As the 2026 PVL Draft finally arrives, the conversation is no longer about who is missing. It is about who is ready to seize the opportunity left behind.
What once appeared to be a draft class headlined by consensus top prospects Alyssa Solomon and Niña Ytang has transformed into one of the most unpredictable talent pools in recent memory. With both stars opting out before draft night, a new generation of hopefuls now steps into the spotlight, each carrying a legitimate case to become the first name called when teams gather at Novotel Manila Araneta City on Wednesday evening.
At the center of that conversation are National University playmaker Camilla Lamina and University of Santo Tomas defensive anchor Bernadett Pepito.
Lamina enters the draft as one of the most decorated setters in collegiate volleyball, having established herself as the steady hand behind NU’s championship success. Pepito, meanwhile, built her reputation as one of the country’s premier defensive specialists, earning multiple UAAP Best Libero honors while serving as the backbone of UST’s floor defense.
But unlike previous drafts that featured a clear-cut favorite, this year’s selection process feels far more fluid.
The absence of Solomon and Ytang has opened the door for several prospects to significantly boost their stock, including athletes who impressed scouts and coaches during the recent Draft Combine conducted by Valor Performance Institute.
Among the biggest risers was Adamson speedster Barbie Jamili, who showcased elite athleticism by topping several testing categories. Jamili recorded the fastest 10-meter sprint time at 1.759 seconds, dominated the pro agility 5-10-5 test with a 5.109-second mark, and led the hop test reactive strength index with 3.36 meters per second.
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DRAFT NIGHT READY
Here’s the final list of 38 aspirants all set for the 2026 PVL Rookie Draft on Wednesday, hoping to hear their names called and begin their journey in the professional league.#PVL2026 #TheHeartofVolleyball pic.twitter.com/U0bPJ4ij04
— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) June 2, 2026
University of the East standout Khy Cepada likewise strengthened her case as one of the most intriguing prospects in the class. She finished near the top of multiple combine categories, placing second in both the 10-meter sprint and countermovement jump while also ranking among the leaders in agility and vertical explosion drills.
The draft pool remains rich with established collegiate names despite the high-profile withdrawals.
Among those hoping to hear their names called are UST’s Jonna Perdido and Xyza Gula; UP standouts Irah Jaboneta, Joan Monares, Heart Magsombol, and Jum Gayo; FEU’s Ann Asis and Florize Papa; La Salle’s Ela Raagas, Michelle Beterina, and Sophia Sindayen; UE’s Tin Ecalla and Kayce Balingit; and former Ateneo setter Taks Fujimoto.
Adding an international flavor to the proceedings is Jade Fuentes of Cal State Dominguez Hills, the lone Filipino-foreign applicant in the draft class.
Notably absent from the event itself will be FEU setter Tin Ubaldo, who remains committed to the Alas Pilipinas Women program as preparations continue for the upcoming AVC Women’s Cup in Candon City.
Beyond the individual names, Wednesday’s draft represents another important chapter in the league’s continued growth. The PVL has increasingly become the primary bridge between collegiate stardom and professional volleyball, forcing teams to balance immediate needs with long-term roster building.
That challenge begins with Galeries Tower, which secured the coveted No. 1 overall pick after winning the draft lottery despite long odds. Capital1 follows at No. 2, while Choco Mucho and Akari complete the top four selections.
Nxled, Farm Fresh, PLDT, and Creamline round out the remainder of the first-round order.
By the end of the night, careers will change, franchises will reshape their futures, and one prospect will walk away as the newest face of the league’s next generation. The only certainty heading into draft night is that no one truly knows how the board will fall.
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