BLUE CHIP BELLA: Solar Spikers drool over Belen

Top overall pick prospect Bella Belen ended days of speculations by finally declaring her intent to join the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Rookie Draft slated on 8 June at the Novotel.

The three-time University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Most Valuable Player showed up on Day 2 of the Draft Combine Saturday at the Paco Arena after skipping the first day due to a prior commitment.

Belen was able to submit her application for the Draft before the deadline last 23 May.

Still, the National University (NU) product was unsure if she would pursue playing in the country’s first and only women’s professional volleyball league or try her luck playing overseas.

The decorated winger ultimately decided not to withdraw.

“I’m (joining the Draft) because at the end of the day, I’m here in the Philippines. Pilipinas pa rin ang mamahalin. Mamahalin?!,” the bubbly three-time UAAP champion quipped.

“Buo naman na po ‘yung loob ko na magpapa-draft,” added Belen, who was able to attend the workout after a long drive from Ilocos Norte Friday night.

Belen skipped Day 1 to support her alma mater’s high school girls team representing the National Capital Region in the 65th Palarong Pambansa. The Big City bets swept Western Visayas in the gold medal match.

The Alas Pilipinas member underwent biometrics and skills tests overseen by her former NU Nazareth School coach Babes Castillo.

Capital1 has the right to the first selection after a lucky draw in the Draft Lottery held last Monday.

Solar Spikers head coach Roger Gorayeb was firm in utilizing the rare opportunity to acquire a blue-chip rookie among the list of 60 aspirants in getting Belen.

“If it’s up to me, I’d choose Belen. We need her style of play. I feel that she’ll blend well with our team. We’re trying to beef up our team. We want to get the best as our first choice,” the multi-titled tactician said.

“Belen is our standard (in this Draft). Si Belen talaga ang huhulma sa amin,” he added.

Capital1 is also looking at picking a middle blocker and Gorayeb mentioned Belen’s teammate Sheena Toring as a possible prospect.

Galeries Tower will pick second overall, followed by Farm Fresh, Nxled, ZUS Coffee, Cignal, Choco Mucho, Chery Tiggo, PLDT, Akari, Petro Gazz and Creamline.