Capital1 head coach Roger Gorayeb has his sights set on Bella Belen for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft.
Capital1 head coach Roger Gorayeb is keeping his cards close to his chest, but it's becoming clearer who he has in mind for the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming 2025 PVL Rookie Draft.
Speaking at the sidelines during Day 2 of the Draft Combine, Gorayeb revealed that the team is leaning toward selecting a player who fits both their system and positional needs.
That includes an outside hitter and a middle blocker.
"At least na mauuna ako sa pagpili. Mapipili ko 'yung kailangan talaga," Gorayeb said. "Kailangan na lang naman namin--sa ngayon ah--isang outside at isang middle siguro."
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Without explicitly naming her at first, Gorayeb eventually acknowledged that three-time UAAP MVP Bella Belen is a leading candidate.
The National University star, who made her much-awaited appearance in the Draft Combine, has affirmed her commitment to join the Rookie Draft.
Should the Solar Spikers select Belen, the NU superstar will join the likes of Leila Cruz and Roma Mae Doromal as the team's building blocks.
“Mahirap magsalita ng tapos. Pero ako, ako pipili. Belen ako,” he said.
“Siyempre, maganda siyang choice sa first pick [kasi] kailangan namin ‘yung style ng laro niya. Magbe-blend ng husto doon sa team namin. Alam mo naman, nagpapalakas kami. Kaya piliin na namin ‘yung first choice na magaling talaga.”
Gorayeb also clarified that while Belen’s presence in the draft is a huge opportunity, his coaching staff is still doing their due diligence before finalizing the pick.
[ALSO READ: Bella Belen a no-brainer pick for no. 1 in PVL Draft, says Capital1 skipper Jorelle Singh]
The veteran tactician also bared that Capital1 is leaning towards just two or three selections in the 60-player draft class.
“Sa utak ko dalawa pero pag inabot pa kami nung ikatlong round, baka meron pang nandiyan,” said Gorayeb.
“After one year aand three months mabubuo na rin ang team na ito. Nagsimula naman ako dito na wala talagang player, so after 15 months medyo maganda ganda na ‘yung sitwasyon ngayon kaya dapat mapili namin ‘yung gusto,” he added.
[ALSO READ: Bella Belen or someone else? Capital1 keeps options open for no. 1 pick of 2025 PVL Draft]
With the Solar Spikers holding the top pick in a talent-rich draft class, all eyes will be on Gorayeb and company come June 8, when the PVL Rookie Draft unfolds at Novotel Manila.