Manila: Incoming rookie Alohi Robins-Hardy, a 29-year-old Fil-Am setter from Hawaii, has been advised by the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) that she must adhere to the league's draft regulations. Robins-Hardy recently declared her intention to play exclusively for Farm Fresh, but PVL president Ricky Palou, alongside control committee chairman Sherwin Malonzo, emphasized during the Philippine Sportswriting Association (PSA) forum at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex that such a unilateral decision would not be permissible.
According to Philippines News Agency, Palou stated that Robins-Hardy would face penalties from the PVL should she decline to play for the team that secures her rights through the draft process. "There will be sanctions," Palou asserted, although the exact nature of these penalties has yet to be determined. He reiterated that players must commit to the team that drafts them, or they forfeit the opportunity to play in the league altogether.
The upcoming draft, set to take place at Novotel Hotel in Araneta Center, will feature 60 players. Malonzo highlighted the diverse pool of rookie prospects, which includes 25 players from the UAAP, 15 from the NCAA, seven foreign-based athletes, and others from various regions across the Philippines such as Tarlac and Baguio. He remarked on the increased size and strength of the players this year, suggesting that teams, especially those with top picks, have a wealth of talent to enhance their rosters.
Farm Fresh holds the No. 3 overall pick in the first round, following Capital 1 Solar and Galeries Tower, with Nxled positioned at No. 4. The order was determined through a lottery process. Subsequent picks include Zus Coffee at No. 5, followed by Cignal, Choco Mucho, Cherry Tiggo, PLDT, Akari, Petro Gazz, and Creamline.
Last week, teams participated in a two-day Draft Combine at the Paco Arena, allowing them to evaluate the available rookie talent. Palou anticipates that the draft will significantly bolster teams' skill levels and competitiveness, potentially enabling lower-ranking teams to strengthen their lineups and compete more effectively against top-tier teams.
Following the draft, the PVL plans to conduct the PVL On Tour outside Manila, before pausing in September for the FIVB Men's Volleyball World Championship. The league will then resume with the Reinforced Conference.
