'Jennie Lookalike' Wilson Expected to Deliver Super Synergy with Hyundai E&C and Mega... 'Bukirich's Return' Coach Ko Hee-jin Smiles [V-League Foreign Investor Draft]

*This content was translated by AI.

Serbian national team player Banyah Bukirich (27, Serbia) will play again at Daejeon Jeonggwanjang, his most familiar venue.

Jeonggwanjang selected Bukirich first overall at the 2026 KOVO Tryout Draft held on the 10th (Korea time) at the Clarion Congress Hotel in Prague, Czech Republic, to select foreign players for the 2026-2027 V-League women's division.

Seoul GS Caltex, Gyeongbuk Korea Expressway Corporation, and Hwaseong IBK Industrial Bank of Korea have re-signed with existing players, while Jeonggwanjang, Suwon Hyundai E&C, and Incheon Heungkuk Life Insurance entered the draft.

Based on last season's standings in reverse order, 35 marbles (red) were assigned to Jeonggwanjang, 30 (black) to Pepper Savings Bank, 25 (blue) to IBK Industrial Bank of Korea, 20 (yellow) to Heungkuk Life Insurance, 15 (green) to Hyundai E&C, 10 (purple) to Korea Expressway Corporation, and 5 (white) to GS Caltex. As expected, Jeonggwanjang secured the first pick.

Coach Ko Hee-jin of Jeonggwanjang selected Serbian player Bukirich, with whom he achieved runner-up status in the previous season. Although Coach Ko could not attend the draft, he showed no hesitation. "I'm really glad to have the first pick. Since I know how to utilize Bukirich better than anyone else, we are off to a good start ahead of the new season," he said with a smile.

Bukirich, who played as an opposite spiker, has also shown remarkable talent by transforming into an outside hitter at Jeonggwanjang. Coach Ko stated, "We are considering the position of opposite attacker. Last season, we did not receive much help from foreign players. I believe the new season will see improved competitiveness with a different foreign player."

Coach Kang Sung-hyung of Hyundai E&C, who received the second pick, set out to strengthen the outside hitter position. He selected American Jordan Wilson, who will join Hyundai E&C as an Asia quota player alongside Mega Wattie, to build a powerful side attack. Coach Kang explained, "I think we made a good choice in selecting the player we had been watching. I believe he fits well with Hyundai E&C's team identity. Above all, we prioritized fundamentals. While there is some room for improvement in terms of power, I believe he can develop through practice."

Jordan said, "I never thought I would be picked. I'm excited to join the V-League. I'm very much looking forward to joining Hyundai E&C, a great club."

He continued, "I'm very excited to meet Mega. Since I have always had good chemistry with my teammates both on and off the court, I am confident we will show great synergy with Mega."

Noted as a lookalike of popular idol Jennie from BLACKPINK, Wilson responded, "That's an overpraise, but I'm grateful you see me in a good light," offering a shy smile. Coach Kang added, "Just as his looks have drawn attention, I hope he will also excel in volleyball," wishing for a player who combines talent and appearance.

Cuba's Yensi Quintela, expected to be the 'second Silva', was selected third overall by Heungkuk Life Insurance. Yensi Quintela stated, "I will be playing on the V-League stage with fellow Cuban Giselle Silva. I will become an even better player than Silva," expressing his firm determination to surpass his idol Silva.

These players will join their respective teams starting August 1 to begin preparations for the season opener.

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.