IN a draft class dominated by UAAP standouts, two NCAA products made sure the 'Grand Ol’ League' had its time under the sun.
Mapua middle blocker Alyanna Ong and Perpetual setter Fianne Ariola emerged as the NCAA's standard-bearers in the 2026 PVL Rookie Draft, becoming two of just 11 names called on Wednesday night.
READ: PVL goes back to drawing board after only a third of hopefuls get drafted
Ong was picked fourth overall by ZUS Coffee, making her the highest-drafted NCAA player in the rookie selection process' three-year history. Ariola followed shortly after at No. 7 to PLDT, marking the first time two NCAA players were chosen in Round 1.
Their selections stood out in a class where nine of the 11 draftees came from UAAP schools, reinforcing the belief that talent exists well beyond the country's most popular collegiate league.
For Ong, the moment came as a genuine surprise, given how not even half of the 38-strong class got to go out of the draft room during the proceedings.
“Very unexpected talaga. Even if I really wanted it and had high hopes, hindi ko in-expect na Top 4, so really thankful for the coaching staff and the management for giving me a chance to showcase my skills and contribute to the team," said the former Lady Cardinals standout.
More than her personal achievement, however, Ong took pride in carrying the NCAA banner onto the draft stage.
“It’s a big deal to be representing the NCAA. I do believe that the NCAA has a lot of power and a lot of potential. If given the opportunity talaga to represent them, I'm really thankful and grateful,” she said.
The ex-Mapua middle now heads to a Thunderbelles side already loaded with frontline talent, including the likes of Thea Gagate, AC Miner, and Riza Nogales, but she already knows how she intends to carve out a role.
“One thing is pagiging young ko. I'm going to make sure that I can contribute by giving high energy and a good aura for the team. I really want to learn from my ates, from the other middle blockers,” she said.
Perpetual pride
Ariola, meanwhile, is still processing the magnitude of her own draft night breakthrough, as the former Lady Altas playmaker now finds herself joining a perennial contender in the High Speed Hitters.
“’Yung feeling ko po talaga ngayon is super overwhelmed po kasi hindi ko po in-expect na mada-draft ako tapos ngayon, first round pick pa kaya sobrang saya ko lang po,” she said.
The opportunity also means learning from one of the country's premier setters in Kim Fajardo.
“Hindi pa po nagsi-sink in sa akin ngayon. For sure, sobrang dami ko pong matututunan, lalo na at makakasama ko po yung super veteran at legendary setter na si ate Kim kaya excited po ako na maglaro kasama siya, mag-train, and to work with her po,” she said.
Ariola understands the pressure that comes with joining a championship contender, but she believes her willingness to learn will help iron out the transition.
“’Yung pressure po, lagi namang nandiyan. Nakaka-pressure po to be with a winning team na nasa winning culture, pero feeling ko naman po, sa tulong ng mga ates at coaches, mabilis naman po akong makakapag-adapt,” she said.
“If there's one thing na sure po ako na mako-contribute ko, yun yung determination and willingness ko to learn every day and in every training.”
For one night at least, Ong and Ariola reminded everyone that while the UAAP may have supplied most of the draft class, the NCAA remains more than capable of producing players worthy of the professional stage.
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