Thunderbelles pick first in inaugural PVL Draft
(Press release)
On a historic night that marked a new chapter for the country’s only professional volleyball league, the inaugural Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Draft Lottery unfolded without unexpected twists.
ZUS Coffee, formerly known as Strong Group Athletics, earned the right to make the top selection after winning the lottery on Monday night at the TV5 Media Center.
The Thunderbelles entered the lottery with a 40 percent chance—the highest odds among the four teams included in the lottery—to secure the No. 1 pick after finishing the season-opening All-Filipino Conference with a league-worst 0-11 record.
“First of all, we’re very happy for ZUS Coffee kasi kami yung first pick so we have a bigger chance or better chance [na makita] kung sino yung pipiliin namin,” said Farm Fresh assistant Justine Dorog, who spoke for Thunderbelles head coach Jerry Yee.
“Kasi since kami yung first, mas makakapili kami kung sino talaga yung best for the team. I hope na yung first team namin, makatulong talaga siya sa team,” added Dorog.
Expected to be the number one overall pick in the historic draft is La Salle star Thea Gagate, a 23-year-old, 6-foot-2 middle blocker who played a pivotal role in the Lady Spikers’ Season 85 title run and Alas Pilipinas’ bronze finish in the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup for Women.
Yee recently confirmed that they would select Gagate if they secured the number one selection in the draft. Novotel Ibis Styles serves as the official venue partner, with Gameville as the official outfitter.
ZUS Coffee’s top overall pick will join St. Benilde stars Cloanne Mondoñedo, Gayle Pascual, Jade Gentapa, and Michelle Gamit.
Meanwhile, Capital1 will have the second overall pick after capping its maiden campaign with a disappointing 1-10 finish. Galeries Tower landed the third pick, while Farm Fresh will select fourth.
PVL Most Valuable Players Brooke Van Sickle of Petro Gazz, Sisi Rondina of Choco Mucho, and Ces Molina of Cignal drew the ballots, with Commissioner Sherwin Meneses and Games and Amusement Board representative Eliza Roman present at the ceremony.
Completing the draft order are Nxled (5th), Akari (6th), Cignal (7th), PLDT (8th), Chery Tiggo (9th), Petro Gazz (10th), Choco Mucho (11th), and defending All-Filipino Conference champion Creamline (12th).
All draftees will undergo a two-day combine at Gameville Ballpark in Sheridan on Tuesday and Wednesday.
The first-ever PVL Draft will take place on July 8 at the Novotel Manila Araneta City.
