MANILA, Philippines — Dealing with a right ankle injury, Buds Buddin could’ve sat out the UAAP Finals and let National University defend its title against top seed Far Eastern University.

But as the leader of the team, Buddin played through pain and still made a big impact in helping the Bulldogs win their fifth straight men’s volleyball championship.

READ: UAAP Finals: NU Bulldogs fulfill ‘five-peat’ dream, overcome FEU

Buds Buddin says playing through an ankle injury was worth it to lead NU to a five-peat. #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/UkvRAsOKJY

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) May 17, 2025

“Finally, all my effort paid off. It was tough training three times a day, while dealing with pain even at night. But I pushed through because I really wanted to come back and help the team,” said Buddin in Filipino after a Game 3 sweep of FEU on Saturday in front of a record-breaking crowd of 14,517 at Mall of Asia Arena.

“I know they can perform without me, but I also know I bring leadership and experience that can still help them. I’m so thankful I was able to return earlier than expected. Big thanks to our PTs.”

Buddin hurt his ankle at the end of the elimination round which forced him to miss NU’s first Final Four game against University of Santo Tomas, which purged the Bulldogs’ twice-to-beat bonus.

Buddin returned in the do-or-die clash and delivered the timely hits to send NU to its 10th consecutive trip to the finals.

The star outside spiker struggled in the finals opener but bounced back with a 20-point effort in Game 2.

READ: UAAP: Buds Buddin continues role of emotional leader for NU

In the five-peat clinching Game 3 triumph, Buddin capped his season with nine points and 11 receptions.

“My biggest motivation was really the team. Our coaches’ dream was a five-peat. It’s something no one has ever done [in the Final Four era]. That’s what we held onto. Of course, my family,  too, especially my mom, who’s always supported me, and my girlfriend,” said Buddin.

“This championship was our team’s dream. Every time we stepped on the court, we reminded ourselves that this wasn’t just for us. It was for our coaches, too, who sacrificed so much for this. All the effort paid off, not just ours, but also our families who constantly prayed for us.”

For Buddin, it took a village to become just the second team to win five consecutive UAAP men’s volleyball titles after FEU did it in the league’s early years with 12 straight championships from 1946 to 1958.

READ: UAAP: Injury-hit Buddin still finds aways to push NU to victory

“We went through so many struggles since day one of training. This was the first league where we were actually complete. Some of us had national team duties, others were in beach volleyball. It was hard to build chemistry before UAAP even started,” he said.

“We pushed through so much, illnesses, injuries, all kinds of challenges. But in the end, it was all worth it. Everyone worked hard.”

After winning another UAAP title with NU, Buddin is focused on his full recovery as he looks to represent the country in Alas Pilipinas’ historic hosting of the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship in September. 

“This has always been Coach Dante’s dream: to uplift men’s volleyball in the Philippines. We’re now starting to see more fans and supporters,” he said.

“I hope people continue to support men’s volleyball—not just NU or FEU, but the whole sport across the country.”