Coach Roger Gorayeb says Capital1 will think carefully before choosing the No. 1 pick in the PVL Draft

The Capital1 Solar Spikers hit the jackpot as the franchise won the right to pick first overall in the upcoming 2025 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Rookie Draft during the draft lottery event held in Mandaluyong City on Monday, May 26.

The Solar Spikers entered the draft lottery with a 30 percent chance of securing the top pick and notably benefited from a draft order based on the combined results of the 2024 Reinforced Conference and the 2024–25 All-Filipino Conference.

This gives Capital1 the opportunity to select three-time University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Most Valuable Player (MVP) Bella Belen, who is widely regarded as the future of Philippine volleyball. However, Belen’s status remains uncertain, as she has yet to make a decision and continues to weigh her options. She has until May 30–31 to withdraw her name from the draft.

First overall pick of the PVL Draft goes to Capital1 Solar Spikers. ☀️💛#PVLDraft pic.twitter.com/gKQHez9WrE

— M (@blckgldblckwht) May 26, 2025

Capital1 head coach Roger Gorayeb has dismissed speculation that they will automatically pick Belen as the top pick, telling GMA Online that they will “think wisely” before making any decision.

“Hintayin ko yung official list kasi baka yung iba mag-back out. We have to think wisely, recruit wisely kasi nakaka-one year pa lang kami. Sa dami ng prospect ngayon, parang 60 ‘yung initial list. Sana makakuha ako ng maganda-gandang recruit,” Gorayeb stated.

The legendary NCAA coach reiterated that a player’s attitude in training is something he values highly.

“I always say na this is not a popularity game. Minsan, maski sa recruitment, siyempre merong player na pinag-aagawan, merong player na ‘di pinag-aagawan pero ‘yun ang magsisipag kasi ‘yun ang chance nila. Kaya kailangan namin mag-isip nang malalim at mabuti. Huwag naming sasayangin ‘yung number one,” he added.

Gorayeb and the Capital1 management will have the chance to evaluate the rookies during the Draft Combine on Friday and Saturday at the Paco Arena in Manila.

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