A new wave of young talent is officially entering the professional ranks.
According to veteran sports agent Charlie Dy of VP Global Management, three collegiate standouts—Lian Ramiro, Mark Sangco, and Ira Bataller—have formally applied for the 2025 PBA Draft, signaling their intent to take the next leap in their basketball careers.
Lian Ramiro’s path to the draft is anything but ordinary. The 5-foot-11 Filipino-American guard made a name for himself in NCAA Division II basketball in the United States, playing for CSU Pueblo and Arkansas–Fort Smith. Across his college stint, he showcased a reliable scoring touch, court vision, and tenacious defense—averaging up to 17.8 points per game during peak seasons and surpassing the 1,000-point career mark. In 2024, he returned to the Philippines and suited up for DLSU in UAAP Season 87, where he provided veteran poise and scoring from the point guard position. His mix of international experience and Filipino roots positions him as a high-upside backcourt prospect in this year’s draft.
Ramiro will return to the Philippines in September after his current stint in the Vietnam Basketball League ends.
At 6-foot-5, Mark Daniel Sangco carved his identity as the heart and soul of the Benilde Blazers. Known for his gritty defense and timely shot-making, Sangco was a steady presence throughout his NCAA stint. In Season 99, he came off the bench to erupt with 13 points in a single quarter against Letran, proving he can swing momentum when it counts. Off the court, Sangco’s leadership drew praise from teammates and coaches alike. After closing his college chapter in early 2025, he made it clear he was ready for the pros—whether in the PBA, MPBL, or even overseas. A versatile wing with maturity, grit, and a growing offensive game, Sangco enters the draft as one of its most seasoned and well-rounded forwards.
Ira Spencer Bataller’s journey is defined by second chances and resilience. Originally recruited to UST, Bataller transferred to Letran in 2020 following the infamous “Sorsogon bubble” scandal that fractured UST’s program. After an academic hiccup that delayed his Letran debut, Bataller returned to NCAA action in 2023 as a 6′4″ forward with physical tools and upside. While his collegiate numbers were modest, Bataller’s size, strength, and experience under championship-caliber coaching give him intriguing pro potential. He’s likely to appeal to teams looking for athletic wings who can develop in the PBA’s physical style of play.
The entry of Ramiro, Sangco, and Bataller into the 2025 PBA Draft reflects a deeper trend: a more diverse and developmental pipeline for Filipino basketball talent. From U.S. college ball to local varsity leagues, this trio represents varying paths—but all converge at the same destination: the PBA hardwood.
With draft day approaching, the next chapter for these players will depend on team needs, fit, and how well they showcase themselves in pre-draft workouts and combines. One thing is certain—they’re no longer just collegiate hopefuls. They’re now professional prospects, ready to make their mark.
