ZUS sticks to draft plan, picks Gagate first overall as league begins march to parity

Thea Gagate–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

ZUS Coffee made it official. Thea Gagate became the No. 1 overall pick on Monday when ZUS Coffee selected her first in the PVL Rookie Draft at Novotel Hotel in Quezon City. And the league took an important step toward parity, even if the journey there remains a long one.

“It’s overwhelming and honestly as first pick, I feel the pressure because it won’t be easy,” Gagate said. “But of course I will do my best to help the team rise in the PVL.”

League officials touted the Draft as a means to guide the league to competitive balance: Among the 12 active teams today, only three squads have won championships, with Creamline hoarding the most at eight. Petro Gazz has two titles and Chery Tiggo won the league’s first-ever professional conference.

“Looking at it long term, we expect [the Draft] to help level the playing field so that all teams will have a competitive edge,” league commissioner Sherwin Malonzo said before selection day.

For ZUS, Gagate is an important step toward that direction. She becomes the first of what the league hopes will be a long line of No. 1s who can change the fortunes of a franchise—something that will put a ton of expectations on the trailblazing top pick.

“This is gonna be [filled with pressure but] there’s always gonna be pressure. I am just really excited as well and as I always say I hope to just do my best to help the team build their rank up in the PVL,” the three-time UAAP Best Middle Blocker told reporters shortly after officially being selected by the Thunderbelles.

Gagate will be joining the core of College of St. Benilde, the reigning NCAA champions, of Cloanne Mondonedo, Gayle Pascual, Jade Gentapa and Mich Gamit together with seasoned mentor Jerry Yee and Strong Group mainstay Dolly Verzosa.

Other picks

ZUS had made it known all along the Gagate would be their pick the moment the lottery went the team’s way.

“I was still nervous even though I know that I am their top pick. There was still some weight but then I am also grateful that they appreciated my talent and picked me for their team,” Gagate said.

Gagate’s La Salle teammates also ended up being taken early with Capital1 selecting opposite hitter Leila Cruz, setter Julia Coronel by Galeries Tower and Maicah Larroza by Farm Fresh.

Nxled picked up former Adamson hitter Lucille Almonte, University of the Philippines standout Steph Bustrillo went to Akari.Cignal selected Ishie Lalongisip, PLDT Angelica Alcantara, Chery Tiggo Karen Verdeflor, Petro Gazz Antonette Adolfo, Choco Mucho Lorraine Pecana from Arellano and Creamline Alleiah Torres.

The second round of the draft was ongoing as of press time.

“[We have a] diverse talent pool but I think everybody’s testing the waters but I think it’s good that the teams have a lot to choose from the 47 applicants,” Malonzo told the Inquirer in Filipino. INQ