Cignal head coach Shaq delos Santos remains focused on securing a playoff spot in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference but admits that the idea of landing a high draft pick has crossed his mind if all else fails.

The HD Spikers suffered a shocking upset against 10th-seeded Galeries Tower in the qualifying round, putting the team’s postseason hopes in peril.

However, with a star-studded draft class on the horizon, Delos Santos sees an opportunity that could benefit the team in the long run.

“To be honest, we did think about it,” he admitted.

“It’s one of the positives that could happen. It’s a good thing in a way, but it’s not something we really want.”

But Delos Santos swears signing up a big name is simply too enticing.

“There is an advantage in securing an early draft pick, especially now that many competitive players are expected to declare. It’s something that crossed our minds.”

Despite the temptation of a high selection in the next draft, Delos Santos made it clear that Cignal’s main priority is to make the playoffs rather than settle for a top-four pick.

After defeating Capital1, 25-21, 22-25, 25-17, 25-15, to open their play-in campaign, the HD Spikers are now within reach of a quarterfinal berth and Delos Santos is determined to push forward.

“Personally, I won’t allow us to just accept defeat and think it’s fine because we still have a chance in the draft lottery. For us, the focus is on these last two games before the quarterfinals.”

The bottom line is that reaching the next stage is far more important than getting a prized recruit in the next draft.

“It won’t be easy, but we’ve already invested a lot, and the players have committed to this goal. The mindset is clear [making the playoffs is the target].”

However, if Cignal stumbles and ends up in the draft lottery, Delos Santos would not exactly see it as a long-term win.

“You’ll have mixed feelings about it.”

“If we don’t make it, then the draft lottery becomes an option, and that’s still a plus for the team.”

“But it would be a tough pill to swallow, especially when we’re just one win away from making the playoffs. Then again, the main focus remains the same, getting back to the quarterfinals.”

With their postseason aspirations on the line, the HD Spikers are gearing up for a crucial showdown against the ZUS Coffee on Tuesday, a match that could define their playoff fate.

JASON MAGO