ALYSSA Solomon has emerged as the presumptive No. 1 pick for the 2026 PVL Rookie Draft - and understandably so.
A 6-foot-2 opposite hitter with Japan SV.League experience, Alas Pilipinas exposure, and a decorated National U resumé does not exactly come around that often.
READ: Capital1 has best chance at No. 1 pick in PVL draft lottery
But if Capital1 does end up securing the top pick with the highest odds in the draft lottery, there remains a realistic chance that the obvious choice may not necessarily be the automatic one.
It's not because Solomon is not worthy of going first overall, but rather because the Solar Spikers’ current roster composition and long-term needs may quietly open the door for other equally sensible options.
Here’s a look at the strongest cases among the prospects who could realistically hear their names called at No. 1.
ALYSSA SOLOMON: The safest superstar swing
At face value, Solomon remains the cleanest and most logical pick available as the closest thing this draft has to another Bella Belen-level generational talent.
The former Lady Bulldogs star already brings international pedigree after spending a season in Japan with Osaka Marvelous, on top of her experience with the national team and her multi-titled collegiate career.
More importantly, Solomon fills one of the premium positions as one of the most potent opposite hitters at just 24 years old, capable of immediately becoming a cornerstone for any franchise.
And for a Capital1 team suddenly building around superstars after also acquiring MVPs Vanie Gandler and Erika Santos, adding Solomon could instantly create one of the most explosive offensive cores.
The NU golden generation reunion narrative with Belen practically writes itself, too.
LAMS LAMINA: The fit that quietly makes the most sense
If Capital1 decides to prioritize roster balance over sheer star power, then Lams Lamina becomes a very compelling option.
The decorated blue-and-gold setter remains one of the best young playmakers today and already shares championship chemistry with Belen from their Lady Bulldogs days.
And in the context of the Solar Spikers’ current roster, the argument becomes even stronger.
Having already addressed a major scoring need after acquiring Santos to strengthen the right-wing attack alongside Gandler and Belen, what the team may now need more is someone capable of orchestrating all that beautiful music consistently.
While veterans Iris Tolenada and Jas Nabor still provide experience at setter alongside newcomer Jaja Maraguinot, Lamina offers long-term stability at arguably one the most important positions.
For a franchise clearly thinking beyond short-term competitiveness, Lamina may quietly be the most strategic pick on the board.
NIÑA YTANG: The defensive anchor option
While Capital1’s offensive arsenal is suddenly stacked, its frontline depth could still use another elite presence.
That is where Niña Ytang enters the conversation.
The four-time UAAP Best Middle Blocker has long established herself as one of the premier young net presences, combining size, instincts, and defensive timing at a consistent level.
Should the Solar Spikers opt to reinforce their frontline instead, Ytang would immediately strengthen a middle rotation that includes Cherry Nunag, Pauline Gaston, Pia Abbu, Ezra Madrigal, KC Galdones, and Rachel Austero.
And while middles rarely dominate No. 1 overall conversations compared to scorers, Ytang’s upside as a long-term anchor could make her difficult to overlook, especially for a team suddenly looking ready to contend much sooner than expected.
DETDET PEPITO: The invaluable chemistry pick
Perhaps no prospect in this class naturally forms an instant bond with Capital1's franchise player Belen more than her good old friend Detdet Pepito.
The decorated libero shares years of chemistry with Belen, with their connection stretching all the way back to Lucas R. Pascual Memorial Elementary School.
That familiarity matters, as Pepito established herself as one of the most accomplished liberos from the collegiate ranks, twice a UAAP Best Libero in the seniors division, and a podium finisher in her last three seasons with University of Santo Tomas.
And for a Solar Spikers side suddenly overloaded with offensive weapons, stabilizing the backrow may become just as important.
Pairing Pepito with current liberos Roma Doromal and Rachel Jorvina could significantly strengthen Capital1’s floor defense and reception system heading into the future.
The flashy pick may always lean toward a scorer like Solomon, but for a franchise trying to build sustainable winning volleyball, Pepito’s value may run deeper than numbers alone.
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