Petro Gazz Angels’ MJ Phillips was picked by the Gwangju Al Peppers in the 2023 Korean Volleyball Federation (KOVO) to become the only Filipino that was selected in the Women's Asian Quota draft.
The two-time Premier Volleyball League best middle blocker will be taking her talents in the overseas league as an Asian import following the draft on Friday afternoon, April 21 during an online ceremony.
"Maraming salamat for picking me. Thank you. It's been a dream since I was a little girl, so I'm very excited to start the season and yeah, I hope the Peppers fans are excited as well," said Phillips.
The Filipino-American was picked fifth overall in the seven-women draft.
“You'll see a lot of grit, a lot of passion, and a lot of hard-hitting balls,” Phillips said.
*MJ Phillips has been drafted in the Korean Volleyball League. (PVL Images)*
Thai star Pornpun Guedpard was the number one pick by Hwaseong IBK. Suwon Hyundai and Daejeon KGC went for Wipawee Srithong and Megawati Pertiwi as the second and third picks, respectively. Also in the draft were Indonesia’s Mediol Yoku as the sixth pick by the GS Caltex Seoul, while Japan’s Reina Tokoku was selected by Incheon Heungkuk Life as the last pick in the draft. Creamline setter Jia De Guzman, Dindin Santiago-Manabat of Akari, Mylene Paat of Chery Tiggo and F2 Logistics’ duo Majoy Baron and Iris Tolenada went undrafted. Phillips steered the Angels to their second straight finals appearance in March where they fell to the Creamline Cool Smashers in the do-or-die championship title duel of the All-Filipino Conference.
*MJ Phillips has been drafted in the Korean Volleyball League. (PVL Images)*
Thai star Pornpun Guedpard was the number one pick by Hwaseong IBK. Suwon Hyundai and Daejeon KGC went for Wipawee Srithong and Megawati Pertiwi as the second and third picks, respectively. Also in the draft were Indonesia’s Mediol Yoku as the sixth pick by the GS Caltex Seoul, while Japan’s Reina Tokoku was selected by Incheon Heungkuk Life as the last pick in the draft. Creamline setter Jia De Guzman, Dindin Santiago-Manabat of Akari, Mylene Paat of Chery Tiggo and F2 Logistics’ duo Majoy Baron and Iris Tolenada went undrafted. Phillips steered the Angels to their second straight finals appearance in March where they fell to the Creamline Cool Smashers in the do-or-die championship title duel of the All-Filipino Conference.