By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Petro Gazz’s superstar MJ Phillips became the only Filipina who got chosen in the Korean Volleyball League drafting ceremony conducted last April 21, 2023.
The towering Phillips got selected fifth overall by the Gwangju AI Peppers and will immediately suit up for the team once she receives her clearance from her mother team in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL).
It was last March 26, 2023 when Phillips confirmed that she already passed her tryout requirements to the Korean Volleyball Federation (KOVO) including the necessary documents asked by the Korean V. League.
Phillips was the only Filipina pro player who got selected in the recently concluded draft with the likes of Jia Morado-De Guzman and Majoy Baron all failing to make the cut.
Aside from De Guzman and Baron, Mylene Paat, Dindin Santiago-Manabat, and Iris Tolenada also declared for the draft but also didn’t get their names called during the ceremony.
Phillips is expected to bring the much-needed athleticism and middle blocking for the AI Peppers once the Korean V. League kicks off this season.
One of the best defenders in the PVL will also have to stay consistent to receive a starting role as a rookie draft pick.
“It’s been a dream since I was a little girl, so I’m very excited to start the season and I hope the Peppers’ fans are excited as well,” said Phillips.
Phillips will seek to change the fortunes of the struggling Gwangju team who only finished with a 5-31 win-loss record last season.
As of now, it is still unclear whether Phillips is still eligible to return to the Petro Gazz for the next conference of the PVL.
