Inspired by the greats: Jean Asis reflects on the PVL superstars she looks up to

Rookie middle blocker Jean Asis has taken meaningful strides early in her PVL journey with the Galeries Tower Highrisers.

Now adjusting to being a full-time professional, Asis shared with One Sports some of the PVL stars she considers her idols and the reasons they left a lasting impression on her volleyball journey.

At the top of her list is Choco Mucho's Maddie Madayag, someone Asis has looked up to since her high school days.

"Si Ate Maddie Madayag, since high school talaga, idol ko na siya," Asis said. "'Yung build din talaga ng katawan niya, super ina-idolize ko din, pati 'yung way siya maglaro."

Another middle blocker who stood out for Asis is Akari's Ced Domingo, whose power game left a strong impression.

"Same din kay Ate Ced," she added. "The way siya maglaro na malakas palo sa gitna."

FEU legends in mind

Beyond individual skills, Asis said she has also drawn inspiration from FEU legends whose leadership and consistency set the bar during their time with the Lady Tamaraws.

With that in mind, the No. 2 overall pick also drew inspiration from Rachel Anne Daquis, not just for her success, but for the journey that came before it.

"Ito din si Ate Rachel, parang nag-start din siya from scratch, so parang ako din naman mag-start from scratch kaya doon ako humugot din ng lakas," she said.

"Hindi lahat ng players nag-start talaga ng magaling na. Parang nag-start ka din talaga na wala kang alam pero ayun sa sipag at tiyaga lang talaga."

Leadership, meanwhile, is what Asis admires most in Bernadeth Pons, especially during her collegiate run.

"Nakikita ko din kung paano niya binitbit talaga yung FEU noong time niya," Asis shared. "Parang nung nasa college ako, tinry ko din sa sarili ko na maging leader inside the court."

"Kahit 'yung height niya hindi ganoon compared sa iba, pero grabe siya maglaro," she added.

Respect for fellow rookie

Completing her list is fellow rookie and No. 1 overall pick Bella Belen, whose poise and fearlessness have already made waves early in her pro career.

"Nakikita ko kung paano 'yung leadership niya inside the court," Asis said. "Kahit rookie pa siya, tapos first pick pa siya, pinu-prove niya talaga."

For Asis, what stands out most is Belen's confidence, especially after their many duels in the UAAP and PVL.

"Doon ko nagustuhan 'yung tapang niya inside the court," she added. "Kahit bago siya, talagang alam niya sa sarili niya na kaya niyang makipagsabayan."

[ALSO READ: From admiration to competition: Bella Belen shares her biggest idols in the PVL]

Now carving out her own place in the league, Asis carries those lessons as a guide while helping spearhead the Highrisers’ impressive run in the All-Filipino Conference.

— 

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.