As anticipated, Stephen Holt emerged as the top selection in the PBA Season 48 Rookie Draft, which unfolded on Sunday at the Market! Market! in Taguig.
The PBA squad TerraFirma Dyip made their choice, selecting the 31-year-old guard, standing tall at 6 feet 4 inches, as the first overall pick.
Holt boasts an impressive overseas career. His most recent appearance was for the Romanian team CSM Oradea and participating in international basketball competitions such as the NBA Development League with the Canton Charge, as well as the Australian National Basketball League with Melbourne United and Brisbane Bullets. He also competed in various leagues across Europe.
He also tried his luck in the NBA Draft back in 2014 but did not secure a spot. Nevertheless, Holt did play in the NBA Summer League with the Atlanta Hawks.
Even though the 6-foot-4 guard couldn't attend in person, he expressed his dedication to the league and his team from his home in Portland, Oregon.
“It is definitely one of my goals in my career to play in the PBA... I really just wanted to commit to the PBA this coming years so I'm very excited,” he said through a video message.
Filipino-American Holt becomes the fourth player to be selected as the first overall pick by Dyip, following CJ Perez in 2018, Roosevelt Adams in 2019, and Joshua Munzon in 2021.
Out of 124 hopefuls, only 79 were fortunate enough to be drafted, including online sensation Kyt Jimenez, who was chosen in the 76th spot in the ninth round by San Miguel.
Meanwhile, Christian David was picked up by Blackwater, earning the second overall spot.
In a back-to-back first-round pick, Rain or Shine secured two players, Luis Villegas at No. 3, and Keith Datu at No. 4.
Meralco acquired Filipino-Australian big man Brandon Bates as the No. 8 overall pick.
Similarly, Converge added former La Salle star Schonny Winston and former Ateneo player BJ Andrare to their roster.
Northport Batang Pier welcomed last year's NCAA Rookie of the Year, Cade Flores from Arellano, to their team.
The first round pick was completed by Dyip, selecting Taylor Miller.
The 48th season of PBA is set to kick off on November 5 with the Commissioner's Cup Conference.
