Josh Ybanez, a two-time UAAP MVP and 1st Best Outside Spiker, embraced a new role as a libero when he joined the Alas Pilipinas men’s program last May.
Despite transitioning to a different position, University of Santo Tomas standout Gboy de Vega expressed enthusiasm about the valuable defensive skills Ybanez could bring to the Golden Spikers after his stint with Alas Pilipinas Men in the ongoing SEA V.League tournament.
“Excited kami na matuto mula sa kanya, lalo na sa depensa. Kahit sa UAAP magaling na siya sa depensa, ngayon na nagkaroon na siya ng international experience, siguradong marami pa siyang maiaambag sa team,” De Vega said after UST’s five-set win over Perpetual in the V-League Men’s Collegiate Challenge.
“Sigurado akong makakatulong siya sa pagpapabuti ng team at sa floor defense,” he added.
With Ybanez away, De Vega is calling on UST team captain Dux Yambao and middle blocker Poy Colinares to step up and provide the young Golden Spikers with the confidence and leadership they need as they prepare for the upcoming UAAP season.
“Kami nila Dux at Poy, kailangan namin mag-step up para sa mga bata. Kailangan nilang magkaroon ng confidence para makapaglaro ng maayos,” De Vega said.
UST assistant coach Benjamin Mape echoed De Vega’s sentiments, noting that Ybanez’s presence will be crucial for the team’s development as they aim for the title in UAAP Season 87.
Aside from Ybanez, Mape is looking to De Vega and Yambao to emerge as leaders for the rookie-laden Golden Spikers, who recently added players like JJ Macam, Al-Bukharie Sali, and Edriel Alabar.
“Yung composure at depensa na maiaambag ni Josh, pati na rin ang mga veterans na sina Gboy at Dux, ay makakatulong sa team. Ang pagkakaroon ng ganitong mga lider ay magbibigay ng kumpiyansa sa buong team,” Mape said.
