ZUS Coffee coach Jerry Yee during the 2025 PVL Draft Combine. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — From selecting the top overall pick last year, ZUS Coffee coach Jerry Yee believes owning the fifth pick in the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft on June 8 at Novotel is still a good position to continue strengthening their young roster.

Drafting Rookie of the Year Thea Gagate at No. 1 and signing veteran players like Jov Gonzaga and Chai Troncoso helped the Thunderbelles rise from cellar-dwellers to contenders.

FULL LIST: 2025 PVL Rookie Draft Aspirants 

ZUS Coffee made a breakthrough playoff appearance after surviving the play-in. The young squad pushed Petro Gazz to the limit in their quarterfinal series before bowing in Game 3 to the eventual All-Filipino Conference champion.

They’re out of the lottery this time due to their improvement, but Yee believes the fifth pick remains valuable given the depth of the 60-player draft class.

ZUS Coffee coach Jerry Yee eyes a middle blocker with their fifth overall pick. #PVLDraft2025 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/iwfQXabgpV

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“At least with the number five pick, there’s still a chance we’ll get someone solid. I’m glad we’re still at five. I’m not too sure about picks six or seven—good luck to them. What we’re really looking forward to is improving the team. That’s what the draft is for—to help the team get better,” Yee told reporters in Filipino.

Yee is eyeing the best available middle blocker to pair with Alas Pilipinas member Gagate.

“To be honest, we’re looking for a middle. As you know, we lost a player in that position. So ideally, we want a middle blocker, but we’ll go with the best available athlete at number five, whoever that may be,” he said. “Preferably someone who can move well, close blocks, and contribute on offense. Generally, a well-rounded player.”

Yee, who drafted up to the fifth round last year, said they won’t be selecting as many rookies this time after signing star libero Alyssa Eroa, Maika Ortiz, Fiola Ceballos, and Ney Mabilangan.

“They’re filling specific needs. We wanted to strengthen certain positions, so we signed players who can help with that. Hopefully, they’ll deliver,” he said.

“We already signed some free agents to fill key roles. We’ll get a few in the draft. If we’re still around by the third round and there’s someone worth picking, then why not? But unlike last year, we don’t need to load up as much this time.”s time.”