The 2026 PVL Rookie Draft ushered in a new generation of talent on Wednesday, with Lams Lamina and Detdet Pepito emerging as the biggest winners after being selected first and second overall, respectively, at Novotel Manila Araneta City.
The Galeries Tower Highrisers used the top pick on Lamina, banking on the former National University star setter to help lead the franchise’s rebuild alongside veteran playmaker Julia Coronel.
With projected top prospects Alyssa Solomon and Niña Ytang withdrawing from the draft, the Highrisers opted for Lamina’s floor leadership and championship experience in the three‑time UAAP Best Setter.
“For me, siyempre fulfilling kasi wow, ako ‘yung isa sa mga napili nila ng team Galeries. It shows ‘yung trust na ako pa talaga yung napili. Very happy and very grateful,” said Lamina.
The Lady Bulldogs standout helped NU capture three UAAP championships and now brings her winning pedigree to a Galeries squad looking to accelerate its climb in the professional ranks.
Capital1 Gets Detdet Pepito
The Capital1 Solar Spikers followed by selecting former University of Santo Tomas libero Detdet Pepito at No. 2, reuniting her with longtime friend Bella Belen and former teammate Pia Abbu.
A two‑time UAAP Best Libero, Pepito is expected to immediately strengthen the Solar Spikers’ floor defense.
“Mixed emotions pero sobrang grateful and thankful lang talaga ako kay Lord. Pinapangarap ko lang makapasok dito sa PVL and now, number two pick,” said Pepito.
How the Rest of the Field Turned Out
Far Eastern University setter Tin Ubaldo went third overall to the Choco Mucho Flying Titans, adding depth to a setter corps that already features Deanna Wong and Tia Andaya.
One of the night’s biggest surprises came when the Akari Chargers passed on its first‑round selection, allowing the Nxled Chameleons to secure University of the Philippines standout Irah Jaboneta with the fifth overall pick.
The Farm Fresh Foxies then selected UST outside hitter Jonna Perdido, while the PLDT High Speed Hitters drafted University of Perpetual Help’s Fianne Ariola. Defending All‑Filipino champion Creamline Cool Smashers closed the first round by selecting Adamson’s Barbie Jamili.
The second round saw Capital1 continue its aggressive approach by picking University of the East star Khy Cepada with the ninth overall selection. Galeries followed by drafting FEU middle blocker Ann Asis, while Farm Fresh added former La Salle player Ela Raagas.
Five teams elected to pass in the second round, while no selections were made in the third round.
As a result, the remaining 27 undrafted aspirants automatically became rookie free agents and are now eligible to sign with any PVL team.
