MJ Phillips emerges as lone drafted Filipina in Korean V-League

MJ Phillips emerged as the only Filipina volleyball player to be drafted in the Korean V-League as the Petro Gazz middle blocker was selected fifth overall in 2023 Asian Quota Draft by the Gwangju AI Peppers.

The 27-year-old veteran will play under the Asian Quota Rule.

Phillips was the lone player from the country to be drafted as Jia Morado of Creamline, Dindin Santiago-Manabat of Akari, Majoy Baron and Iris Tolenada of F2 Logistics, and Mylene Paat of Chery Tiggo all went undrafted during the ceremonies on Friday.

Phillips is coming off a runner-up finish with Petro Gazz in the previous 2023 PVL All-Filipino Conference, where the Angels were outlasted by the defending champions Creamline in three games.

Thailand's star setter Pornpun Guedpard was the top overall pick for Hwaseong IBK while Suwon Hyundai and Daejeon KGC went for Wipawee Srithong and Megawati Pertiwi with the second and third picks, respectively. Indonesia’s Mediol Yoku was selected sixth by the GS Caltex Seoul as Reina Tokoku of Japan was picked up by Incheon Heungkuk Life with the last pick.

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA Integrated News