Layup muna bago spike? Volleyball player goes viral for basketball antics

Have you seen this one?

A volleyball match in Season 5 of the Bicol Universities and Athletic League (BUCAL) tournament has been making rounds in the internet.

No, it's not an intense five-setter. There were no mind-boggling plays, incredible dolphin dives, or powerful attacks either.

It was a match-up between the Ateneo de Naga University Golden Knights and the Naga College Foundation (NCF) Tigers. NCF was at match point and at the brink of a sweep in the third set, 24-13.

With Ateneo serving, an NCF player easily got the reception. The set was made. But instead of going for an attack, the same player who got the receive grabbed the ball, turned back, dribbled, and ran towards the baseline for a layup.

A number of participants at the sidelines cheered, but it didn't go too well online.

Values before skills. No one can defend these athletes sa ginawa nila. What's sad is tumawa din yung coaches instead of reprimanding their players. Sana lang yung ganitong ugali di na dinadala sa official games. Kaloka. pic.twitter.com/7P0iN8rx7w

— Anj (@RantsAndReasons) March 5, 2024

The offending player, identified as Jake Genavia, was issued a red card, according to Oragon Sports TV.

He posted a public apology on his Facebook page, expressing his action was a "big mistake."

"This is a lesson for me as an athlete and as an elder. In this instance, I lost the values taught to me by this institution and irresponsibility prevailed," he said in Bikolano.

The NCF Tigers also reportedly issued an apology.

"We want to express our sincere apologies for the behavior exhibited by one of my players during the match. It was never our intention to disrespect the opponent team or the spirit of the game. We fully acknowledge that the actions of our player were not appropriate and do not align with the values we strive to uphold within our team," the team said in a statement as posted by Oragon Sports TV.

They also vowed to impose appropriate sanctions.

The team's Facebook page though has since been restricted.

The school's Center for Sports Development declared certain players of the team will no longer play in BUCAL Season 5.

Ateneo de Naga's College Athletics Office reportedly accepted the apology.

That lesson will certainly be taken to heart.