FILE–Alas Pilipinas libero Josh Ybanez during the SEA VLeague first leg at Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.–SAVA PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Playing for the Philippine men’s volleyball team was already a dream come true for Josh Ybañez but facing the best of the best in the FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship 2025 makes his Alas Pilipinas stint even sweeter.
Ybañez, who realized his childhood dream by being part of Alas’ pool for the World Championship hosting next year, is excited to defend the attacks and service of world-class players in Pool A with Asian championship runner-up and World No. 15 Iran as well as African champions Egypt (20) and Tunisia (24).
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“Sobrang happy na napunta yung malalakas na teams sa pool namin dahil for sure, after the game, after the competition, we’ll get to absorb a lot of learnings from them,” the Alas libero told the reporters.
READ: Alas Pilipinas coach bracing for tough FIVB men’s worlds campaign
Josh Ybañez is excited for next year’s #MWCH2025 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/SsX5s89bIK
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) September 14, 2024
“I never thought na mapupunta pa ako sa ganitong point sa World Championship. First batch pa talaga kami and masaya ako na binigyan ako ng chance ni God na makapaglaro kami,” he added.
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Ybañez, a two-time UAAP MVP and go-to scorer of the University of Santo Tomas, has embraced the libero role and he has been thriving in his decision to focus on defense, helping Alas win a pair of bronze medals in the SEA V.League.
The first UAAP rookie MVP since Marck Espejo will continue to focus on defense every time he’s wearing an Alas jersey. But come to the UAAP Season 87 next year, the Golden Spiker will still be at the forefront of their offense, hoping to get over the hump after two straight finals losses to National University.
READ: Alas Pilipinas grouped with Iran, Egypt, Tunisia in FIVB Worlds
“Siyempre may UAAP pa, papalo pa ako,” Ybañez said.
The 21-year-old Ybanez is looking forward to improving his skills when they fly to Italy on Monday for a two-week training camp in the home of their coach Angiolino Frigoni.
“Feel ko sobrang privileged namin kasi nga makakapunta kami Europe and we’ll be able to play against sa mga player doon sa Italy and alam naman namin kung gaano sila ka-high yung level ng volleyball doon. I’m looking forward na makalaro sila and maraming learnings na makuha from them,” he said.
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