Reigning MVP Kennedy Batas, coming off a knee injury, aims to be 100 percent ready for the Ateneo Blue Eagles as they begin their UAAP Season 88 campaign
Coming off a breakthrough MVP season, Kennedy Batas sets higher standards for himself in the UAAP.
With the Ateneo Blue Eagles vying for a Final Four berth this Season 88, Batas understands that he needs to sustain, or even raise, his level as they each do what they can to help the team.
"Sobrang excited ako kasi everyone sa team, eager makapaglaro, eager to win as a team," Batas told One Sports.
"MVP nga ako last season, so challenge sa akin kung paano ko ma-sustain ‘yung performance and higitan 'yong nilaro ko last season."
Still not 100% ready for Season 88
That challenge, however, comes with a physical hurdle: Batas is still easing his way back into form after a knee injury.
"Physically, I'm not 100 percent yet," Batas admitted.
"One month pa lang akong naglalaro ulit ng volleyball."
The Ateneo Blue Eagles during the UAAP Season 88 Content Day | Photo: RM Chua/One Sports
Still, the Ateneo ace knows that he can contribute beyond the stat sheet. That he had learned through experience, particularly from playing for the Alas Pilipinas Men.
"'Yong experience ko sa national team, sini-share ko sa teammates ko," Batas said.
"Hindi kailangang sobrang lakas. Kailangang may puso at fighting spirit inside the court."
Ateneo narrowly missed the Final Four last season, finishing fifth with a 7–7 record.
But with the Blue Eagles' familiar core intact, Batas is confident that they can take the next step.
[ALSO READ: Pia Ildefonso, Kennedy Batas, Amil Pacinio among Ateneo’s class of 2025]
To achieve their goal, the 24-year-old spiker emphasized the need to build the right mindset and character.
"Sinasabi ko sa kanila na Final Four capable talaga kami," said Batas. "Kailangan lang nilang i-embrace na huwag matakot kasi prepared naman kami."
"Individually, strong kami, but then again, attitude, mindset, at puso. 'Yon talaga 'yong kailangan naming i-work on."
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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.