The NU Bulldogs have long been the staple for the men’s national volleyball team in finding new talent, and the program's influence is now also evident for Alas Pilipinas.
CANDON, ILOCOS SUR — Buds Buddin beamed with pride as he and his NU teammates Leo Ordiales and Jade Disquitado have rose to the occasion for Alas Pilipinas, becoming the top three scorers of the national team in the 5th SEA V.League here.
With all of them still within the NU system in the UAAP, Buddin believed that it was proof of Bulldogs head coach Dante Alinsunurin’s system and the quality of the program that they have in Jhocson — as if five straight UAAP championships weren’t proof enough.
Despite missing the podium in the zonal tournament, Buddin said that their level of play has translated from the collegiate scene to international.
[READ: Alas Pilipinas Men crash out of SEA V.League podium with loss to Indonesia]
“Siyempre sobrang proud kami. Ayun ‘yung mga anak ni coach Dante [Alinsunurin], talagang nandoon eh, talagang makikita mo na kung paano talaga sistema ng NU. Kung paano pinangalagaan ng NU ‘yung sistema na ‘yon,” said Buddin after the tournament wrapped up on Sunday night.
“As you can see naman na talagang pinagtrabahuhan namin [dito sa] Alas national team and siyempre pati sa NU.”
Also on the roster is NU’s current middle blocker Peng Taguibolos.
The biggest indicator of success for the three Bulldogs was affirmed by an individual award for Ordiales, who was named Best Opposite Spiker in the competition — the only awardee for Alas after the fourth place finish.
[RELATED: Leo Ordiales nets Best Opposite Spiker in Candon leg of SEA V.League for Alas Pilipinas]
Looking ahead, with the next leg of the tournament coming in just a few days, Buddin believes that the three of them and the rest of Alas have learned their lesson, after a tough finish in front of a home crowd where they lost a virtual fight for second against Indonesia.
“Sa nakita ko, siguro… [nag-improve] ‘yung confidence. Yung confidence namin as a team and as an individual. Malalaman namin kung ano pa kailangan i-workout para lahat kami buo loob at may confidence pagdating sa court,” he said.
While Buddin fell short of promising a medal in their next competition, the multi-titled hitter said that they will do everything to hopefully get back on their feet in the second leg beginning on Wednesday in Jakarta.
“Siguro, hindi namin maipapangako na magkaka-medal tayo, pero we will do our best na mapakita kung ano ‘yung best ng team namin. Siyempre ilalaban pa rin namin, kung ano ‘yung ilalaban,” he said.