Alas Pilipinas Men unveil their 21-man pool for the 2025 FIVB World Championship campaign, featuring a mix of veterans and rising talents vying for a final roster spot.
Alas Pilipinas are taking a deep dive into its talent pool as it begins preparations for the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship, unveiling a 21-man training roster set to be trimmed down to 14 players for the tournament proper.
The pool is composed of a mix of seasoned internationals, emerging UAAP stars, and exciting new faces, each fighting for a coveted spot in the final lineup, which will include 12 active players and two reserves.
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Headlining the outside hitter group are Filipino volleyball stars Bryan Bagunas and Marck Espejo, along with young standouts Kennedy Batas, Jade Disquitado, and Buds Buddin.
The setter position features Owa Retamar, along with two new names, Elijah Tae-Yin Kim and John Michael Paglaon.
Kim is a 23-year-old, 6’0” setter, while Paglaon is a 25-year-old, 5’9” setter who played with the Savouge Spin Doctors in the Spikers’ Turf.
At opposite hitter, Steven Rotter will compete alongside Leo Ordiales, Louie Ramirez, and 20-year-old prospect Ike Andrew Barilea, who recently played for 1Silay Volleyball Club during the PNVF U21 Championship.
The middle blocker corps boasts height and experience with Lucca Mamone, Kim Malabunga, Lloyd Josafat, JP Bugaoan, and Peng Taguibolos, while the floor defense will be manned by a trio of liberos, namely Josh Ybañez, Jack Kalingking, and Vince Lorenzo.
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The expanded training pool mirrors Italian coach Anggiolino Frigino’s plan of building the best possible roster for the biggest volleyball tournament in the world.
Alas Men are already in Europe for a series of training in Morocco, Romania, and Portugal in preparation for the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship, which will run from September 12-28.
The Philippines will compete in Pool A against Tunisia, Iran, and Egypt.