MANILA — The 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Rookie Draft only saw 11 players selected at the formal proceedings held Wednesday at the Novotel Manila Araneta City in Quezon City.
It was an unusual outcome, with the Draft only lasting for two rounds and even saw Akari declining to pick a new player for its roster immediately during the first phase.
There was a 38-player pool entering the Draft Night, which was already shaken up by the withdrawals of Alyssa Solomon (National University), Niña Ytang (UP), Lara Mae Silva, and Natalie Estreller (Letran).
PVL Control Committee chairman Sherwin Malonzo acknowledged that the result was "challenging," as the "loaded" teams chose to stick with their older and seasoned players.
READ: PVL: Belen proud to see Lamina go first overall in Rookie Draft — 'Deserve niya talaga'
"Challenging. Maraming, kumbaga, new talents but the challenge this year na napansin ko, karamihan ng teams loaded pa rin so I guess parang hindi pa ma-let go ng mga teams ‘yung mga veteran players nila kasi nga, malaking tulong pa rin," he said.
Adding to the wide array of talents available is several teams taking a leave of absence — Cignal Super Spikers, Petro Gazz Angels, and Chery Tiggo Crossovers — which led to the dispersal of players amongst the remaining PVL squads.
"At the same time, ‘di ba ‘yung ibang teams nag-leave of absence, so na-disperse ‘yung players, na-spread out doon sa remaining nine and I guess it’s also a factor na konti ang na-pick ngayon," said Malonzo.
READ: PVL: Jema Galanza says Creamline sees potential in Barbie Jamili
The 27 players snubbed last night are now considered free agents, according to the league commissioner, and they can be signed via direct hire.
"May mga cases din naman na once maging free agent, basically pwede na sila i-direct hire eh. ‘Di na kailangang dumaan sa pick. And marami pa ring talented players na naiwan," Malonzo said. "So I wouldn’t be surprised if some of them biglang makita na lang natin sa mga teams natin."
Among those who were notably left out during the proceedings were UP's Joan Monares, Fil-Am and former La Salle player Jade Fuentes, Ateneo's Taks Fujimoto, and UST's Xyza Gula.