WATCH: Magnolia Draft Picks [PBA Season 48 Draft | Sep. 17, 2023]

Stephen Holt followed the footsteps of several marquee Fil-foreign players before him, gaining the honors as the top selection in the annual PBA Rookie Draft.

At 31, the Saint Mary’s College of California product, who has played pro ball in the US, in Europe and in Australia, is to bring his stuff in the local pro league as the No. 1 overall draft pick by the Terrafirma Dyip.

Holt was following the proceedings over at his home in Portland, Oregon when Terrafirma guard Juami Tiongson announced his name as the Dyip choice as the top pick in the PBA Season 48 Draft Rites at the Market! Market! Activity Center in Taguig Sunday.

“I’m a two-way player and I’m committed to play both offensively and defensively. I’m known as a shooter, and I will try to make an impact,” said Holt on a video interview.

The 6-foot-4 guard insisted playing in the PBA is one of his goals, and he’s thankful the opportunity came about when he acquired a Philippine passport early this year.

He became another top selection by Terrafirma after CJ Perez in 2018, Roosevelt Adams in 2019 and Joshua Munzon in 2021.

Big Fil-foreign players were the main staple in the first round with Blackwater picking Christian David at No. 2, Rain or Shine plucking Luis Villegas and Keith Datu Jr. at No. 3 and No. 4, NorthPort selecting Zavier Lucero at No. 5, Phoenix Super LPG choosing Ken Tuffin at No. 6, NLEX drafting Richard Thomas Rodger at No. 7, Meralco turning to Brandon Bates at No. 8, and Converge picking Schonny Winston at No. 9.