TITLE: PVL Draft Combine Spotlights Elite Prospects, Solomon's Choice Looms
MANDALUYONG CITY, Philippines — The Premier Volleyball League (PVL) hosted its anticipated Draft Combine this week, drawing 42 of the nation’s top collegiate stars and emerging talents to the Gameville Ballpark. Over two days, May 28 and 29, these athletes rigorously showcased their skills, athleticism, and professional aspirations, initiating a pivotal moment for the league's competitive future. With the PVL Rookie Draft scheduled for June 3, the combine served as the ultimate proving ground, as prospects navigated a series of drills, physical measurements, and scrimmages under the discerning gaze of team representatives.
This gathering of prodigious talent signals a burgeoning professional landscape for Philippine volleyball, where collegiate heroes now stand on the cusp of forging careers in a rapidly expanding league. The combine, a crucial precursor to the draft, not only offers teams invaluable data for strategic roster building but also marks a significant professional milestone for the aspirants themselves, many of whom have dedicated their entire lives to the sport. Their decisions and performances in the coming days will shape team fortunes and influence the trajectory of Philippine volleyball for years to come.
At the epicenter of this talent deluge stood Alyssa Solomon, the 6-foot-1 opposite spiker from National University, whose international experience with Japan’s SV.League has already burnished her reputation as a generational talent. Widely considered the presumptive first overall pick, Solomon headlined the combine, participating in various tests where her formidable physique and honed skills were on full display. Notably, she ranked first in the vertical reach test, an undeniable testament to her elite offensive potential that could immediately reshape any franchise fortunate enough to secure her services.
A cloud of anticipation, however, hangs over her participation; Solomon remains in deliberation, weighing lucrative international offers against the allure of playing professionally on home soil. The deadline for draftees to withdraw their names looms on June 1, intensifying speculation around her final decision. Despite the uncertainty, Solomon expressed gratitude for the opportunity, telling reporters at the combine, "It's not yet a firm decision, we'll see. But I'm thankful I'm here." Her stint with the Osaka Marvelous, where she racked up 147 points, including 116 deadly attacks, 27 blocks, and four aces, across 30 games, underscores the caliber of talent she brings to the table.
Another National University stalwart, Camilla “Lams” Lamina, the two-time UAAP Best Setter, also garnered significant attention. Projected as a top-two pick, Lamina admitted to experiencing "jitters" as she prepares to transition from collegiate dominance to the professional arena. "Honestly, it still hasn't fully sunk in that this is really happening. That I'm now entering a different world, the pro level, adult life," Lamina candidly shared with reporters. Her journey, spanning 11 years with her NU teammates, has been her entire life, making this leap a profound one.
Lamina, however, conveyed an undeniable eagerness to learn and grow in the professional ranks. "I think my ceiling is still really high because I still haven't proven anything yet in the pros," she asserted, emphasizing her personal goal to continue proving herself and reaching new heights. She also relished the shared experience with teammate Solomon, highlighting the camaraderie among the aspirants despite the underlying competition inherent in the draft process.
The combine, a critical component of the draft, provided a structured environment for players to showcase their physical attributes and volleyball acumen beyond game film. Beyond Solomon's vertical prowess, other prospects left their mark with impressive athletic displays. Jimmy Jean Jamili of Adamson University demonstrated exceptional all-around athleticism, topping the 10-meter sprint, agility test, and hop test. University of the Philippines' Niña Ytang, a four-time UAAP Best Middle Blocker, displayed her impressive leaping ability by topping the approach jump. Similarly, Lara Mae Silva of Letran, a three-time NCAA Best Libero, excelled in the Forcedecks-Countermovement Jump, providing teams with comprehensive athletic profiles for each prospect.
The 2026 draft class is notably deep, featuring a remarkable confluence of talent from both the UAAP and NCAA collegiate leagues, alongside a handful of promising provincial and Filipino-American players. Beyond Solomon and Lamina, the pool includes University of Santo Tomas’ Bernadett “Detdet” Pepito, a decorated two-time UAAP Best Libero, known for her relentless defense and leadership. Niña Ytang, the aforementioned four-time UAAP Best Middle Blocker from UP, brings a commanding presence at the net, while Filipino-American Jade Fuentes of Cal State Dominguez Hills, who previously played for La Salle, adds an international dimension to the draft.
The sheer volume of accomplished players—42 in total—underscores the burgeoning strength of Philippine volleyball and the increasing allure of the professional ranks. From UAAP mainstays like Jonna Perdido and Xyza Gula of UST, and the UP quartet of Irah Jaboneta, Joan Monares, Heart Magsombol, and Jum Gayo, to NCAA standouts such as Natalie Estreller and Julienne Castro from Letran, the draft is ripe with potential franchise cornerstones. Even talents from lesser-known collegiate programs and provincial regions, such as Kirsty Destajo from the University of Nueva Caceres-Sorsogon and Angel Galinato from the University of San Carlos, are vying for a shot at the big league, highlighting the league's commitment to scouting talent nationwide.
The draft order, determined by a lottery held on May 25, has also set the stage for strategic team building. The Galeries Tower Highrisers, despite holding only a 30% chance, secured the coveted first overall pick. Capital1 will select second, followed by Choco Mucho and ZUS Coffee, rounding out the top four. This allocation of high picks gives these teams a significant opportunity to acquire transformational players who could alter their trajectories in the upcoming seasons. The focus for Galeries Tower, in particular, will be on securing Solomon, a move that could instantly elevate their competitive standing.
The journey from collegiate heroics to professional aspirations is often fraught with challenges, yet the energy at the PVL Draft Combine was overwhelmingly optimistic. These young athletes, many of whom have spent years honing their craft in school programs, are now on the precipice of realizing lifelong dreams. The professional landscape demands a higher level of play, greater consistency, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. As Lamina articulated, the transition means "entering a different world," but it is a world these prospects are eager to embrace.
The Premier Volleyball League's investment in this rigorous draft combine reflects a broader commitment to professionalizing and elevating the sport within the Philippines. By providing a structured, data-driven pathway for collegiate athletes to enter the professional ranks, the PVL is nurturing a pipeline of talent that ensures competitive growth and sustained fan engagement. This process not only identifies the next generation of stars but also validates the years of hard work and dedication poured into the collegiate programs across the archipelago. The league’s meticulous approach to scouting, from combine results to game film analysis, underscores its serious intent to build stronger, more dynamic teams capable of delivering high-quality volleyball.
The combine also served as a crucial opportunity for players from diverse backgrounds to compete on an equal footing, showcasing the depth of volleyball talent beyond the established collegiate powerhouses. The inclusion of athletes from provincial universities and Filipino-Americans highlights the league’s expanding reach and inclusive vision for the sport's future. This broader net ensures that no exceptional talent goes unnoticed, fostering a more robust and diverse league that truly represents the nation's passion for volleyball.
With the draft just around the corner, anticipation continues to mount across the Philippine volleyball community. Teams are finalizing their draft boards, coaches are making their last-minute assessments, and the players are preparing for a pivotal moment in their careers. The stories emerging from this combine—of immense talent, burgeoning dreams, and the unwavering pursuit of professional excellence—are a testament to the sport's growing prominence in the Philippines. The draft on June 3 is set to be a landmark event, ushering in an era of new rivalries, breakout stars, and compelling narratives that will captivate fans across the archipelago.