Jia De Guzman staying optimistic as she awaits Korean V-League import draft

Creamline’s Jia De Guzman is the PVL All-Filipino Conference Best Setter. –PVL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Jia De Guzman is hoping for the best after applying for the Asian Quota of the Korean V-League, which will draft its imports on April 21.

After leading Creamline to a golden repeat in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference, De Guzman eyesher first overseas stint as she and five other Filipino players were part of the shortlist for the Korean Volleyball Federation (KOVO) on April 21.

“I want to be optimistic and I wouldn’t apply if I’m not shooting for it,” said the Creamline setter after their title-clinching 20-25, 25-20, 25-18, 25-15 victory over Petro Gazz in Game 3 on Thursday at Mall of Asia Arena.

De Guzman, Dindin Santiago-Manabat, MJ Phillips, Mylene Paat, Majoy Baron, and Iris Tolenada are trying out for a spot in South Korean.

Jia De Guzman: Hindi siya naging madali for us. #PVLAFC2023 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/0TtHplMPDu

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) March 30, 2023

The league will rely on the video clips of the aspirants as their face-to-face tryouts didn’t push through. The teams will select their Asian imports through an online draft on April 2021.

“I submitted an application. They canceled the face-to-face tryouts. They are relying on videos and the drafting will happen in the third week of April. From there, we will know if a team is interested and getting us,” she said.

Regardless of the outcome, De Guzman has Creamline on her side.  “Whether I got it or not, I know I have the team’s backing,” she said.

CREAMLINE CORE

Creamline players celebrate the Cool Smashers’ latest title. –PVL PHOTO

The four-time PVL Finals MVP and eight-time Best Setter is also focused on her return to the Philippine women’s volleyball team in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia in May.

“Right now I’m really just focusing on the national team also because our next target is the SEA Games and we’re trying to get the podium finish,” said De Guzman.

Determined to end an 18-year medal drought, the 27-year-old playmaker is excited to team up with Alyssa Valdez, Tots Carlos, Jema Galanza, Michele Gumabao, Celine Domingo, and Kyla Atienza, wearing the national colors together again.

“It’s a big reason why we’re very motivated to train because half of the team is Creamline. We wanna bring all the things we learn from the conference and add more firepower to the stars of other teams. We’re excited to play with players from other teams,” she said.

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