Now in his senior year, Josh Ybañez is setting the tone for the UST Golden Spikers as he enters UAAP Season 88 with a mature and calm outlook.
Not much has changed for Josh Ybañez and the rest of the UST Golden Spikers heading into UAAP Season 88.
At least not in the way they approach the game.
Rather than employing sweeping adjustments, the two-time Most Valuable Player shared that the Golden Spikers would rather enjoy every step of the process while cultivating the winning attitude, beginning in training.
"For me, wala namang bago," Ybañez told One Sports.
"Nag-focus lang kami sa kung anong ma-i-ko-contribute namin sa isa't-isa. In-enjoy lang namin 'yung journey, ‘yung process."
"Good vibes lang pero andun pa rin 'yung focus at eagerness na manalo, even sa practice."
The UST Golden Spikers during the UAAP Season 88 Content Day | Photo: RM Chua/One Sports
Ybañez is expected to lead the way for UST anew, this time with a more mature and calmer outlook, which he got from his stint with the Alas Pilipinas Men. He learned these from veterans Bryan Bagunas and Marck Espejo.
"'Yong maturity at pagiging kalmado ko, nakuha ko talaga sa mga teammates ko sa Alas," Ybañez shared. "Kung paano nila i-handle ang emotions, mag-control inside and outside the court at i-guide 'yong mas bata. Lahat 'yon, natutunan ko."
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Now one of the Golden Spikers veterans, Ybañez is embracing the responsibility of passing those lessons forward.
"Ngayong senior na ako, mas ready na akong gawin 'yon para sa mga mas bata: Leadership inside the court and off the court," he said.
Coming off a third-place finish in Season 87, UST aims to return to the Finals after back-to-back appearances in the years prior.
While the goal remains the same, Ybañez made it clear that the Golden Spikers are not letting outside noise define their season.
"Less expectations," he said.
"Hopeful kami, pero focus lang talaga sa team. Hindi namin pinapansin 'yong distractions. Ang importante, kung paano namin palalakasin 'yong isa't-isa."
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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.