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Alyssa Valdez comforts undrafted players: ‘Kapit lang’

PVL star Alyssa Valdez during the first-ever Rookie Draft at Novotel Manila Araneta City on July 8, 2024. PVL Media Group

MANILA – Volleyball superstar Alyssa Valdez comforted the aspirants who were not selected during the first-ever Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Rookie Draft on Monday at the Novotel Manila Araneta City.

The Phenom, alongside PVL executives, told them that “it’s just the beginning” and they are still part of the volleyball community.

“We all want them to be part of the community. They’re still part of the community, free agent sila ngayon. I told them this is just a stepping stone for them para abutin yung mga dreams nila to be a part of any teams in the PVL,” the skipper of eight-time PVL champion Creamline said.

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“It’s just the beginning. This is the first draft, so marami pa silang opportunities na mapupuntahan at mag-oopen sa kanila. Kapit lang, tiyaga lang, and work harder and smarter,” Valdez went on.

Only 23 players among 47 aspirants were selected during the proceedings.

Some notable names who were not picked were University of the Philippines’ Abi Goc, University of the East’s Dea Villamor and Dara Nieva, and San Sebastian’s Jewelle Bermillo.

PVL president Ricky Palou also talked to unselected players and echoed Valdez’s statement that it’s not the end of their careers.

“After the draft, I went to talk to the players who are not drafted and I told them that this is not the end. Pwede pa naman kayong maglaro sa PVL, ngayon you are free to tryout for any team since free agent kayo,” he said.

PVL president Ricky Palou talks to undrafted players during the first-ever Rookie Draft at Novotel Manila Araneta City on July 8, 2024. PVL Media Group

Meanwhile, Valdez also hailed the league’s intent to ensure parity as it held the historic first-ever rookie draft.

“We’re just very, very happy for the league itself, we’re happy for the players, we’re happy for all the team owners, kasi siyempre lahat naman tayo magbe-benefit din dito,” she said.

“Ako, napapa-proud ako kasi napaka-successful ng first-ever draft ngayong taon, kaya naman excited na kami sa mga magpapa-draft ulit next year, we’re very excited for all of you,” Valdez said further.

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