Khy Cepada and Barbie Jamili made strong cases for themselves ahead of the 2026 PVL Draft after emerging among the top performers during the league’s Draft Combine at Gameville Ballpark in Mandaluyong.
The two outside spikers showcased their athleticism across several testing categories on Day 1, which featured anthropometric measurements and performance assessments conducted by the Valor Performance Institute.
Barbie Jamili Stands Out
Barbie Jamili proved to be one of the most explosive athletes in the 42-player pool, posting the fastest times in both the 10-meter sprint and the pro agility 5-10-5 drill, and topping the reactive strength index rankings.
The former Adamson Lady Falcon clocked 1.759 seconds in the 10-meter sprint, registered 5.109 seconds in the agility test, and posted a reactive strength index of 3.36 meters per second.
“Ang ma-o-offer ko lang po is gawin ko ‘yung best ko para makahelp sa team, and I’m willing naman po to learn din,” said Jamili.
Khy Cepeda Delivers a Showcase
Meanwhile, Khy Cepada delivered one of the most complete performances of the day.
The UE Lady Warriors standout finished among the top five in six different categories, placing second in both the 10-meter sprint (1.776 seconds) and countermovement jump (44.7 centimeters), third in the pro agility test (5.133 seconds), and fifth in both the reactive strength index (2.28 meters per second) and approach jump (295 centimeters).
Other Standouts
Beyond Barbie Jamili and Khy Cepada, several of the draft’s biggest names also topped individual categories.
Alyssa Solomon, who has withdrawn from the draft, recorded the highest vertical reach among all aspirants at 300 centimeters, while four-time UAAP Best Middle Blocker Niña Ytang posted the highest approach jump at 311 centimeters.
Lara Mae Silva, meanwhile, led the field in countermovement jump with a mark of 46.4 centimeters.
Sherwin Meneses Marvels at Talent Pool
The impressive results of Khy Cepada and company reflected what PVL officials described as one of the deepest and most athletic draft classes in recent years.
“Nagulat ako sa laki ng players, plus maganda rin ‘yung measurements sa Valor. Maraming athletic ngayon. Ang ganda ng quality ng players this class,” said PVL Commissioner Sherwin Malonzo.
“May pang-measure din ‘yung Valor sa strength ng braso; makikita mo kung gaano kalakas ‘yung upper body strength nila, which translates mostly to palo or bato sa set, and even sa floor defense. Kasi mas malakas ang upper body mo, mas maganda ang ball control,” he added.
The combine continued on Day 2 with scrimmages, giving teams a closer look at how the aspirants perform in game situations. Players were fielded in the positions they listed in their draft applications, while those applying for multiple positions were given opportunities to showcase their versatility.
The 2026 PVL Draft is set for June 3, with Galeries Tower Highrisers holding the first overall selection. The Capital1 Solar Spikers own the second pick, followed by the Choco Mucho Flying Titans, ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles, Akari Chargers, Nxled Chameleons, Farm Fresh Foxies, PLDT High Speed Hitters, and Creamline Cool Smashers.
