MANILA, Philippines — University of Santo Tomas (UST) stalwart Josh Ybañez wants to use his Alas Pilipinas experience in the upcoming UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball tournament.
The two-time UAAP Most Valuable Player (MVP), and UST’s go-to scorer shared that despite already fulfilling his dream to be part of the national team, he braces to lead the squad again in collegiate sports.
“Of course, there is still UAAP, I will still soar and spike the ball,” he said excitedly.
Ybanez was also the first UAAP Rookie-MVP since Marck Espejo and looks ahead to take the crown to España after falling short against the National University in UAAP Seasons 85 and 86.
Despite his high-scoring output in the collegiate league, the national team has a different plan for him.
The 21-year-old high-flying hitter was converted as a libero in the Alas Pilipinas pool and had the privilege to train in Italy last September 2024.
“Also as a team I feel that we are privileged since we’ll be able to play against Italian players, and the high-level volleyball is there.”
With Ybañez being the libero, he helped Alas to win a historic bronze finish in the SEA V. League.
Now, as the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship tournament is fast approaching and with the Philippines as the host, Ybañez yearns for more learnings.
“I am so happy that the strong teams are in our pool, and for sure, after the game and the competition, we’ll get to absorb a lot of learning from them.
The Philippines is in Pool A with 11-time African champion Tunisia, current Africa titlist and Paris Olympian Egypt, and 2024 Asian championship runner-up Iran.
