Steph Bustrillo during the PVL Rookie Draft Combine.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Steph Bustrillo and the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons are thrilled to try their luck together in the inaugural PVL Rookie Draft on July 8 at Novotel.
Bustrillo, the top scorer of UP in the UAAP Season 86, is turning pro with her teammates Abi Goc and Jewel Encarnacion who are among the 47 aspirants present at the rookie combine on Tuesday at GameVille Ball Park in Mandaluyong.
“Sobrang nakakatuwa lang din po na after nga ng UAAP days namin na tapos na kami doon, nakakatuwa na makita naman na sa PVL naman po,” Bustrillo told reporters. “Sobrang excited po ako na pumunta dito then now medyo nakakapagod siya pero worth it naman.”
READ: Fil-Canadian libero makes case for roster spot in PVL combine
Steph Bustrillo, Abi Goc, and other UP players hope to be drafted in the #PVLDraft2024 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/iTfM0Z9JEQ
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) June 25, 2024
Goc, who played two seasons for UP, was also proud of the Fighting Maroons after surviving the first day together. But they remained focused on the main event of the combine on Wednesday, where they will participate in a scrimmage.
“Siyempre proud din po sa isa’t isa kasi sinasabi nga namin Day 1 done, we should focus more on tomorrow sa second day. Talagang yun yung maganda na galing kayo sa isang school na magkakakilala kayo so you can motivate one another,” she said.
Their UP coach Oliver Almadro attended the combine to scout talents as the Petro Gazz program director with Japanese coach Koji Tsuzurabara.
READ: PVL: ‘Fully recovered’ Leila Cruz gets chance at comeback
Bustrillo and Goc remembered the advice of their one-time college coach as they chase their pro dreams.
“Palagi po kasing sinasabi ni Coach O na see the good in everything, naa-apply din po namin siya hindi lang sa court pati po sa real life namin na kahit maraming problems at challenges sa buhay, nakikita pa rin namin po kung para saan po yun,” Bustrillo said.
“As he always says, see the good in everything. This is a good challenge, mag enjoy lang throughout the journey which is a fresh start as well,” added Goc.
Whoever drafts the UP players, Bustrillo offers her skills, knowledge, and heart, while Goc promises to contribute.
“Since this is a fresh start, I need to show my skills and what I can give to the team of course. Whatever happens or whatever they see from me, that’s it,” Goc said.