Galang, Arellano ace in Superliga draft Friday

RC COLA-Army will have the right to choose first from among a draft pool that included collegiate stars like open spiker Ara Galang and middle blocker CJ Rosario.

But the Lady Troopers just might opt for a trade as they are specifically shopping for a setter Friday when the Philippine Superliga holds its annual rookie draft at Music Hall Oval Venue of the SM Mall of Asia.

RC Cola-Army coach Emilio “Kungfu” Reyes said they would like to acquire a setter to help veteran Tina Salak open the alleys for their prolific frontline that included Rachel Anne Daquis and Jovelyn Gonzaga.

Still, Reyes said they would also need a middle and would definitely pick the 6-foot Rosario, sister of emerging basketball star Troy Rosario.

“Choosing between CJ and Ara is a beautiful problem,” said Reyes. “Both of them are very good. They are the rising stars in this league. But we haven’t sat down to discuss our draft choice. This is a very crucial decision.”

Generika will pick next followed by Perpetual-New San Jose Builders, Standard Insurance-Navy, F2 Logistics, Cignal, Petron and Foton.

Petron is also looking for a setter and is eyeing Angelica Legacion of Arellano. And with Dindin Manabat sidelined due to pregnancy, it is also picking a middle, specifically 5-foot-11 Shirley Salamagos, also of Arellano.

Sammy Acaylar of Cignal may end up as a the “shopping king” because he has four slots to fill. He is looking for players in all positions, and is eyeing power hitting Dana Henson.

Other draftees are Asi Soliven of National University, Mary Grace Berte of Holy Cross of Davao and Marlyn Llagoso and Jerra Mae Pacino of Southwestern University in Cebu.

Also in the pool are Renelyn Raterta of University of Mindanao, Jonah Sabete of Bulacan State University, Gen Casugod of Far Eastern University, Sheryl Laborte of University of Negros Occidental, Lourdes Patilano of Adamson University, Sarina Bulan of University of the East and Christine Suyao of Emilio Aguinaldo College.