ARELLANO University’s CJ Rosario suddenly found company as a potential top pick in the Philippine Superliga (PSL) Annual Rookie Draft on Friday at the Music Hall Oval Venue of the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City.
De La Salle star Ara Galang, 21, and a former Most Valuable Player from reigning University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) champion De La Salle, has decided to join the draft which kicks off at 5 p.m.
Galang was initially apprehensive in joining the draft, citing her academics and a knee injury as reasons. But in a stunning development, Galang showed during the Rookie Camp at the FilOil Flying V Center last Tuesday, making her a co-favorite with Rosario to emerge as the top overall pick.
The De La Salle ace is hoping to join new-look F2 Logistics, which will be bannered by her teammates Mika Reyes, Cyd Demecillo, Kim Fajardo, Kim Dy and other former Lady Spikers.
The six-foot-one Rosario was initially the lone choice as No. 1 pick after impressing coaches and scouts during the rookie camp. She also has PSL experience, having helped Petron reach the semifinals of a pre-season tournament last month.
RC Cola-Army, owner of the No. 1 pick, admitted that choosing between Galang and Rosario is a “very beautiful problem” because both players are capable of becoming a vital piece in their bid to win their fourth PSL crown.
“Both of them are very good. They are the rising stars in this league,” RC Cola-Army Coach Kungfu Reyes said. “But we haven’t sat down to discuss our choice. This is a very crucial decision. We have to do a lot of research before coming up with a choice.”
PSL president Ramon Suzara said this year’s draft will be full of drama because of the implementation of a three-day trading period that could change the complexion and order of the draft.
“We don’t know who will end up with whom,” said Suzara, an executive council member of the FIVB who also holds an important position with the AVC.