Three-time UAAP MVP Bella Belen confirmed her entry to the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft after participating in the second day of the Draft Combine.
Three-time UAAP MVP Bella Belen made her much-anticipated appearance on Day 2 of the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft Combine, confirming once and for all her intent join the professional league.
Belen, who was earlier unsure about her immediate pro plans despite being included in the draft list, said her decision became clearer over time, and after reflecting on where she wanted to continue her volleyball journey.
“Buo naman na loob ko na magpa-draft,” Belen told reporters. “Siyempre at the end of the day, dito naman tayo sa Pinas. Pilipinas pa rin ang mamahalin.”
Participating in the Combine gave Belen a taste of what awaits in the next chapter of her career.
The versatile outside hitter relished the opportunity to meet and interact with new faces from different collegiate backgrounds, a shift from her usual familiarity in the UAAP.
“Excited ako na mag-Combine kasi iba na ‘yung makakasama ko. Maraming new faces na hindi ako familiar so gusto kong makipag-interact at makilala sila,” Belen shared.
Belen is expected to be the no. 1 overall pick in a loaded draft class, which feature several UAAP and NCAA stars.
[ALSO READ: 2025 PVL Mock Draft: Post-lottery projections for every first-round pick]
Despite this, Belen was quick to downplay the hype, focusing on her performance first in the Rookie Draft Combine.
“Hindi ko naman po iniisip na ako magiging number one pick. Maraming talented players din ‘yung nagpa-draft,” said Belen. “Kaya nga may Combine para makita ka ng coaches and managers kung paano ka makipag-interact with players.”
[ALSO READ: Bella Belen a no-brainer pick for no. 1 in PVL Draft, says Capital1 skipper Jorelle Singh]
The 2025 PVL Rookie Draft is set for June 8 at Novotel Manila, where teams will get their chance to land Belen and other top-tier talent from a loaded draft pool.