NINE out of 60 aspirants were absent from opening day of the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft Combine on Friday at the Paco Arena.
Two notables absentees were National U star Bella Belen and Farm Fresh deputy coach Alohi Robins-Hardy, both touted to be in the Top Four of this year’s draft.
READ Belen absent in Day 1 of PVL Draft Combine
Belen is expected to join the final day of the combine upon returning from her brief Palarong Pambansa trip to Laoag, Ilocos Norte while Robins-Hardy’s participation remains uncertain.
But are there any consequences for missing one or both days of the combine?
PVL commissioner Sherwin Malonzo clarified the league rules regarding an applicant’s absence in pre-draft activities.
“Ang magiging effect lang nu’n [absence from draft combine] is hindi sila makikita ng teams natin,” Malonzo said.
“Ang medyo crucial du’n, kung hindi kilala ‘yung player, sila ang mawawalan [ng opportunity sa draft combine] pero hindi natin sila tatanggalin.”
The only ones that can take an applicant’s name off the final draft list is themselves.
The PVL has set a final deadline for all 60 applicants to respond to the confirmation emails it will send upon the conclusion of the draft combine on Saturday.
“After tomorrow, we’ll be sending them emails, getting in touch with them, and asking them if tutuloy ba sila or hindi,” Malonzo said.
“If they reply ‘Yes’, okay lang, tuloy lang sila. But if they don’t reply or if they reply ‘No’, then that’s the only time we’ll cut them from the list.”
The final list of draftees will also be revealed on the same day of the applicants’ confirmation deadline just four days before draft night.
Belen to catch up at combine
Belen also re-affirmed her intent to attend Day 2 of the 2025 PVL Draft Combine upon speaking with reporters at the sidelines of the Palarong Pambansa.
"Tomorrow [Saturday], I have a commitment sa national team. Training ulit, then hahabol ako sa combine kasi ngayon 'yung first day at 'di ako nakapunta," Belen said.
"Meron din akong commitment du'n [sa national team] pero nakapagpaalam naman po ako sa PVL and pumayag naman po sila. Hahabol po ako sa Alas, and then sa combine."
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