Bella Belen declares for PVL Rookie Draft but keeps options open
NU Lady Bulldogs’ Bella Belen during a UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball game against FEU Lady Tamaraws. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — UAAP MVP Bella Belen has submitted her name to the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft while also keeping her options open.
According to Inquirer Sports sources, the three-time UAAP MVP made it to the May 23 deadline, filing her intent to join the first and only professional volleyball league in the country.
READ: UAAP: Bella Belen caps storied NU run with MVP hat trick, title repeat
Belen can still beg off from the draft after the two-day Draft Combine next week on May 30 and 31.
The final list will be released on June 4, four days before Draft Night at Novotel.
Belen was with fellow National University graduate Erin Pangilinan in their online guesting on Power and Play with Noli Eala, with the latter sharing that she will join the draft.
But the do-it-all outside spiker wasn’t sure.
“Hindi pa po,” Belen told Eala. “Kasi puwede pa po mag-withdraw. After combine pa po malalaman kung magpapa-draft.”
READ: UAAP: Bella Belen now a three-time MVP winner
Pangilinan and fellow middle blocker Sheena Toring submitted their documents.
Belen was also asked about the possibility of playing overseas, but she kept it a secret to avoid getting jinx.
The NU star recently signed with the sports agency VMG Asia, and with her decorated collegiate résumé, the agency is still exploring possible opportunities for her abroad. Playing in Japan or Thailand remains a strong possibility for the coming season.
South Korea, however, is off the table, as the KOVO Draft has already passed.
READ: UAAP: Degree earned, Bella Belen also has crown within her reach
One thing that is certain for the three-time UAAP champion is Alas Pilipinas, expressing her commitment to the busy 2025 national team calendar including the Southeast Asian Games.
“National team muna po ang focus ko kasi sunod sunod po liga ng national team. Ngayon po maganda po yung components ng team. Sa tingin ko po may chance po tayo at kailangan lang mag-prepare ng maayos. Chemistry po kasi is a big thing sa volleyball,” Belen said.
Another source bared that Alyssa Solomon didn’t throw her name into the draft.
After winning their third title in four seasons, Solomon also said that she is keen on playing abroad and focusing on Alas Pilipinas first.
