Potential top overall pick CJ Rosario and other incoming rookies get a chance to showcase their brilliance when they participate in the 1st Philippine Superliga Rookie Camp today at the FilOil Flying V Center in San Juan City.
Rosario, the 6-foot-1 former Arellano Lady Chief and NCAA Most Valuable Player, will lead the hopefuls in a grueling four-hour camp that aims to give coaches and team owners a good idea on their potential before the league holds its third Annual Rookie Draft on Friday at the third floor lobby of SM Aura in Taguig.
CJ Rosario played for the Petron Tri-Activ Spikers during the Invitational Cup
Former national team mentor Sammy Acaylar of Cignal will be the drillmaster while coaches Kung Fu Reyes of RC Cola-Army, George Pascua of Petron, Francis Vicente of Generika, Ramil de Jesus of F2 Logistics, Nene Ybanez of Standard Insurance-Navy, Ken Moleno of Perpetual, and Vilet Ponce-de Leon of Foton will act as observers together with their respective team owners.
After the drills, incoming rookies will engage in a friendly match with the stars of the league led by Rachel Anne Daquis, Aby Marano, Cha Cruz, Jovelyn Gonzaga, Ces Molina, Maika Ortiz, and Rhea Dimaculangan.
“We want to make it easier for coaches and team owners to decide,” said PSL president Ramon “Tats” Susana, who just arrived from Tokyo after serving as control committee member in the FIVB Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament. “But more than anything else, this camp will give players a chance to showcase their skills and talents and gain confidence before our annual rookie draft on Friday. This is our way to discover the future stars of the league.”
Aside from Rosario, La Salle superstar Ara Galang is also expected to be an incoming rookie.
Although she remains doubtful to join the draft as she has yet to earn her degree in Entrepreneurship, she might be taken as a direct hire of F2 Logistics, which will parade the nucleus of the Lady Spikers like Mika Reyes, Kim Fajardo, Kim Dy, Cyd Demecillo, Majoy Baron, and Dawn Macandili.
The Lady Spikers will not go through the draft because they already saw action in the import-flavored PSL Grand Prix last year.
RC Cola-Army owns the top overall pick followed by Generika, Perpetual, Standard Insurance-Navy, F2 Logistics, Cignal, Petron, and Foton. But the draft order is not yet cast in stone as teams will have a trading period starting 12:00 noon Monday to the draft proper.
“We know that the level of competition had already increased and everybody is eager to have a very strong roster. With that, we will give teams an ample time to tweak their respective lineups prior to the draft day on Friday,” Suzara said.
Also tipped to be taken in the first round are former Arellano stars Danna Henson and Angelica Legacion as well as former Davao standout Mary Grace Berte and former National University playmaker Jocelyn Soliven.
Danna Henson played for Foton and just finished a spectacular career with the Arellano Lady Chiefs
Renelyn Raterta, Sarina Bulan, Christine Suyao, Marlyn Llagoso, Jerra Mae Pacinio, Gen Casugod, Jonafer San Pedro, Kristine Dave, Loraine Palomar, Eloisa Medina, Sheryl Laborte, Lourdes Patilano and Suzette Salas are also expected to get prominent draft positions.
The camp will start at 1:00 pm and will be open to fans.
