Highly touted winger Bella Belen wants to keep her options open despite listing up for the 2025 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Rookie Draft.
The three-time University Athletic Association of the Philippines Most Valuable Player was among the collegiate standouts who have declared their intentions to join the draft before Friday’s deadline, sources told DAILY TRIBUNE.
However, Belen, who powered National University to three titles in the past four seasons, could still withdraw after the two-day Draft Combine on 30 to 31 May.
In an interview Saturday, the Alas Pilipinas women’s team member said she’s still weighing her options, whether she’ll pursue a career in the local professional league or try her luck playing overseas.
“I’m not sure. I could still withdraw. I’d wait until after the (Draft) Combine to decide if I’ll proceed with the draft,” Belen said.
The final list of draft aspirants will be unveiled on 4 June, four days before the Rookie Draft proceedings.
Draft lottery teams Nxled, Capital1, Farm Fresh and Galeries Tower could select Belen as the top overall pick.
The Draft Lottery, where the Chameleons hold the highest probability of taking the No. 1 pick, is set on Monday.
Other Lady Bulldogs stars Erin Pangilinan and Sheena Toring have declared for the Draft while towering opposite spiker Alyssa Solomon will skip the proceeding with hopes of playing abroad.
Last year, 47 out of 50 applicants were officially listed for the Draft. Thea Gagate was selected top overall pick by ZUS Coffee.