FILE– PVL Rookie Draft aspirants after the two-day Draft Combine. -MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — With ZUS Coffee already firm with its top pick, Farm Fresh is still pondering the best player who will fit into its team with the fourth overall pick of the inaugural PVL Rookie Draft.
Kiara Cruz, Strong Group’s head of volleyball operations, admitted that the Foxies aren’t decided on their first-round pick among the talent of the 47 rookies, who showcased their skills in the two-day Draft Combine at GameVille Ball Park.
“To be honest, we’re in a tough spot but we’re very grateful fourth pick. Honestly, we’re also a bit coi confused right now, especially with the pool of talent that are here and we don’t know who to pick yet,” Cruz told reporters as Farm Fresh was drawn fourth in the lottery with just a 10 percent chance of getting the top pick.
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“I guess we’ll see on draft day itself and we have to talk about it with the upper management as well.
ZUS Coffee coach Jerry Yee already has prospects to draft including Thea Gagate. He also has his eye on rookies who could complete their roster with only Dolly Verzosa and Mary Joy Onofre the remaining players from their debut conference joined by College of Saint Benilde products Cloanne Mondoñedo, Gayle Pascual, Michelle Gamit, and Jade Gentapa.
“It’s definitely a big event to be here because we still need to fill slots for our team but we see great potential from these players even if you know in the likes of Gagate, Leila, and La Salle girls, NCAA players and players from other countries that are very someone to look out for. Very promising for us,” said Cruz.
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As they continue to figure out how to maximize their draft picks for Farm Fresh, Cruz believes that the Foxies will surpass their 3-8 record in the All-Filipino with the Japanese coaches taking over in the Reinforced Conference.
“I can say that it’s very smooth since the kids are receptive, we have very young pool who are receptive Japanese culture so I would say watch out for us this conference. They’re only going up from here,” said the former Farm Fresh libero-turned-executive.