Gold mine: Coaches rave about PVL Draft depth

Capital1 is likely to select Bella Belen as the top overall pick in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Rookie Draft slated on 8 June at the Novotel.

An obvious choice considering the experience and superb all-around skills that the three-time University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Most Valuable Player could bring to the table for the barely two-year-old Solar Spikers.

But even with Capital1 already locked on choosing Belen as the No. 1 pick, all other clubs can still mine for gems as this year’s batch of rookie aspirants does not fall short of talent.

Galeries Tower, which drew the right for the second overall selection, is eyeing a middle blocker — but could still opt for Belen in case Solar Spikers head coach Roger Gorayeb passes on the National University (NU) product.

“We won’t go for a libero since we’ve already addressed that,” Highrisers head coach Lerma Giron said about plugging the hole left by the transfer of PVL Season Best Libero and Comeback Player of the Year Alyssa Eroa to ZUS Coffee.

“So, our priority (is for a middle blocker) since we have an injured middle player. That’s a major role so that’s the priority,” she added.

“And because it’s a primary role, we want a middle blocker that will give us solid defense and blocking. We want someone with a combination of blockings and offense.”

Prime choices for the spot are Far Eastern University’s Jean Asis, 5-foot-11 AC Miner of Ateneo de Manila University, Nica Celis of University of the Philippines, 6-foot Riza Nogales of University of the East, NU’s Sheena Toring and Erin Pangilinan and Pia Abbu, who is Giron’s player in University of Santo Tomas.

Just like Giron, Thunderbelles mentor Jerry Yee will be fishing for a middle as his No. 5 pick to reinforce his already formidable frontline led by last year’s No. 1 pick and Season Rookie of the Year Thea Gagate and the newly acquired veteran Maika Ortiz.

“To be honest, we’re going for a middle but if there are other best available athletes at No. 5 we’ll try to get that,” Yee said.

“Preferably, we want (a middle) who’s quick on her feet. Someone who can chase for the block and, of course, contribute on offense.”

Selecting third overall, Farm Fresh could use it to get veteran Filipino-American playmaker Alohi Robins-Hardy, who has already joined the Foxies, albeit in a different capacity after her supposed stint as a direct hire was disallowed under league rules.

Farm Fresh’s new Italian coach Allesandro Lodi could also pursue another winger to complement explosive opposite hitter Trisha Tubu.

Among the top wingers available are Alleiah Malaluan of De La Salle University, Lyann De Guzman of Ateneo and former National Collegiate Athletic Association MVP Mycah Go.

Alas Pilipinas pool member playmaker Tia Andaya is also a potential first-round pick.

Nxled will select fourth overall while Cignal is sixth, followed by Choco Mucho, Chery Tiggo, PLDT, Akari, Petro Gazz and Creamline.