Leila Cruz is ready to contribute right away to whichever PVL team will draft her on July 8.
As the applicants for the historic 2024 PVL Draft were released, fans were surprised to see De La Salle University’s Leila Cruz included in the list.
Cruz is coming off an ACL injury that sidelined her for most of UAAP Season 85 and all of Season 86.
While many expected her to lead the Lady Spikers’ revenge tour for Season 87, the 6-foot-1 opposite spiker opted to instead join the PVL’s inaugural draft set on July 8.
The reason? Cruz had already completed her academics.
"Siguro 'yung one main factor bakit ako umalis na ng La Salle because of my studies. Done na rin naman ako with my undergrad. Almost done na rin ako so I think 'yun na 'yung for next step which is mag-pro,” Cruz told reporters after Day 1 of the Draft Combine at Gameville Ball Park.
Cruz also stated that she has made a full recovery from her injury and has been back on the court since February.
“Okay naman 'yung progress ko as in like very slow lang din 'yung [recovery ko] kaya hindi ako nakapaglaro last season, but now naman I'm fully recovered,” said Cruz.
With the introduction of the Draft and the Draft Combine, Cruz is ready to prove to herself and the PVL teams that she is ready to contribute right away.
“Wala naman akong appearance last season so I guess now, bukas puwede kong mapakita talaga 'yung skills ko, 'yung napag-trainingan ko sa mga nakaraang buwan,” said Cruz.
“Ang ma-offer ko is 'yung willingess ko rin to learn, especially kakabalik ko lang. Alam ko sa sarili ko na marami pa din akong dapat matutunan and siguro 'yung willingness ko to learn and to be a better player, malaki na rin 'yung help din sa court,” she added.
Day 2 of the PVL Draft Combine will see the draftees and free agents compete in scrimmages.