Josh Ybañez expressed joy in getting to suit up for Alas Pilipinas once more, while also embracing the learning experience of being the team's main libero in the ongoing Alas Pilipinas Invivationals.
Josh Ybañez may be better known for his high-flying exploits, but the two-time UAAP MVP is proving he can shine from the back row for Alas Pilipinas.
Suiting up as a libero once again, Ybañez turned in a steady performance to help the national team open the Alas Pilipinas Invitationals with a four-set victory over Indonesia’s Jakarta Bhayangkara Presisi, 25-23, 27-29, 25-21, 25-22, on Tuesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The UST Golden Spikers star had a 35 percent receiving efficiency, putting up another strong showing in a position he's still growing into.
“Happy ako na nire-represent ko ulit yung Philippines, this time as a libero,” Ybañez told reporters. “Masaya ako sa role ko kasi kahit ngayon, patuloy pa rin akong natututo. Hindi ko pa siya gamay, pero sobrang saya ko na nandito ulit ako sa Alas.”
Typically an outside hitter for UST, Ybañez embraced the challenge of taking on a different role, seeing it as a valuable opportunity for development under Italian head coach Angiolino Frigoni.
“Malaking advantage din ito para sa akin kasi nakakapaglaro ako sa mas malaking stage. ‘Yung mga lessons na makukuha ko dito, dadalhin ko pabalik sa UAAP,” he said.
[ALSO READ: AVC: Two-time UAAP MVP Josh Ybañez embraces role of libero for Alas Pilipinas]
Adding to the excitement was getting to share the national team floor with close friend and fellow collegiate standout Kennedy Batas of Ateneo, who delivered clutch points in the fourth set.
“Masaya ako na kasama ko si Ken dito. Ako ‘yung nauna sa team, pero ngayon magkasama na kami. Iniisip lang namin na kahit iba kami ng pinanggalingan, sabay kaming lalaban,” Ybañez of Batas, who succeeded him as UAAP MVP.
[ALSO READ: UAAP MVP Kennedy Batas ‘floating in the air’ after crucial points in Alas Men’s opening win vs Jakarta]
With their newfound confidence, Ybañez and the rest of Alas Men will look to continue their winning ways against South Korea’s Hyundai Capital Skywalkers Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.