Fil-Ams head PSL rookie draft Thursday

MANILA, Philippines—Two Filipino-American players and a host of collegiate stars will be up for grabs when the Philippine Superliga women’s volleyball holds its annual rookie draft Thursday at 4 p.m. at SM Aura in Taguig City.

Former standout of San Francisco State University and Most Valuable Player awardee of California Collegiate Athletic Association Iris Tonelada looms as the top rookie pick.

But that depends on whether Philips Gold (formerly Mane N’ Tail), which owns the overall top pick, will choose a setter like Tonelada, who could feed resident hitters Michelle Gumabao and Melissa Gohing.

Alexa Micek of North Carolina State is also expected to be picked early on. The 23-year-old is elder sister of Ateneo recruit Cole.

University of the Philippines middle blocker Angeli Araneta and Ateneo libero Denise Lazaro will banner the local recruits.

The draft order will be Philips Gold, Foton, Cignal, Shopinas, Via Mare and Petron. It will follow the same order in the second round.

“Unlike last year when Dindin Santiago and Aby Marano were clear-cut favorites, this year’s draft is full of suspense,” said PSL president Ramon “Tats” Suzara.

Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano will host the draft proceedings which start at 4 p.m. The draft formally opens the PSL season which starts March 22 at Mall of Asia Arena.