BELLA Belen is staying put in the Philippines and will pursue her 2025 PVL Rookie Draft application.
The National U captain and three-time UAAP MVP now made it clear that she’s set to follow the desires of her heart to write the first chapter of her pro career on home soil.
“Yes po [mag-stay ako] kasi siyempre, at the end of the day, nandito naman tayo sa 'Pinas. Pilipinas pa rin ang mamahalin,” Belen said, with her trademark smile.
“Buo naman na po yung loob ko na magpapa-draft.”
The consensus top pick of this year’s draft isn’t too keen on embracing her tag as the best available talent in the 60-strong draft pool, though.
READ: Belen finally in PVL Draft Combine - after nine-hour trip from Laoag
Even for just about three hours following a nine-hour drive from Ilocos Norte to Manila, Belen still wanted to make an impression just like every other applicant in the final day of the draft combine.
“Hindi ko naman po iniisip na ako yung magiging number one pick since marami ring talented players na nagpa-draft. Hinihintay ko rin po kung sinuman po yung team na pipili sa’kin. Hindi ko naman siya pride na ‘Ay, number one ako, ganyan,’” she said.
“Iba pa rin po siyempre kasi may combine para makita ka ng coaches and mga leaders ng PVL teams kung paano ka makipag-interact with other players.”
Bella turns pro at home
One not to shy away from speaking her mind, Belen was at a loss for words upon fully realizing that her time as a college player has come to an end.
And in a matter of days, the heart and soul of the blue-and-gold over the last 11 years is turning pro.
“Very overwhelming and at the same time, nakaka-sad. Iisipin ko na, ‘Ito na, last day ko na sa NU kahapon tapos nasa drafting na ako ngayon,’” he said.
“Nakaka-sad lang, pero excited talaga ako mag-pro, as in. Hindi ko ma-explain kung gaano po ako ka-excited.”
But at least when it comes to her potential destination, Belen’s staying tight-lipped.
In fact, when asked about having another ex-Lady Bulldogs coach in Roger Gorayeb possibly lead her in the pros if Capital1 drafts her first overall, she only had this to say.
“Hindi ko na naabutan si coach Roger sa NU. Nung sakto kong pagpasok sa NU, iba na po yung coach. Kumbaga, parang kakaalis niya lang po," he said.
“Kung sa kanya man po ako maglalaro, I’m very excited kasi marami pong dumaan kay coach Roger na magagaling na players like sina ate Alyssa Valdez, yung mga from Ateneo, marami po sila, sina ate Denden [Lazaro-Revilla]."
“Mas hungry to learn more pa sa ibang players sa ibang teams. Magkakaiba po ng sistema eh. Yung paglalaro sa pro at sa UAAP, magkaiba na po yun. Siyempre, mag-aadjust din po ako at mag-aadapt.”
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