2026 PVL Rookie Draft class. –PVL PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines —Only 11 of the 38 aspirants were chosen within the 2026 Premier Volleyball League Rookie Draft on Wednesday night at Novotel, with no team making a range beyond the second round.
PVL Control Committee chairman Sherwin Malonzo admitted the third edition of the draft was difficult, with several talented players left undrafted as teams opted to follow veteran-laden rosters.
LIST: Who each team picked within the 2026 PVL Rookie Draft
The situation was further affected by the leave of absence of Cignal, the third PVL team to go on hiatus after Chery Tiggo and Petro Gazz, which led to more players being absorbed by the remaining clubs.
“There have been loads of latest talents, but what stood out this yr was that the majority teams are still loaded. I assume teams aren’t able to let go of their veteran players yet because they still bring loads of value,” Malonzo told the reporters in Filipino.
“At the identical time, some teams went on leave of absence, so their players were dispersed among the many remaining nine teams. I feel that’s also a think about why fewer players were chosen this yr. There have been still quite just a few picks, but in comparison with previous years, the number was lower.”
PVL: It doesn’t end here.
PVL president Ricky Palou and Control Committee Chairman Sherwin Malonzo confer with the undrafted players. #PVLDraft #PVL2026 @inquirersports pic.twitter.com/UahTrFgkLh
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) June 3, 2026
For the primary time in draft history, a team passed in the primary round as Akari opted not to make use of the fifth overall pick. Deputy coach Eddieson Orcullo said the Chargers had specific targets in mind, but each prospects were taken before their turn.
“Actually, we had our first and second options. The issue was that we weren’t in a position to get either of them, so those were probably the 2 players we actually needed for our team,” Orcullo said in Filipino.
“But since they were chosen by teams drafting ahead of us, we decided to pass. The management, Coach Tina Salak, and the remaining of the coaching staff all discussed it thoroughly. Up to now, we’re okay with the consequence.”
READ: PVL Rookie Draft: Lams Lamina picked first overall by Galeries Tower
Lams Lamina was picked first by Galeries Tower, followed by Detdet Pepito (Capital1), Tin Ubaldo (Creamline) and Alyanna Ong (Zus Coffee).
Malonzo and PVL president Ricky Palou also offered words of encouragement to undrafted players, including Jade Fuentes, Xyza Gula, Joan Monares and Taks Fujimoto, noting that teams can still sign them as free agents.
“Most teams chosen players based on specific needs. In the event you take a look at the numbers, about one-third of the applicants were drafted this yr. Last yr, it was around half. The identical thing happened the yr before. Again, I feel it comes right down to teams still not being able to move on from their veteran players,” Malonzo said.
“There are cases where undrafted players change into free agents and will be directly hired by teams. They now not should undergo the draft. There are still loads of talented players left unselected, so I wouldn’t be surprised if we suddenly see a few of them joining teams in the longer term.”
“We’ll also should wait and see what happens with the variety of teams within the league,” he added.
Malonzo is looking forward to the PVL on Tour starting next month, with northern and southern stops set.