PLDT head coach Rald Ricafort identified star rookie Alleiah Malaluan as a long-term building block ahead of the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
Expect a major role for Alleiah Malaluan when the PLDT High Speed Hitters open their 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference campaign.
After being limited during last year’s Reinforced Conference, PLDT head coach Rald Ricafort shared that the team has long been clear with Malaluan about her place in the program.
“Na-explain naman sa kanya ‘yun. Noong Invitationals namin, ‘yun talaga ‘yung core namin,” Ricafort told One Sports.
“Kasama siya dun sa line-up na kumalaban sa Kobe Shinwa. Siya ‘yung extended namin na core kahit nung Reinforced pa.”
A big piece in PLDT's title hopes
Ricafort explained that Malaluan’s reduced minutes in the previous conference were largely due to overlapping roles rather than any loss of trust from the coaching staff.
“Sadyang sabay-sabay lang talaga yung roles nila,” he said. “Pero alam naman niya ‘yun, regardless kung limited lang siya last conference, saka ‘yung ngayon na full siya na ulit.”
[ALSO READ: PVL: Ricafort praises Malaluan’s timely spark in PLDT’s quarterfinal win over Cignal]
Despite being one of the younger players on the roster, Ricafort emphasized that Malaluan is not viewed as a fringe piece, but rather as someone central to PLDT’s long-term plans.
“Alam niya yung role niya na hindi porket siya ‘yung medyo bago at bata sa amin, hindi ganon kalaki yung magiging impact niya,” Ricafort said.
“Sinabi na namin sa kanya—siya na talaga ‘yung future namin. Binibigyan talaga namin siya ng opportunity na mag-grow at lumabas ‘yung laro niya,” he added.
[ALSO READ: Alleiah Malaluan flaunts La Salle’s championship DNA in new PLDT chapter]
No added pressure
As PLDT turns its attention to the All-Filipino title chase, Ricafort downplayed any sense of added pressure tied to it, stressing that progress remains the priority.
“Wala namang matutulong na magkaroon pa ng extra hugot,” he said.
“Ang goal talaga namin is mag-improve every game this conference, ma-maintain yung health ng mga players, and hopefully mag-pick kami ng tamang timing.”
The High Speed Hitters will be tested right away when they face the Creamline Cool Smashers next Thursday, February 3, at the FilOil EcoOil Arena in San Juan.
[ALSO READ: PVL preview: Can PLDT finally solve the All-Filipino puzzle?]
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Kiko Demigillo’s journey in sports storytelling began with a deep passion for games and athletes, which eventually grew into a full-fledged career.
Now a dedicated sportswriter, Kiko covers a wide range of beats for One Sports, including the PVL, UAAP, PBA, and various international tournaments.