From Cebu to the Big League: 12 CESAFI Players Drafted

The 2025 PBA Rookie Draft, held on September 7, 2025, at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall in Pasay City, was a monumental occasion for Cebu’s premier collegiate league, CESAFI (Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc.). This year, a remarkable total of twelve former CESAFI athletes earned selection across various rounds of the draft—a testament to the caliber of talent the

This milestone event marked the 40th edition of the PBA draft, also known as the Season 50 draft, and made headlines not just for the players involved but for the symbolic importance it carried for Cebu. The draft took place at the Mall of Asia Music Hall—making it the first time the PBA staged its draft at an SM mall, showing the league’s growing reach and modern appeal.

With twelve CESAFI alumni being picked, the local collegiate system proved once again its status as a breeding ground for professional-level talent. This list likely spans multiple universities under the CESAFI umbrella—institutions such as the University of Cebu, University of the Visayas, University of San Carlos, Southwestern University, and others known for their vigorous basketball programs. While the report doesn’t list individual names, the sheer number underscores a bright future rooted in Cebu’s sporting schools.

Leading the draft was Geo Chiu, who was selected first overall by the Terrafirma Dyip. His selection stood out as one of the defining moments of the night, setting the stage for what many expect to be a promising career in the PBA.

The draft also drew attention for the diversity of its applicant pool. Among those who generated buzz were Jude Emmanuel Codiñera, son of PBA legend Jerry Codiñera, and Jacey Cruz, a young prospect who returned from Qatar to chase his professional basketball dream. Another intriguing figure was Cole Micek, an actor-turned-athlete with NCAA experience.

Although these individual narratives captivated fans, the strongest storyline of the evening was the remarkable representation of CESAFI-born players who secured their place in the professional league.

Celebrating the selection of a dozen of its former athletes reinforces CESAFI’s reputation as one of the Philippines’ most respected developmental platforms. It speaks volumes about the league’s ability to train, nurture, and prepare players for the professional stage. For Cebu’s basketball community, this represented a moment of pride—watching local stars transition from school uniforms to PBA draft caps is the fulfillment of countless dreams.

With these twelve new professionals ready to embark on PBA careers, there’s growing excitement among fans to track their progress—from rookie seasons to potential stardom. Their success could inspire the next generation of CESAFI players and further strengthen Cebu’s legacy in Philippine basketball.