Danivah Aying during the PVL Rookie Draft.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — ZUS Coffee signed Danivah Aying after the rookie wasn’t able to “finalize terms” with Galleries Tower, which drafted her in the fourth round of the inaugural PVL Rookie Draft last month.
The Thunderbelles on Saturday welcomed Aying, the 23rd overall pick and final rookie drafted by the Highrisers, to boost their young roster.
The league said that Aying became a free agent after the 15-day signing window as she and Galeries didn’t come to terms despite being in attendance with reserve players in the team’s first few games.
PVL Commissioner Sherwin Malonzo explains Danivah Aying’s signing with ZUS Coffee. #PVL2024 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/vfD6ha99Wg
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) August 3, 2024
According to league rules, the unsigned draftees are placed in a “special draft” following the original draft order — ZUS Coffee, Capital1, and Farm Fresh.
Aying’s rights were eventually released by Galeries.
“Since isa lang siya, instead of organizing a closed door meeting [for a special draft] with the teams tinawagan na lang namin isa isa, offering Ms. Aying. Sa unang tawag pa lang, ok na si ZUS. We informed the other teams that ZUS Coffee already acquired Ms. Aying,” said league commissioner Sherwin Malonzo.
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ZUS Coffee was interested in the potential of the 5-foot-6 spiker out of the University of San Jose-Recoletos. That’s why they signed her, hoping to end a 0-4 start in Pool B.
“Danivah’s potential and passion for playing volleyball are truly inspiring,” said Thunderbelles team manager Kiara Cruz. “Her eagerness to compete here in Manila and her dedication to the sport led us to sign her and give her this opportunity.”
Aying, the daughter of former PBA player Danny, could make her debut against the Capital1 Solar Spikers on Tuesday at Philsports Arena.
The Cebuana spiker was the lone player, who is not from UAAP and NCAA, drafted in the inaugural Rookie Draft.
Aying’s signing was allowed by the league since she’s a rookie and ZUS Coffee has less than 20 players.