Late addition Buds Buddin made sure to seize the opportunity and prove his worth in his Alas Pilipinas debut at the 2024 Southeast Asia V.League.
Buddin, who stepped in to replace the injured Marck Espejo, helped the Philippines secure a bronze finish while also claiming one of the Best Outside Hitter awards in the tournament’s first leg.
The National University star emerged as one of the top scorers for Alas Pilipinas, averaging 12.3 points per game for the national team, which missed the services of ace Bryan Bagunas in their last match due to what appeared to be a left knee injury.
“Last, last week lang talaga ako nag-training sa kanila and ayun, sobrang thankful ako na grabe ‘yung trust sa akin ng mga coaches ko na i-first six ako. Kung ano ‘yung trabaho, ginawa ko lang and ayun nagbunga naman lahat ng pinaghirapan namin,” said Buddin.
The 23-year-old outside hitter mentioned that he never expected to win the award but noted that he will use it as motivation heading into the second leg of the SEA V.League.
“Sa individual award, ‘di ko inexpect talaga na ako ‘yung magkaka-award and ayun, dahil nabigyan ako, sobrang saya ko and siguro gagawin ko siyang inspirasyon para mas lalo ko pang galingan,” said Buddin, who was joined by teammate Kim Malabunga, who won one of the two Best Middle Blocker awards.
“Siguro ano, siguro mas buo na yung kumpiyansa ko ngayon na and siguro ano, when it comes sa receive and defense siguro yun yung mas i-improve ko pa ngayon kasi I think doon ako mas kulang,” he added.
Buddin credited his teammates and the coaching staff, including his National University mentor Dante Alinsunurin, for his seamless transition to the national team.
“Actually, anjan naman si coach Dante, sila coach ano, lagi akong gina-guide. Nung una, nahirapan ako i-adapt yung sistema nila so ayun, pati yung mga kuya ko, anjan sila para i-guide ako and unti-unti kong na-adapt yung sistema and ayun in-apply ko ng in-apply hanggang sa nakuha ko naman,” he said.
