How Barbie Jamili turned from UAAP benchwarmer to Creamline’s lone pick

MANILA, Philippines – Barbie Jamili never had the opportunity to fully showcase her talent in the UAAP.

In Adamson, she saw limited playing time behind the likes of Shaina Nitura and Frances Mordi.

When she did see the court, it often came in low-stakes situations. Unlike many of her fellow rookies in the 2026 PVL Draft class, Jamili had little collegiate game film and few accomplishments to bolster her résumé.

But what she lacked in exposure, she made up for in preparation.

An impressive showing at the PVL Draft Combine, coupled with strong performances in team tryouts, gave Jamili the platform she needed to prove herself. Now, she is a rookie for the crowd darlings Creamline Cool Smashers.

“I am so happy but with mixed emotions,” Jamili said after being selected eighth overall, becoming Creamline’s lone pick in the 2026 PVL Draft. “I did not expect to be picked in this draft.”

Leaving Adamson was a gamble, considering she can still play one more year with the Lady Falcons.

With limited collegiate experience and fewer roster spots available across the league, being selected in the draft was far from guaranteed.

The odds were even steeper this year, with only 11 of the 38 applicants selected on June 3, the fewest since the PVL Draft was introduced in 2024.

For Jamili, the Draft Combine became her opportunity to stand out.

She topped several athletic tests, posting the fastest time in the Pro Agility 5-10-5 drill at 5.109 seconds, the best mark in the Hop Test at 3.36 meters per second, and the quickest 10-meter sprint at 1.759 seconds.

The numbers gave PVL teams a closer look at a player many had rarely seen in meaningful UAAP action.

Shortly after UAAP Season 88 ended, Jamili enrolled in an athlete development program focused on improving her explosiveness, strength, and agility. According to a source, she placed particular emphasis on increasing her vertical leap and sharpening her change-of-direction movements.

For nearly two months, the 23-year-old committed herself to refining every aspect of her game in preparation for the draft.

“I will only do my best,” Jamili said. “I’m super excited and nervous, but of course, the pressure and challenges in the PVL are different. That’s why I’m going all out.”

Her reward is a place with the most decorated and popular franchise in the league.

Fresh off another PVL All-Filipino Conference championship, Creamline boasts a veteran-laden roster featuring stars such as Alyssa Valdez, Denden Lazaro, Tots Carlos, and fellow Adamson product Jema Galanza, all under the guidance of head coach Sherwin Meneses.

Just like at Adamson, nothing will be handed to her on a roster loaded with established veterans and national team-caliber talent.

Still, Jamili is embracing the challenge. After betting on herself once and succeeding, she is ready to do it again.

“I will give everything I have and I am willing to learn from my ates,” Jamili said. “If I get the chance to step on the court for Creamline, I will give my all. I will continue to improve and become even better.” – Rappler.com