Former NCAA MVP Will Gozum to Join 2025 PBA Draft

Will Gozum, the former NCAA MVP and standout forward for the Quezon Huskers in the MPBL, is officially entering the 2025 PBA Rookie Draft. The confirmation comes from his agent, Marvin Espiritu of EMBM, and has been personally affirmed by Gozum himself — marking a major turning point in his basketball journey.

Gozum’s name has long been familiar in Philippine basketball circles. After emerging as MVP in the NCAA Juniors with the Malayan Red Robins, he took his talents to the UAAP with the UP Fighting Maroons before transferring to the College of St. Benilde back in the NCAA. There, he led the Blazers to their first NCAA Finals appearance in two decades and earned the NCAA Season 98 Most Valuable Player award.

Following his collegiate success, Gozum turned pro with stints in the MPBL and the Pilipinas Super League. In 2023, he joined the Quezon Huskers, where he made an immediate impact.

However, his momentum was abruptly halted in May 2024, when he suffered a torn ACL and MCL during a game against Batangas City. The injury required surgery and ruled him out for the remainder of the season. As a result, Gozum made the decision to sit out the 2024 PBA Draft, focusing instead on a long and difficult rehabilitation.

Now, more than a year after the injury, Gozum has returned to active play with the Huskers. In his comeback game on June 18, 2025, he saw limited action but showed signs of renewed confidence, contributing in limited playing time. The performance, while modest, was a clear signal of progress — and enough to affirm his intent to take the next step.

His decision to enter the 2025 PBA Draft caps off a story of resilience. With his collegiate accolades, big-game experience, and now a successful recovery behind him, Gozum positions himself as a high-upside prospect for PBA teams looking for a skilled and battle-tested big man.

Get updated with all names joining the PBA Draft here.