MANILA – Incoming rookie Alohi Robins-Hardy must follow the rules.

The 29-year-old Fil-Am setter from Hawaii made an official statement Monday, saying she will only play for Farm Fresh.

“We will not allow that. She cannot choose the team she wants to play for. She has to go through the draft,” said Premier Volleyball League (PVL) president Ricky Palou, who was with control committee chairman Sherwin Malonzo during the Philippine Sportswriting Association (PSA) forum at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex Tuesday.

Palou said Robin-Hardy would certainly be penalized by the PVL if she refuses to play for the team which earned her playing rights.

“There will be sanctions. We still haven’t discussed yet the sanctions we’ll impose on players who violate this rule. Once you go to the draft and a team drafts you, you have to play for that team or you won’t play at all," the former player from Ateneo and San Miguel added.

A total of 60 players are taking part in the draft at the Novotel Hotel in Araneta Center.

Malonzo said 25 of the rookie prospects came from the UAAP, 15 from the NCAA, seven foreign-based players, and the rest coming from all over the country such as Tarlac and Baguio.

“The players are bigger and stronger so the teams have a lot to choose from now. I think, especially the top four picks, they’ll be able to beef up their lineups with these new, really good players,” Malonzo said. 

Farm Fresh is No. 3 overall in the first round behind Capital 1 Solar and Galeries Tower, while at No. 4 is Nxled. All four teams went through the lottery to determine their respective order of picks.

Zus Coffee is at No. 5 followed by Cignal, Choco Mucho, Cherry Tiggo, PLDT, Akari, Petro Gazz, and Creamline.

Last week, the PVL conducted the required two-day Draft Combine at the Paco Arena for teams to have a glimpse of the rookie players who will be available for the draft.

“This draft will be really interesting since it will improve the skill levels and competitiveness of all the teams. I’m sure the lower-ranking teams in the past will now be able to beef up their lineup with these new players, and they’ll be able to compete well against the other top teams,” Palou said.

After the draft, the league will hold the PVL On Tour outside Manila, and then take a break by September to give way for the country's hosting and participation at the FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship.

After the men's world event, the PVL will resume with the Reinforced Conference. (PNA)