Fil-Am spikers loom as top picks in Superliga draft

MANILA, Philippines - The raging debate on who will emerge as top overall pick will finally be settled when the Philippine Superliga (PSL) holds its Annual Rookie Draft today at the third level of SM Aura in Taguig City.

With a pair of A-ranked Filipino-American players joining, this year’s draft is going to be a wide-open derby as teams scramble to improve their respective rosters in preparation for the PSL All-Filipino Conference that unfurls on March 22 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Setter Iris Tolenada looms as top overall pick as she carries an impressive resume after becoming the first player from San Francisco State University to win the Most Valuable Player award in the highly competitive California Collegiate Athletic Association.

Also expected to be picked early in the second edition of this pre-season exercise that will start at 4 p.m. and hosted by Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano, in cooperation with Rep. Lino Cayetano and SM Management is Alexa Micek, a comely open hitter from North Carolina State.

The 23-year old Micek, however, is no stranger to local competition as her younger brother, Cole, is one of the prized recruits of Ateneo de Manila men’s basketball team in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines.

Tipped to challenge them for top draft position are middle blocker Angeli Araneta of University of the Philippines, libero Rica Enclona and open hitter Therese Veronas of College of Saint Benilde, and middle blocker Desiree Dadang and open hitter Rizza Mandapat of National University.

Libero Denise Lazaro of Ateneo – who owns one of the most beautiful faces in the game today – also threw her name into the mix.

“Unlike last year when Dindin Santiago and Aby Marano were clear-cut favorites, this year’s draft is full of suspense as team managers and coaches are keeping their cards close to their chests,” said PSL president Ramon “Tats” Suzara, adding that Santiago and Marano made an instant impact when they led their respective teams to the title right in their first season.

“These girls will be the future stars of volleyball. They may be young, but they are already overflowing with talent and potential. We couldn’t wait to roll out the red carpet for these fresh faces.”

Philips Gold (formerly Mane ‘N Tail) owns the top overall pick while Foton, Cignal, Shopinas, Shacman and Grand Prix champion Petron will be picking next. The same draft order will be followed in the second round.