MANILA, Philippines – Reigning two-time UAAP MVP Josh Ybañez aims to be the best version of himself again in UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball season.
But more than just being the league’s top individual player, Ybañez aims to lead the UST Golden Spikers to what has been an elusive crown.
Ybañez emphasized the importance of being in his best form amidst the high expectations for the Golden Spikers this year.
“We need to play at our best, especially me, since the expectations this season are high for us,” Ybañez told Rappler in Filipino.
“The seniors, and the coaches keep telling us to just be at our best and not let the expectations dictate how we perform. We need to always stay ready and perform well,” he added.
Ybañez has become one of the biggest stars in men’s volleyball in the past two years, winning the Rookie of the Year and MVP awards in Season 85 before winning the top individual nod once more in Season 86.
He was also named in the Alas Pilipinas men’s lineup, where Ybañez played as a libero instead of his usual outside hitter position.
However, a UAAP championship remains elusive in his young career, after two heartbreakers against the dynastic NU Bulldogs in the last two finals.
For Ybañez, there is no better time to win it all than this season.
“I am more confident and mature this season. I always say that because that was a big part of what I learned in playing with Alas, and in the past UAAP seasons,” Ybañez said.
The 21-year-old spiker also pointed out his improved versatility after coming off his national team stint, which he cited as a source for his renewed self-belief.
“Knowing that I played against more senior and more mature players (in Alas), I think being just as mature or more mature is the best thing I can bring this season,” he said.
UST also enters Season 87 with a retooled roster, following the addition of former beach volleyball MVP Alche Gupiteo, who was recruited with Ybañez from Mindanao in 2021.
They will also parade promising rookies JJ Macam, Edriel Alabar, and Al-Bukharie Sali, on top of veterans Gboy de Vega, Jayrack de la Noche, and setter Dux Yambao.
With a more loaded roster this season, Ybañez aims to inject the some killer instinct to the team, especially in endgames, to ultimately get over the championship hump.
“We tend to start games very strongly but we often fail to sustain it. We don’t have a finisher,” he said.
“I hope to be that one. If not me, then I’ll be happy to see that from my teammates, too.” – Rappler.com