready to get healthy and show everything I need to show on the court. I’m just grateful for the opportunity,” said the Fighting Maroon, who is still recovering from an ACL injury.
Ken Tuffin, a Far Eastern University product, showed out in this year’s Draft Combine, winning the three-point contest and earning the attention of coach Jamike Jarin. He was drafted sixth for the Phoenix LPG Fuel Masters.
NLEX selected Richie Rodger at seventh while former La Salle big man Brandon Bates landed at Meralco for pick No. 8.
Converge then went on back-to-back selections, banking on an All-UAAP tandem of DeSchon Winston (La Salle) and BJ Andrade (Ateneo).
NCAA Season 98 Rookie of the Year and Defnesive Player of the Year Cade Flores of Arellano was also selected by Batang Pier with the 11th pick while Terrafirma ended the first round on a high by selecting TJ Miller.
2023 PBA DRAFT RESULTS:
FIRST ROUND:
- Terrafirma – Stephen Holt
- Blackwater – Christian David
- Rain or Shine – Luis Villegas
- Rain or Shine – Keith Datu Jr.
- Northport – Zav Lucero
- Phoenix – Ken Tuffin
- NLEX – Richie Rodger
- Meralco – Brandon Bates
- Converge – DeSchon Winston
- Converge – BJ Andrade
- Northport – Cade Flores
- Terrafirma – TJ Miller
SECOND ROUND:
- Terrafirma – Kemark Cariño
- Converge – Bryan Santos
- Rain or Shine – Henry Galinato
- Phoenix – Raffy Verano
- Phoenix – Ricci Rivero
- NLEX – Enoch Valdez
- Converge – JL Delos Santos
- Blackwater – James Kwekuteye
- NLEX – Jhan Nermal
- Terrafirma – Louie Sangalang
- Ginebra – Ralph Cu
- Rain or Shine – Adrian Nocum
THIRD ROUND:
- Terrafirma – JB Bahio
- Blackwater – Cliff Jopia
- Rain or Shine – Sherwin Concepcion
- Phoenix – Matthew Daves
- Northport – Brent Paraiso
- NLEX – Dom Fajardo
- Converge – Inand Fornilos
- Meralco – Jolo Mendoza
- TNT – PASS
- Magnolia – Pat Maagdenberg
- Ginebra – Kim Aurin
- San Miguel – Troy Mallilin
FOURTH ROUND:
- Terrafirma – Tommy Olivario
- Blackwater – Archie Concepcion
- Rain or Shine – JC Cullar
- Phoenix – John Lloyd Clemente
- Northport – Fran Yu
- NLEX – Francis Giussani
- Converge – Jerick Balanza
- Meralco – Zach Huang
- Magnolia – Ray Anthony Peralta
- Ginebra – Franz Abuda
- San Miguel – Jayson Apolonio
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