JEMA Galanza is at risk of missing Creamline’s forthcoming title bid in the 2024 All-Filipino Conference
While Cool Smashers head coach Sherwin Meneses acknowledged how the national team calendar will affect Galanza’s availability for the import-laden conference, he did share how they continue to wait for a final decision on whether or not the reigning Finals MVP will be available for them.
“Wala pang final (na decision), pero sa pagkakaalam namin, hindi siya makakalaro sa’min,” Meneses said.
“Hindi pa naman final, so kami rin, naghihintay ng decision.”
Over on the other side of the Rebisco fence, Choco Mucho confirmed the expected absences of Galanza’s soon-to-be Alas Pilipinas teammates Sisi Rondina and Cherry Nunag ahead of the 2024 FIVB Volleyball Women’s Challenger Cup in July and the Southeast Asian (SEA) V.League in August.
Such a fate could dampen the Reinforced Conference hopes of not just one, but both Rebisco sides.
Solutions to the Rebisco problems
Good thing then that Choco Mucho has tapped Russian ace hitter Zoi Faki, while Creamline has secured the services of American spiker Erica Staunton.
READ: Choco Mucho brings in 6-1 Greek import to help offset Sisi, Nunag absences
And Meneses is already pleased with how their attacking reliever has slotted into the Cool Smashers’ champion-caliber system in such short a time.
“As of now, ok naman, kasi time lang talaga makakapagsabi kasi very young ‘yung import namin, (pero) madali siyang nakaka-adapt sa system,” the champion coach said.
READ: Creamline unveils American import Erica Staunton
By virtue of being the PVL All-Filipino Conference champion, however, Creamline will have the last pick of the first round in the inaugural PVL Rookie Draft on July 8 at Novotel Manila Araneta City.
In effect, they’ll be taking the 12th and 24th picks, and any additional pick in the later rounds should draft proceedings go distance.
Wherever they'll land, the Cool Smashers already have their eyes on a few players and hope that such targets will still be available by the time the eight-time PVL champions are on the clock.
“Meron naman (kaming targets). Depende lang sa situation na mangyayari kung sino yung (No.) 1 to 11 na makukuha/ Sa lahat ng position, may strategy kami, kaso...napakahirap magsabi ng specific (player), isang position lang,” said Meneses.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
