IN recent PVL Rookie Drafts, the real intrigue has often started after the No. 1 pick.
The top choice usually takes care of itself, but the second selection, on the other hand, has frequently become the bigger mystery with Capital1's Leila Cruz in 2024 and Galeries Tower's Jean Asis in 2025 emerging as surprise choices.
This year, however, the Solar Spikers appear to have a much clearer picture of where they want to go.
READ: Galeries Tower readies Plan B if Solomon withdraws from PVL Draft
Head coach Jorge Souza de Brito bared that the team's sights are firmly set on a setter as their top priority, or an opposite hitter otherwise, with the second overall pick.
“Hopefully, we can get another setter, or another opposite, we’re going to be good,” he said.
Coincidentally, those needs align perfectly with the profiles of the two prospects widely projected to headline this year's class.
Consensus top choice Alyssa Solomon is regarded as the premier opposite hitter available, while fellow National U standout Lams Lamina has been touted as the best setter in the pool.
Galeries going what?
With the Highrisers owning first overall, Capital1's plans naturally hinge on what happens before it takes its turn.
“In our team, we have space for good players regardless of the position," de Brito said.
“Any good player will fit in our team, and we’re looking for the best one we can get. Since Galeries has the first option, we’re going to look for the second option, but a really good one.”
As things stand, Solomon remains the favorite to go No. 1 - if, and this is a big if, she keeps her name in the hat.
But with the former Lady Bulldog still weighing overseas opportunities, the possibility of a late withdrawal continues to hover over the draft board.
Should that happen, and barring a surprise move by Galeries Tower to pivot towards a setter, the path appears clear for Lamina to join the Solar Spikers.
Such a scenario would then reunite the decorated playmaker with Bella Belen, her longtime teammate and fellow cornerstone of NU's modern-day dynasty.
A playmaking quartet would then be formed at Capital1 alongside another former Lady Bulldog in Jas Nabor, as well as Iris Tolenada and Jaja Maraguinot.
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