With Bella Belen officially entering the 2025 Premier Volleyball League Rookie Draft, Capital1 head coach Roger Gorayeb made it clear — if it were up to him, the Solar Spikers would be selecting her as the No. 1 overall pick.
The veteran tactician believes that the three-time UAAP MVP is the missing piece in a team he has carefully built over the past 15 months.
“Ayaw ko muna ngayon. Pero siyempre, nasa top list din namin siya. Mahirap magsalita ng tapos pero ako, ako pipili. Belen ako,” said Gorayeb.
“Kasi kailangan namin yung style ng laro niya. Magbe-blend ng husto doon sa team namin eh alam mo naman, nagpapalakas kami. Kaya piliin na namin yung first choice na magaling talaga.”
The highly anticipated draft is on June 8 at the Novotel Hotel in Quezon City, and all signs point to Belen being the top pick, with Capital1 owner Milka Romero also expressing strong interest in acquiring the former National University standout.
Belen carved out a legendary collegiate career not just as a prolific scorer, but as a do-it-all outside spiker. Her three MVP trophies are a testament to her versatility — something Gorayeb is clearly drawn to as he looks to complete his team.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Si Belen. Si Belen talaga, kung yun lang ang panuntunan namin. Si Belen talaga. Kung kapag babasehan mo UAAP lang. Solomon wala naman dyan. Belen talaga ang huhulma sa amin,” he added.
Capital1 already boasts a solid core that includes setter Iris Tolenada, opposite hitter Leila Cruz, outside spiker Jorelle Singh, and libero Roma Mae Doromal. But Gorayeb is still in search of a key piece in the middle.
The Solar Spikers are expected to draft a middle blocker and may even dig deep into the third round to add more talent.
“Sa utak ko dalawa pero pag inabot pa kami nung ikatlong round, baka meron pang nandiyan. Dami pang player diyan— andyan si Malaluan, si Toring, middle and outside din yan eh. Sa dami, 60, ilang ikot yan diba?” said Gorayeb.
After months of rebuilding and recruitment, the seasoned coach is confident that Capital1 is finally on the brink of forming a competitive squad.
“After one year and three months, mabubuo na rin ang team na ito. Nagsimula naman ako dito na wala talagang player so after 15 months, medyo maganda-ganda na yung sitwasyon ngayon kaya dapat mapili namin yung gusto.”
#WATCH: With Bella Belen committing to the #PVLDraft, Capital1 head coach Roger Gorayeb hints she could be his top pick 🏐
📹 @justinvalencia_ /Tiebreaker Times pic.twitter.com/hohNnQJwr4
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) May 31, 2025
