When the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship kicks off Friday, Sept. 12, much of the scoring load for Alas Pilipinas will fall on their spikers.
Amid their historic debut, they will be tasked with breaking down world-class defenses and fueling the offense in crucial situations and rallies.
From decorated veterans to rising stars, the national pool boasts a mix of proven leaders and fearless newcomers.
The battle for spots among the outside hitters and opposite hitters will be one of the defining decisions in completing the 14-man roster.
Here's why each one deserves a spot in the final lineup.
Outside Hitters (OH)
Bryan Bagunas
Bagunas remains the face of Philippine men’s volleyball.
He has carried Alas Pilipinas on his back in numerous international tournaments, beginning in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.
He also had successful stints in Japan and Taiwan.
Coming back from an ACL injury, all eyes will be on Bagunas should he be able to return to his deadly form in time for the World Championship.
[ALSO READ: Bryan Bagunas ready ‘physically and mentally’ for return in FIVB World Championship]
Marck Espejo
Marck Espejo’s versatility has long been his calling card.
A five-time UAAP Most Valuable Player, he has proven he can score from anywhere on the court while also contributing with his receptions and floor defense.
His international experience has made him one of Alas’ most dependable players.
Like Bagunas, Espejo is coming off an injury, but expect him to be part of the final 14 still.
[ALSO READ: Marck Espejo, Alas Pilipinas gear up for World Championship debut with hopeful mindset]
Kennedy Batas
Kennedy Batas is UAAP Season 87's Most Valuable Player.
He made headlines in his international debut with Alas in the 2025 Invitationals when he scored back-to-back clutch points — including a kill block — to lift the Nationals over Jakarta Bhayangkara Presisi in the opener.
At just 20 and already a crowd favorite, Batas’ blend of athleticism and fearlessness makes him one of the most exciting young spikers in the pool.
[ALSO READ: Kennedy Batas vows to continue fighting for Philippine volleyball after first official stint with Alas]
Buds Buddin
Buds Buddin turned heads in the 2024 SEA V.League, where he emerged as one of Alas' consistent scorers, even bagging the Best Outside Spiker award.
His fearless attacking against taller opponents, as well as his relentless energy, make him a crucial piece under head coach Angiolino Frigoni.
[ALSO READ:
Buds Buddin happy to see NU teammates step up for Alas Pilipinas in SEA V.League]
Jade Disquitado
Disquitado is less heralded but has been quietly productive in the UAAP and during national team call-ups.
Known for his aggressiveness and fearlessness at the net, the 21-year-old spiker has shown flashes of brilliance in international tournaments, particularly in providing steady offense in second-unit rotations.
The National University star may not yet have the resume of Bagunas or Espejo, but he is a dependable option when called upon.
[ALSO READ: Jade Disquitado takes pressure of filling Marck Espejo’s shoes as Alas Pilipinas chase SEA V.League history]
Opposite Hitters (OPP)
Steven Rotter
The Fil-Am opposite has been a revelation since joining the pool, instantly becoming one of Alas’ most efficient weapons in its arsenal.
Since the 2023 SEA V.League, Rotter has already recorded multiple 20+ point outings, showing that he could carry stretches of offense on his own. His height and power give the Filipino spikers a clear edge.
[ALSO READ:
Steven Rotter relishes chance to represent Filipino roots at FIVB World Championship]
Ike Andrew Barilea
Barilea has carved a role as a dependable scorer in domestic play, most notably for the 1 Silay Volleyball Club in the 2025 PNVF U21 National Volleyball Championships Men's Division.
The 20-year-old lefty spiker has yet to officially suit up for Alas Men in any international tournament, but Frigoni could pull off a surprise and see Barilea as a must-have talent in the final cut.
Louie Ramirez
Ramirez has long been touted as one of the most explosive opposites in the country.
The former Perpetual Help standout has been crucial in the national team’s campaign in the 2022 SEA Games and the most recent SEA V.League.
Ramirez’s athleticism and ability to swing hard from both front and back rows make him a vital addition.
Leo Ordiales
Even at just 22 years old, Ordiales has already become a national team mainstay.
With Bagunas and Espejo sidelined for most of the past year, Ordiales has become Alas Men’s go-to scorer, most notably during the 2025 SEA V.League, where he took home the the Best Opposite Spiker plum in Leg 1.
Even with a complete roster, expect Ordiales to be part of the lineup and possibly even lead the scoring should opponents focus their blocking on Alas’ two superstars, Bagunas and Espejo.
Final verdict
After more than a year of waiting, Frigoni will finally have a healthy lineup at his disposal for the biggest tournament in Philippine men’s volleyball history.
There are clear favorites that will secure a spot in the final roster. But what’s clear is that whoever earns the nod will be tasked with carrying the scoring mantle in front of a home crowd eager to see the country rise on the world stage.
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Kiko Demigillo’s journey in sports storytelling began with a deep passion for games and athletes, which eventually grew into a full-fledged career.
Now a dedicated sportswriter, Kiko covers a wide range of beats for One Sports, including the PVL, UAAP, PBA, and various international tournaments.