ZUS Coffee head coach Jerry Yee has confirmed what has long been presumed: the team will make Thea Gagate the PVL's first-ever No. 1 overall pick.
Yee confirmed the development to reporters on opening day of the PVL Rookie Draft Combine, saying that barring any late changes and interventions, the UAAP's three-time best middle blocker will go first overall.
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"Consensus naman kung sino 'yung No. 1 diyan. Kailangan mo 'yun eh — height at mobility," said Yee. "We all agree on the first name we wanted which is si Thea. Thea sana."
Even before the league's pre-draft activities, Yee already shared how the team has long been in contact with Gagate's camp.
"I think the management, they have long been in contact. Nag-uusap naman sila so merong (prior communication with Gagate)," said Yee.
The former Farm Fresh mentor, who is entering his first conference in charge of sister team ZUS Coffee, did admit that securing the No. 1 pick still came as a surprise despite having the highest chance in the lottery.
And ahead of the opening day of the PVL Rookie Draft Combine, it's no longer the No. 1 pick they're eyeing.
Instead, all eyes are on the No. 13 pick — the Thunderbelles' next selection after all 12 teams have made their picks in the first round of the draft.
"Nagulat ako siyempre," Yee said. "Sabi ko, sampu lang 'yung bola tapos apat 'yung sa 'min, parang mahirap pa rin 'yun ah.
"We are very happy and excited, and kaya nandito tayo para makakita na ng next pick namin," said Yee.
ZUS Coffee landed the No. 1 pick ahead of Capital1 at No. 2, Galeries Tower at No. 3 and Farm Fresh to round out the top four.
Gagate's formal entry to ZUS Coffee is all set on July 8 when the PVL hosts its inaugural rookie draft, 7 p.m. the Novotel Manila Araneta City in Quezon City.
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