Petron takes first crack at PSL draft

MANILA, Philippines - Petron Blaze tries to shore up its roster for the second Philippine Super Liga as it picks first in the first-ever PSL draft set tomorrow at the NBA Café at SM Aura in Taguig City.

The pool consists of 26 of the country’s top unsigned volley stars who may be picked to join the protected nine players allowed for each team vying in the country’s premier volleyball club tournament. The draft is set at 2 p.m.

The Lady Blaze Spikers are looking forward to beefing up their almost depleted roster with some of the blue-chip stars coming from the recently concluded collegiate women’s volleyball leagues.

New franchise Air Asia-Zest, will be picking second in the lottery to be followed by RC Cola, Cagayan Valley, PLDT MyDSL, Cignal and finally Philippine Army, now under the banner of Generica Pharmaceuticals to be represented by team manager Claire Carlos.

Petron, which finished third in the inaugural PSL invitational and fifth in the import-laced PSL Grand Prix last year, is tipped to draft National University stalwart Dindin Santiago.

For Air Asia-Zest, whose core is composed of former De La Salle University Lady Spikers like Michele Gumabao, Melissa Gohing, Stephanie Mercado and Cha Cruz, are said to be eyeing former two-time UAAP MVP Abigail Maraño.

PSL chairman Philip Ella Juico, Commissioner Ian Laurel and Sportscore chairman Ariel Paredes will join PSL president Ramon Suzara in facilitating the league’s very first draft after its highly successful inaugural year.