With Michaelo Buddin sidelined, rookie Jade Disquitado’s time to shine came early and he has impressed so far.
Buddin fractured his right hand during training in their buildup for the UAAP Season 86 men’s volleyball tournament, and for National University head coach Dante Alinsunurin, it was a no brainer who will take the empty spot in the starting lineup.
Disquitado, a 19-year-old prized recruit, had already proven his worth for the Bulldogs in the 2023 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference.
During the one-off finale of the Spikers’ Turf against Cignal, Disquitado unleashed all his might by going for 34 points all the way to the championship.
“Sa performance ni Jade, bago pa naman kami mag UAAP nakitaan ko na siya na anytime na magkaproblema si Buddin or isa sa mga outside hitter namin, pwede na siyang pamalit,” said Alinsunurin after NU entered the win column by beating Ateneo de Manila University in straight sets.
“Nagkataon lang talaga na si Buddin nagkaproblema, hindi na rin ako pinagisip ng pagkakataon eh, ito gamitin mo kasi wala naman si Buddin.”
I
n his debut, he unloaded 13 points despite the Bulldogs falling to the UST Golden Spikers in three sets last Sunday.
Against the Blue Eagles, he barked even louder with 17 points on 15 attacks and two blocks while also producing 15 excellent receptions.
“Thankful pa rin ako na kahit nagkaproblema si Buddin bago itong UAAP, kumpyansa pa rin ako na kayang itawid ni Jade kung ano yung ibinigay na task sa kanya,” added Alinsunurin.
Buddin, who bagged the 2nd Best Outside Spiker award last season, will need at least three more weeks to heal and return to volleyball action.
“Sa ngayon si Buddin medyo naghi-heal pa lang yung fracture nya, sabi naman sa amin siguro three to four weeks baka pwede na pero syempre hindi pa natin alam kung 100 percent siya pagbalik niya,” shared Alinsunurin.
