PVL Draft: Capital1 has eyes on Belen

MANILA, Philippines — Unless there’s a last-minute change of heart, Capital1 is expected to exercise its No. 1 overall pick on collegiate and Alas Pilipinas star Bella Belen in tonight’s Premier Volleyball League Rookie Draft at the Novotel Hotel.

Minus its new coach Jorge Souza de Brito, who is with the national women’s team competing in the AVC Nations Cup in Hanoi, Vietnam, the Milka and Mandy Romero-owned squad should turn the three-time UAAP champion and MVP from National University as its franchise player.

Hopes are high that Capital1, behind Belen, will be more competitive in the coming season and in future conferences as it already boasts talents like last year’s No. 2 pick Leila Cruz and fast-rising libero Roma Mae Doromal.

Capital1 should be represented by the Romero sisters in the ceremony that starts at 7 p.m.

Although Belen is the consensus top pick, talent in this year’s draft class will not be scarce, thanks to the presence of AC Miner, Alleiah Malalaluan, Tia Andaya, Sheena Toring, Erin Pangilinan, Alohi Robins-Hardy and Mycah Go among others.

Galeries Tower will pick second and will be followed by Farm Fresh, Nxled, ZUS Coffee, Cignal, Choco Mucho, Chery Tiggo, PLDT, Akari, Petro Gazz and Creamline.