ARA Galang ended all speculations after she entered the 2016 Philippine Super Liga annual rookie draft at the last minute on Friday before she was named top overall pick at the Mall of Asia Music Hall Oval.
Undecided up to the last minute, the former La Salle ace decided to show up for the draft and ended up becoming the surprise first pick by F2 Logistics, a team made up of former Lady Spikers teammates.
“Happy (ako) syempre of all the people na nagpa-draft, ako ‘yung No. 1,” she said.
“So syempre ang laki ng tiwala sa’yo ng mga tao kapag ganoon ang nangyari so nakaka-overwhelm and I feel so blessed for this,” added Galang.
The 21-year old pride of Angeles, Pampanga revealed that she felt the opportunity to play in the PSL was too good to pass up, the reason she decided to join the draft.
“Siguro ayaw ko lang palampasin ‘yung time na ito. Siguro ito ‘yung perfect time para sumali ako sa draft,” she said. “Syempre ‘yung opportunity na ‘yun baka maglaho na ‘yun.”
RC Cola-Army previously owned the right to pick first, but the veteran-laden squad passed on the draft and gave its pick to the Cargo Movers.
Meanwhile, Arellano University standout CJ Rosario was picked No. 2 overall by Petron. The 6-foot-1 middle blocker matched the feat of older brother Troy Rosario, who was drafted second by Tropang TNT in the last PBA rookie draft.
The younger Rosario already suited up for the Tri-Activ Spikers in the Invitational Conference.
“Actually pinagdadasal ko talaga ‘yun kagabi, hindi nga ako makatulog,” said Rosario. “Kasi hindi na ako mag-aadjust ng team.”
Energetic spiker Renalyn Raterta from Davao was picked third overall by Amy’s Kitchen Perpetual Help, while Gen Casugod from Far Eastern University ended up with Generika as the fourth pick, followed by Mary Grace Berte of Holy Cross of Davao College going to Cignal HD, Danna Henson from AU chosen by Foton and Jonah Sabeta of Bulacan State U picked seventh overall by Standard Insurance-Navy.
In the second round, Generika chose Angelica Legacion from UE for the 12th pick, Cignal HD drafted Marlyn Llagoso of Southwestern University, then Foton picked Shirley Salamagos of AU, while F2 Logistics, Petron, Amy’s Kitchen Perpetual Help, Generika, Standard Insurance Navy and RC Cola Army passed from the second round of draft.
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