PSL holds first draft today

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Superliga holds its very first Draft Lottery today with the Petron Blaze Spikers picking first from the inaugural pool of 26 at the NBA Café in SM Aura in Pasig.

The event is set at 2 p.m.

No less than PSL ambassadress Gretchen Ho, the former Ateneo star in the UAAP, will attest to the PSL’s contribution in ensuring longer playing years for volleyball players still at the peak of their careers after their tours of duty in the collegiate ranks have ended.

“The PSL has given our blue chip players a competition to aspire playing on after they have retired from the collegiate ranks,” said PSL and organizing Sportscore president Ramon Suzara, adding: “Even Gretchen (Ho), our ambassadress, had to seek a second collegiate course (Management Engineering and Communication) if only to extend her playing years in college. But with the PSL, we have provided our players with an ultimate venue where the competition is tougher and the stakes are higher.”

PSL chairman Philip Ella Juico, meanwhile, will tackle the progressive evolution of the league before team owners, stakeholders and coaches start picking their choices to fortify their rosters, which each have 10 players presently protected.

The Lady Blaze Spikers will be represented by Team Manager Monch Cruz and Assistant Coach Shaq de los Santos

New franchise Air Asia, will be picking second, followed by RC Cola, Cagayan Valley, PLDT MyDSL, Cignal and the Philippine Army, now under the banner of Generica Pharmaceuticals to be represented by Team Manager Claire Carlos.

Petron, which finished third in the inaugural PSL invitational and fifth in the import-laced PSL Grand Prix last year, is said to be interested in drafting National University stalwart Aleona Denise Santiago – UAAP Season 76’s Best Spiker awardee.

Air Asia Zest, whose core is composed of former De La Salle University Lady Spikers Michele Gumabao, Melissa Gohing, Stephanie Mercado and Cha Cruz, is said to be eyeing former two-time UAAP MVP Abigail Maraño.

“Next year, there will be 23 players graduating from the UAAP alone. The NCAA and the other leagues are also to let go of many other quality players. The PSL will be looking forward to giving them a great opportunity to continue playing the game they love even after their collegiate careers,” Suzara added.

Other marquee names in the pool include San Beda scoring ace Janine Marciano, former Ateneo captain Jem Ferrer, national team campaigner Iari Yongco and Perpetual Help spiker Norie Jane Diaz.