Jade Disquitado is one of the 10 new faces in the country’s men’s volleyball national team pool for the 32nd Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia come May.
The Philippine National Volleyball Federation announced the pool on Sunday.
Disquitado, who currently plays for Iloilo in the ongoing Spikers’ Turf Open Conference, expressed his utmost joy upon learning that he will be playing for the Philippines.
“Syempre sobrang saya kasi sa sobrang dami ng players sa Pilipinas, isa ako sa napili para maglaro sa national team,” said the 18-year-old Disquitado after the D’Navigators beat VNS to remain undefeated in the men’s premier league organized by Sports Vision.
The 5-foot-11 open spiker rose to prominence last year when he played for Santa Rosa City in the 2022 Open Conference.
Disquitado played consistently for the Lions which made him one of the most promising young talents in the league.
And with his rise partly due to the league which is shown live on One Sports, One Sports+, Cignal Play, and SMART LiveStream, he’s glad that Spikers’ Turf gives unknown talents like him to be recognized.
“Sobrang thankful ako dahil kung hindi naman dahil sa Spikers’ Turf hindi rin ako makikita ng ibang coach para ito nga, nakuha ako sa national team dahil sa Spikers’ Turf. Nakikilala ako unti-unti,” expressed Disquitado
Also named to the training pool are National U Team B players Rwenzmel Taguibolos and Leo Ordiales; and Cotabato’s Jau Umandal, Lloyd Josafat, Rex Intal, Vince Lorenzo, Madz Gampong, Kim Dayandante, Jelex Mendiola, Edward Camposano, and Jayvee Sumagaysay.
Players not currently suiting up for the Spikers’ Turf that were also included are Vince Mangulabnan (Ateneo assistant coachh), Jay Rack Dela Noche (UST), and Noel Kampton (La Salle).
AMC tactician Odjie Mamon will be the interim head coach of the national team.
“Para lalong umangat yung laro ko, siguro lagi ko lang gagawin ‘yung best ko para hindi ako maiwan sa kanila,” added Disquitado.
