Is Geo Chiu for real?

Geo Chiu is touted as the tallest applicant for the Sept. 7 PBA draft and if only for his size, could be the first overall pick.

- JOAQUIN M. HENSON

But is he a game-changer or role player? Can he make a difference as the man in the middle? Or will he just come off the bench and log sparse minutes?

The first thing that has to be confirmed is his ceiling. Basketball websites note that he's anywhere between 6-8 and 6-10. Is he as tall as June Mar Fajardo? The coming Draft Combine should settle the score once and for all. Every applicant will be measured with precision so Chiu's height will be determined. The closest any applicant is to Chiu's listed height is 6-9 Ladis Lepalan of St. Benilde but he, too, will be measured at the Draft Combine. There are a few others in the 6-7 category, namely, Arnold Ando of UST, Mario Barasi of Adamson, Ivan Santos of TIP and Jerick Villanueva of UE. Whether their heights are exaggerated or not will be found out. Elevated shoes could add an inch or two but the players will be sized on their bare feet.