With Belen going at No. 1, tabbing the best middle is next best thing in Draft
There’s a demand for middle blockers, and PVL teams are looking to get their fill in the 2025 Rookie Draft class which offers 15 of them out of the total of 60 aspirants.
Galeries Tower can select the finest to plug in the huge void in the middle as the Highrisers hold the second overall pick in the June 8 proceedings—that is, of course, in the highly unlikely chance that Capital1 doesn’t snag Bella Belen at No. 1.
“That’s a major role that we need on our team, so that will be our priority for now,” coach Lerma Giron said as Galeries Tower also released setter Renee Mabilangan and defensive ace and captain Alyssa Eroa, who have gone to ZUS Coffee.
Giron and her staff came into the second day of the Combine looking for a towering presence for them in the middle, with the concurrent University of Santo Tomas assistant coach saying that they have already listed the talents they are interested in.
And they are not only looking at players coming from the collegiate leagues, which would easily be the most desirable talents, such as Giron’s former Golden Tigress Pia Abbu, Far Eastern U’s Jean Asis, Ateneo’s versatile cog AC Miner and the tallest available option, University of the East’s Riza Nogales.
“We had an adjustment and revamp and we are lucky to get the second pick,” Giron said. “At least whatever the team needs will really be filled.”
Other possible options are Adamson’s May Ann Nuique, La Salle’s Jessa Ordiales, University of the Philippines’ Nica Celis, Lady Bulldog’s twin towers Erin Pangilinan and Sheena Toring as well as other lesser known names.
Also looking to dip their hands in the middle blocker sweepstakes are the Thunderbelles, who are searching for someone to pair with last year’s top rookie, Thea Gagate.
“You guys already know that we lost a middle and so we’ll choose the best available athlete when our turn at No. 5 comes,” coach Jerry Yee said, adding fuel to the rumor mill that his longtime player, Mich Gamit, will be heading to Creamline to support Bea de Leon and Pangs Panaga.
Unlike the first Rookie Draft, ZUS Coffee isn’t looking to pick a lot of young blood this time after getting busy with free agent signings during this lull.
The Thunderbelles have also added to their roster former PLDT hitter Fiola Ceballos and Maika Ortiz from Choco Mucho, which also has to fill in the middle blocker spot.
“[The new players] fill a need, so we want to improve in certain positions … hopefully they deliver,” Yee said.
