Head coach Roger Gorayeb hopes to develop Capital1's top pick Leila Cruz into the star she can be for the Solar Spikers in the PVL.
Roger Gorayeb has developed plenty of volleyball stars over the years.
Those names include Alyssa Valdez in Ateneo, Myla Pablo in National University, and Grethcel Soltones in San Sebastian.
Now with the Capital1 Solar Spikers, Gorayeb is looking to mold another star with Leila Cruz, the second overall pick in the inaugural PVL Draft.
“Si Leila kasi ano eh, parang project. Magandang project,” Gorayeb told reporters after the match.
“Kasi ‘yung talon niya, hindi ‘yung talon na gusto ko. Hinihila niya ‘yung katawan niya, hindi niya talaga nagagamit pa ‘yung hita niya."
Cruz contributed 17 points on 15 attacks and two blocks in the Solar Spikers’ four-set win over the Nxled Chameleons, 21-25, 25-21, 25-15, 25-18, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig on Saturday, November 30.
Slowly but surely, the 6-foot-1 opposite hitter has been finding her form for Capital1—something that Gorayeb has been patient about since selecting her in the draft.
“Alam natin galing siya sa mahabang pahinga. Unti unti, tinatrabaho ko ‘yan. Para mag-improve pa nang husto,” said Gorayeb. “Ang laki niya eh. Pang-block talaga siya doon, kaya sabi ko ‘wag mo sayangin ‘yung height mo.”
[ALSO READ: PVL: After career-high performance, Leila Cruz embraces bigger responsibility for Capital1]
For her part, Cruz is hoping to repay the Solar Spikers’ trust given to her as the future of the franchise.
“Siyempre, happy ako parang may nakikita sakin si coach. Need ko lang talaga i-prove sa kanya na kaya ko yung mga nakikita niya sakin,” Cruz told One Sports.
“Siguro po as much as possible, gusto ko talaga personally makakuha ng madaming wins for my team kasi pang boost din ‘yun ng morale namin and super need ko din ‘yun siguro para mag-grow as a player.”
[ALSO READ: PVL: Leila Cruz hopes to repay Capital1's trust after being picked second in PVL Rookie Draft]
Cruz added that she continues to work on her jump to allow her to become a better spiker.
“Nagfo-focus lang naman ako sa conditioning ko. I have my conditioning naman. Talagang winowork on din naman namin na need kong skills,” said Cruz.