Bella Belen is with the Alas Pilipinas squad that the Brazilian Jorge Edson Souza de Brito is coaching in Vietnam for the AVC Women’s Volleyball Nations Cup.

They are the central figures that will be in absentia when the second PVL Draft is held on Sunday, with De Brito, aside from his coaching genius, getting the chance to turn things around for Capital1 by snagging Belen first overall from among 57 prospects.

It’s a no-brainer considering the all-around talent and winnability that the three-time UAAP MVP and also three-time champion brings to the table, especially for a squad that has lingered in the veritable doldrums in its early PVL existence.

Capital 1 compiled a 7-24 record in its first three conferences.

Both cannot be reached for comment, though, because of the PH campaign that got off the ground in smashing note on Saturday with a 25-18, 25-16, 25-14 victory over Mongolia in Hanoi.

De Brito was obviously elated at how well the Nationals played, but despite several attempts, refused to answer questions as to who Capital1 will be picking first overall, though the Inquirer got a team insider to say that it will be Belen.

The veteran Roger Gorayeb was relieved of coaching duties a few days ago and slid down to consultant. With De Brito having the reins, all has been silent over at Capital1, which actually needs a lot of new talent to become a legitimate contender.

Galeries Tower owns the second pick and the Highrisers have made it no secret that they will be looking to snag a middle blocker with Belen expected to go No. 1.

There are 15 middles available and the Solar Spikers can surely snag one in the second round, as other UAAP talents like Nica Celis, Chenie Tagaod, Jean Asis, Erin Pangilinan, Sheena Toring, Filipino American setter Tia Andaya, Pia Abbu, and La Salle stalwarts Alleiah Malaluan, Baby Jyne Soreño, Julyana Tolentino and Jessa Ordiales look like first rounders.

“After one year and three months, we’re finally close to completing this team,” Gorayeb, the consultant, said in Filipino. “After 15 months [in the PVL], the situation is looking up. That’s why it’s crucial we select the player we really want.”

The third pick belongs to Farm Fresh, which made it no secret that it will take controversial setter Alohi Robins-Hardy, who also openly said that she will not play in the PVL if another team other than the Foxies drafts her.

This has raised the ire of the league leadership, which had threatened her with sanctions should either Capital1 or Galeries take a gamble on her.

Nxled comes in at No. 4 before ZUS Coffee, Cignal, Choco Mucho and PLDT. Akari, who saw young playmaker Mich Cobb retire this week, gets to pick at No. 10.

Reigning All-Filipino Conference champ Petro Gazz chooses at No. 11 before Grand Slam winner Creamline wraps up the first round. The Chameleons will start the second round and then the Solar Spikers, the Foxies and the Highrisers, with the other teams retaining their draft position.

Gandler, Canino shine

The duo of Vanie Gandler and Angel Canino keyed the Nationals’ rousing AVC start, with Gandler finishing with 16 points from 13 attacks, two aces and a block.

“They played good. Both have different roles during the game,” De Brito told the Inquirer. “The team, even [if this is just the] first match, adapted [to beat] Mongolia.

“Those two players did good [but so] did the others,” he added.

Canino helped with 11 points despite not playing her natural position, with all but one of her points coming from attacks.

Alas needs a top two finish in pool play to advance to the semifinals, with the Sunday tiff against world No. 55 Indonesia looming as a crucial match.