CONSENSUS top pick Bella Belen did not show up on opening day of the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft Combine on Friday at the Paco Arena.
With her draft application status still uncertain as she mulls a late withdrawal, PVL commissioner Sherwin Malonzo explained how the three-time UAAP MVP's absence was merely due to a scheduling conflict.
"In the case of Bella, I think she has [a] team event ngayon. They’re out of town now," Malonzo said in an interview during the live feed of draft combine activities.
"I don’t know if she’s coming back by tomorrow. We’re hoping na makita siya. Wala siyang stats if 'di maka-attend, pero Belen na yan eh.”
READ: Bella Belen to PVL not yet a done deal. Here's why
The first day of the draft combine had the aspirants undergo a series of anthropometry tests to gauge various skill and fitness components.
It will be on the combine's second day in which the draft hopefuls will participte in scrimmages where team representatives will be present at the sidelines.
As of posting time, Belen has yet to withdraw her application in the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft.
The final list of eligible applicants will be released on June 4, four days before draft night at Novotel Manila Araneta City in Quezon City.
No Bella in Alas, also
Belen was also absent from Alas Pilipinas training today.
It's because she was with some of her fellow Lady Bulldogs up north in Laoag, Ilocos Norte to watch the NU-Nazareth School-laden National Capital Region side compete for volleyball glory at the Palarong Pambansa.
As such, Malonzo was given the assurance that the first-year rookie-MVP will catch up in time for the final day of the draft combine.
"Si Bella naman, kausap ko ‘yung manager niya. She’s arriving daw tomorrow. We’re expecting her to drop by tomorrow," Malonzo said.
"Actually, balak niya ata humabol ngayon, pero sabi ko baka matapos na by 4 [p.m.]. Mas maganda sana kung kaninang umaga or ‘yun nga, tomorrow na."
Also among the nine absentees from Day 1 of the combine was Fil-American setter Alohi Robins-Hardy, the tallest draft prospect at 6-foot-3, who is still in a family trip.
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