There were only three spots. Of 22 people, only three can take the stage in the women's V-League. The employment rate is 13.6%, truly a "needle's eye."
On the day before the fateful draft, each club's selection outline is gradually emerging. Clubs that were weighing signing new faces against retaining existing players are leaning toward "stability."
GS Caltex confirmed early that it had re-signed MVP Gyselle Silva. Runner-up team Korea Expressway Corporation (KEC) also renewed its partnership with foreign attacker Moma. IBK Industrial Bank of Korea also decided to continue with Victoria, so three of the six clubs—half—chose re-signings.
Korea Expressway Corporation manager Kim Young-rae expressed strong confidence in Moma. He said, "We reviewed various videos in advance but could not find a player better than Moma. We decided on the re-signing before she came to the tryout."
He added, "Because we experienced disappointment at the threshold of winning the championship last season, motivation is high. She is such a competitive player that we expect a better performance next season," and expressed anticipation, saying, "If she just syncs better with the setter, she will perform as well as Gyselle Silva."
Now all eyes turn to the draft. Jung Kwan Jang, most likely to secure the top pick, has earmarked "Bukiric." Heungkuk Life manager Yoshihara is also considering the same choice.
Hyundai Engineering & Construction, which is also a strong candidate to recruit an opposite hitter as the Asia quota, is also considering Bukiric as a leading candidate. In case Bukiric's selection falls through, they have broadened their sights to outside-hitter options such as Poland's Rozalia Hnatashyn, the United States' Jordan Wilson, and Germany's Sina Stockmann.
With two days of practice matches concluded, the fateful draft will be held on the 10th local time at the Clarion Hotel in Prague, Czech Republic.
The lottery method is also a variable. The bead of Pepper Savings Bank, which did not participate in this tryout, is also included. If Pepper's bead comes out first, that draw is invalidated, the beads are returned, and a redraw is held.
With limited opportunities, attention is focused on who will grab the final ticket.<
[OSEN]