It is no secret that Jasmine Nabor and Jaja Santiago’s on-court chemistry was a force to be reckoned with for National University during their time in the UAAP circuit. But their stellar connection hasn’t appeared in the semi-pro scene — at least, not yet.
But given Foton-turned-Chery Tiggo’s acquisition of Nabor from PLDT ahead of the 2020 Philippine Superliga, the middle blocker-setter tandem is ready to take the local volleyball landscape by storm once again.
Fans will have to wait a while, though. After all, Santiago still has to fulfill her role as reinforcement for Saitama Ageo Medics in the Japan V. Premier League, with Crossovers’ head coach Aaron Velez mentioning that she may be able to return in May.
Nonetheless, Nabor feels thrilled to reignite her connection with the 6-foot-5 Santiago on the court.
“Ayun talaga ‘yung nilu-look forward ko kasi dati pa lang, kahit sa PLDT pa lang ako, gusto na talaga naming maging teammate na kami,” she admitted.
“So lagi ko lang sinasabi na darating din ‘yung time na magsasama kami ulit. Siyempre siya excited din na makasama ako, so this time mangyayari na.”
But for a freshly-minted playmaker tasked to handle the keys of the offense for a team loaded with talented players such as the other half of the Santiago siblings in Dindin Santiago-Manabat, the Laure sisters, and Shaya Adorador to name a few, there is plenty to look forward to for Nabor.
Photo by Roman Prospero/PSL
“Sa totoo lang po, sobrang nae-excite talaga ako kasi siyempre bagong team, tapos ‘yung mga makakasama mo pa,” she bared. “Siguro ‘yung paghahandaan ko na lang ngayon kung paano ko makukuha ‘yung connection ko sa iba’t ibang spikers, lalo na si Ate Mylene and si Eya lang ‘yung naging teammates ko.
“So kailangan ko talaga paghandaan kung paano makukuha agad ‘yung connection namin.”
Nabor and the Chery Tiggo cannot wait to show what they are capable of once they take the court and debut in the 2020 PSL Grand Prix in February.
“Masasabi ko lang ngayon, sobrang kaabang-abang ‘yung team namin ngayon. Tapos every game may ibubuga talaga kami, lalo na puro bago kami ganun,” Nabor asserted.
“Siguro kailangan lang talaga i-improve kung paano kami ng magje-jell ng mas mabilis.”
