National University superstar Bella Belen and Galeries coach Lerma Giron at the PVL Draft Combine 2025. PVL Media Bureau
MANILA – In case she slips through, Galeries will pounce on the opportunity of drafting three-time UAAP MVP Bella Belen, according to coach Lerma Giron.
Giron, whose team has the second overall pick of the draft, shared this during the PVL Combine 2025 on Saturday at Paco Arena.
Picking before them are the Capital1 Solar Spikers.
"Kung hindi kukunin ni Capital1 si siyempre, first pick, eventually siguro si Belen 'yon — aba'y kukunin namin. Pero if ever, priyoridad namin is middle [blocker]," Giron told reporters.
READ: PVL: Capital1 coach Roger Gorayeb bares choice for No.1 pick
In a separate interview, coach Roger Gorayeb of Capital1 expressed a desire to select Belen.
If Belen is out of the equation, Giron said that the Highrisers will be prioritizing a player in the middle blocker position.
Despite Alyssa Eroa leaving Galeries for Zus Coffee, the tactician said they're not looking for a libero, as they already filled up the position.
"Hindi libero kukunin ko muna. Hindi libero. Kasi nagawan na namin ng paraan 'yon. So priority namin ngayon — kasi may injured na middle player. E major role 'yon. So priority namin 'yon ngayon," she said.
READ: The 1 in Capital1: Solar Spikers get first pick in PVL Draft
Giron also shared the attributes they are looking for in a middle blocker.
"Siyempre gusto natin — primary role ng middle is kaya nga middle blocker, depensa, blockings. Mas gusto rin natin siyempre [combination] ng blockings tsaka offensive player," she said.
Galeries, which had the luxury of going second overall following the results of the lottery on May 26, was grateful for the welcome development.
"Sobrang masaya kami dun sa team tsaka 'yung management. Kumbaga, 'di naman lingid, medyo nagkaroon kami ng... hindi medyo e. Nagkaroon kami talaga ng adjustment and revamp. So mapalad kami at napunta kami dun sa second pick, at least kung ano 'yung need talaga ng team, matutugunan," said Giron.
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