Osaka Bluteon’s Tomohiro Yamamoto and Miguel Ángel López expressed excitement over joining forces with Alas Pilipinas ace Bryan Bagunas in the upcoming Japan SV.League season next month.
Bagunas was a revelation in the Philippines’ dream run at the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship. His performances helped the team stun African champion Egypt before narrowly missing the Round of 16 following a heartbreaker against World No. 16 Iran in the group stage, eventually finishing 19th overall.
The 27-year-old outside hitter ranked third in scoring after the pool stage of the 32-nation tilt with 70 points built on 61 attacks, six blocks, and three aces. He also placed third in spiking efficiency with a 57.01-percent success rate.
His performance definitely caught the eye of his new teammates, and they couldn’t wait to see him bring the same firepower to Osaka as they aim to contend in the upcoming SV.League season.
“I think he’s a great guy. I’m very excited for the next season in Osaka. For sure, it will be an amazing season for us,” said the 28-year-old Cuban outside hitter, who linked up with Bagunas during the group stage.
Yamamoto, the long-time libero of Japan, praised Bagunas’ leaping ability and attacking prowess and is looking to provide solid support for his new teammate.
“He’s a player with great jumping ability and outstanding attacking power, so I want to give him solid support on defense to maximize his offensive strengths,” said the 30-year-old defensive ace.
“Together, we’ll work hard toward becoming SV.League champion. I’m really looking forward to playing volleyball with him.”
López’s Cuba wrapped up the World Championship in 20th place following a 1-2 campaign in Pool D. Meanwhile, Yamamoto’s Japan finished 23rd after a disappointing run in Pool G, dropping straight-set losses to Turkey and Canada before securing a win over Libya.
#WATCH: Cuba’s Miguel Angel Lopez looks forward to teaming up with Bryan Bagunas for Osaka Bluteon in the 2025-26 Japan #SVLeague! 🇨🇺🏐
📹 @justinvalencia_ /Tiebreaker Times#MWCH2025 pic.twitter.com/Q87JFTaFeh
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) September 17, 2025
