Ilonggo Sajonia applies for the 2025 PBA Rookie Draft

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Ilonggo basketball standout John Bryan Sajonia is ready to take the next step in his rising career.

After playing several years in the UAAP and NCAA, the former Santa Clarita International School of Iloilo star has officially submitted his application for the 2025 Philippine Basketball Association Draft, confirmed on Aug. 26, 2025.

Sajonia verified the development in an exclusive interview with the Daily Guardian on Aug. 27.

He got his big break in 2023 when he joined the Gilas Pilipinas 3×3 national team for the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.

In their opening game, the pride of Pavia, Iloilo, led the Philippines to a 13-8 victory over Jordan.

Sajonia shined on the international stage, finishing with six points and eight rebounds to top-score for the squad.

After sinking his first basket, he caught fire from the field and extended Gilas’ lead by scoring on a putback in the paint.

The Ilonggo guard provided the spark the team needed after a slow start against Jordan.

Sajonia most recently played for the San Beda Red Lions, helping the team qualify for the NCAA playoffs.

The 25-year-old draft hopeful aims to follow in the footsteps of Mark Nonoy, a former Hua Siong College of Iloilo star who was selected 10th overall in the 2024 PBA Draft.