The screening committee narrowed down the list to only 177 women hopefuls to join the league from a total of 702 women players from all over the country that applied for the inaugural draft of the WNBL.

“We filtered the players by the years they played on and their character reference,” tournament commissioner Bujoy Magno said during So She Did! in the Tiebreaker Times live.

In selecting who will be joining the draft, the committee looked into these women’s age and their interest to travel to Pampanga as things to consider in joining the combine.

“Siyempre, we looked at age also, and if they are willing to travel to Pampanga for the combine,” said Aquino.

When asked who is their number one overall pick, the National team standout Gemma Miranda earned the name.

“Same kami ni Commissioner Budjoy, Gemma Miranda kasi yung experience niya from collegiate to national team,” added Edward Aquino, NBL director of basketball operations.

Miranda, was one of the selected 177 women cagers to donned the National team jersey in the country’s women’s pro basketball league.

Miranda joined last year’s WNBL amateur league, teaming up with PSI Lady Air Defenders as a guest player. She also participated in the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup in India and was part of Gilas Pilipinas Women’s Team where she snatched the Finals MVP plum.

Included in the roster are UAAP Season 82 Finals MVP Monique Del Carmen of National University, and former UAAP MVPs Marichu Bacaro, Camille Sambile, and Raiza Dy.

Prominent players of the court who also made the final cut were Camille Ramos, AJ Gloriani, Tina Deacon, Clarissa Lanuza, Fille Claudine Cainglet, Camille Claro, Jocy Positos, and Marites Gadian.

The 38-years old Gadian was one of the oldest in the group.

The dates for the WBNL Draft Combine have yet to be finalized. And it is expected to start after the National Basketball League (NBL) finishes their bubble in San Fernando City, Pampanga.

Final Try-outs for the player to showcase their skills for the team during the Draft combine will also take place at Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in Pampanga.