Barangay Ginebra selected Mario Barasi Jr. as the first pick of the second round and 13th overall in the 2025 PBA Rookie Draft held Sunday at the Mall of Asia Music Hall.
Barasi, who earned a spot in the Draft Combine’s Mythical Five, previously played for Adamson University in the UAAP and Basilan in the MPBL. He said he is eager to contribute to the Gin Kings, particularly on defense.
The 24-year-old guard added that he intends to continue improving his game as he looks forward to potentially filling the void once veteran forward Japeth Aguilar retires.
Earlier, Ginebra picked Sonny Estil with the 11th overall selection and later drafted John Abis in the third round before passing on the succeeding rounds. Barasi is expected to help bolster the lineup following the departure of Jamie Malonzo and the ACL injury of Isaac Go.