Four teams will learn the future of their franchises on Monday night when the Premier Volleyball League Draft Lottery takes place at the TV5 Media Center in Mandaluyong City.
The lottery, which will air live on One Sports’ The Starting Lineup at 6:30 p.m., will determine the order of the first four picks for the PVL Draft set on June 3 at Novotel Manila Araneta City.
The proceedings will be presided over by league commissioner Sherwin Malonzo, along with a representative from the Games and Amusements Board.
Capital1, which selected Bella Belen as the top overall pick last year, holds the highest probability of landing the No. 1 pick anew at 40 percent. Galeries Tower follows with a 30 percent chance, while ZUS Coffee and Choco Mucho have 20 percent and 10 percent odds, respectively.
Still, the Solar Spikers are far from guaranteed the top selection, as shown in last year’s lottery when luck favored them.
The Nxled Chameleons entered the draw with the most ping-pong balls, only to slide to the fourth overall pick.
This year’s lottery could very well become the “Alyssa Solomon Sweepstakes.”
The 6-foot-1 opposite hitter from National University, who last played for Japan SV.League club Osaka Marvelous, beat Friday’s application deadline, as confirmed by her agency, Hustle & Groove.
Also expected to headline the draft pool are four-time UAAP Best Middle Blocker Niña Ytang and two-time UAAP Best Libero Detdet Pepito, who are likewise represented by Hustle & Groove.
The complete list of approved draft applicants eligible for the rookie draft combine — scheduled from May 28 to 29 at Gameville Ballpark in Mandaluyong City — will be announced hours before the lottery.
Prospects may still withdraw their applications until June 1, two days before the draft, which is supported Buffalo’s Wings and Things, Ibis Styles Manila, Novotel Manila, and Gameville.
For now, though, the four teams involved in the lottery can only hope that fortune swings their way and helps reshape their future.
