The Premier Volleyball League is set to make history on Monday with its milestone Rookie Draft at the Novotel in Quezon City in an exercise poised to alter lives and shift team fortunes.
It also promises to revitalize several struggling teams and inject a fresh wave of youthful excitement into the country's premier women's volleyball league.
ZUS Coffee, formerly known as Strong Group, holds the first pick in a talent-rich pool of 47 aspirants, all eager to secure a roster spot among the 12 teams competing in the Reinforced Conference, which kicks off on July 16.
The Thunderbelles have already simplified the selection process for the other teams, as head coach Jerry Yee confirmed that Thea Gagate, a middle blocker from Alas Pilipinas and former La Salle star, will be their top overall pick, barring any unforeseen issues.
"I think we all agreed that the first name we wanted is Thea. So, I’m here to look at the 13th pick,” said Yee during the recent PVL Draft Combine.
Capital1, with the second pick, aims to select a reliable wing spiker to become the team's cornerstone, while Galeries Tower will likely opt for the best available talent to fill the gaps in their roster.
“Mas priority ko yung papalo, kasi kapag kumuha ako ng setter, mababangko lang kasi iba yung experience ni Iris (Tolenada) eh. Sayang naman kung kukuha ako (ng setter) tapos mabe-bench lang. Gusto ko yung kukunin ko, mapapakinabangan ko na, mapapasok ko na sa team. First six na namin, ayun ang plano ko,” said Solar Spikers head coach Roger Gorayeb.
For the Highrisers, top deputy Godfrey Okumu said: “We’re looking for a middle player because we just lost one. We also need an outside spiker and a third setter since we only have two.”
Farm Fresh, holding the fourth pick, is eyeing Lady Spikers stars Thea Gagate and Leila Cruz, should they become available.
“To be honest, we’re in a tough spot but we’re very grateful for the fourth pick. Honestly, we are also quite confused right now given the pool of talents available. We will discuss it further with upper management,” said team manager Kiara Cruz.
Following the lottery selections, Nxled will pick fifth, followed by Akari (6th), Cignal (7th), PLDT (8th), Chery Tiggo (9th), Petro Gazz (10th), Choco Mucho (11th), and Creamline (12th). This order will be maintained in the subsequent rounds until all teams have made their selections or passed.
