PBA Draft: Celzo, Sajonia, Umali, and Alforque Set for Big League
Four rising names in Philippine basketball are officially entering the 2025 PBA Draft, according to their agent Edgar Mangahas. Shawn Umali, Bryan Sajonia, Joe Celzo, and Royce Alforque have all declared their intention to turn pro, signaling a major transition in their careers.
Of the four, only Alforque has already made the jump out of collegiate competition. He’s currently playing in the MPBL for the San Juan Knights. Celzo, Sajonia, and Umali will finish their final NCAA campaigns this season before joining the professional ranks.
Shawn Umali of the CSB Blazers has been a standout in the NCAA for several seasons. Previously with Lyceum, he averaged 11.0 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.6 blocks per game last season. He also led the NCAA in blocks with 1.59 per game during Season 99 and was named Most Improved Player in 2022. Now playing for the College of St. Benilde, Umali is looking to solidify his draft stock with another strong showing this year.
Bryan Sajonia transferred to San Beda University after his time at Far Eastern University and has quickly made an impression. He started NCAA Season 100 strong, including a notable performance in San Beda’s rout of Lyceum. His all-around play and playmaking prowess have made him one of San Beda’s key contributors entering Season 101. Recently, he displayed his clutch heroics with big-time shots in a win against UST in the Asiabasket Invitational.
Joe Celzo, another former FEU player now at San Beda, is a frontcourt presence still carving out his role. While not as statistically dominant as his peers, his size and physicality offer potential value to PBA teams looking for development pieces in the draft. With the Red Lions in contention this year, Celzo has a chance to show more of his game before draft day.
Royce Alforque, the lone player in this group already outside the NCAA, has been playing with the San Juan Knights in the MPBL. The former FEU captain has brought maturity and playmaking to the team, recently posting an 11-point, 5-assist, 4-rebound game in league action. Alforque’s early move to the semi-pro ranks has given him a head start in adjusting to the physicality and pace of the pro level.
As the 2025 PBA Draft approaches, these four players bring a mix of college pedigree, defensive upside, shooting, and leadership. With three still competing in NCAA Season 101 and one already active in the MPBL, their progress will be closely watched by teams preparing to make key selections later this year.
For more news on the PBA Draft, view here.
