Despite sliding to the no. 4 pick in the 2025 PVL Draft, Nxled team manager Dzi Gervacio remains confident, saying the team is prepared for all scenarios and keeping its options wide open.
Despite missing out on the no. 1 pick in the 2025 PVL Draft, Nxled Chameleons team manager Dzi Gervacio is keeping her team’s focus sharp and spirits high as they prepare to select fourth overall.
The Chameleons entered the PVL Draft Lottery with the highest odds (40%) of securing the top pick, but it was the Capital1 Solar Spikers who came out on top. Still, Gervacio isn’t dwelling on what could’ve been.
“It’s crazy—nanginginig ako,” Gervacio laughed as she told reporters. “But it’s a lottery at the end of the day. You never know what could happen. At least we’re still at number four, and I think that’s a good spot to land.”
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While many teams already have names in mind, Gervacio said that Nxled's preparations go beyond a specific shortlist and into flexible, strategic planning based on the final draft pool, which will be released on June 4 after the Combine on May 30–31.
“We’ve been preparing as to who we’re going to choose regardless of where we landed,” she said. “Even before today, we were already ready. This is something we’ve been working on for weeks.”
Gervacio emphasized that the team’s decision won’t rely solely on well-known names or UAAP stars.
“You never know—someone from the combine could just step up. Someone we haven’t seen on TV. Someone not from NCR. That’s why we’re keeping an open mind for all positions,” she added.
[ALSO READ: Pro-bound? A look at the potential UAAP prospects for the upcoming 2025 PVL Draft]
Unlike some teams drafting for immediate positional needs, the Chameleons are keeping their board open.
“We’re not focused on a specific position,” Gervacio admitted. “It really depends on who performs and who fits our vision best. It’s still recruitment season. There are free agents knocking, and the combine could shake things up.”
Gervacio also pointed out that some draft applicants may still be weighing their options, as academic commitments like OJT or final classes could influence their decisions.
“We asked Commissioner Sherwin [Malonzo] when the deadliest deadline is—because some of these girls might still change their mind,” she said. “We totally respect that. For us, we’ll be ready no matter what.”
[ALSO READ: Ettore Guidetti navigates possible draftees as Nxled shifts attention to PVL Draft]
With the fourth pick in a loaded draft class and a strong scouting plan in place, Gervacio says the team is simply trusting the process and staying open to surprises.
“From now until draft day, anything can happen. But we’ll be ready—and we’re hoping for the best.”