The Philippine Men’s National Volleyball Team pool was announced on Friday afternoon and the members are confident they can work towards becoming one of strongest teams since the program rebooted.
Of the 20 men on the list, Marck Espejo, Bryan Bagunas, Johnvic De Guzman, and Mark Alfafara stand out as the team’s explosive offensive core.
De Guzman, the team captain, believes this pool is better than the one they formed for the Southeast Asian Games in 2017.
“Maging totoo ako, mas malakas itong pool na ‘to doon sa mga previous na National Teams na nakasama ko,” said De Guzman, pointing at the impressive turnout in their tryouts last month as one of the reasons he feels this pool is the best.
“Sobrang overwhelming ‘yung dami ng players na pumunta noon tryout. Lahat talaga ng pumunta doon may potential so naeexcite ako.”
Bagunas, the National Team’s leading scorer in 2017, feels this team is more united as all the best players showed their support.
“Ngayon pa lang masasabi ko na mas solid ‘yung team ngayon kasi nagkaisa-isa na ‘yung mga player. Na-gcommit na talaga para sa team Philippines ‘yung nga deserving,” said the current National U Bulldog.
Both players also relish the inclusion of Espejo, who missed the 2017 National Team campaign due to his commitment with Ateneo.
“Kahit hindi ko siya teammate nung college, masasabi ko na sobrang proud ko sa kanya,” said De Guzman as Espejo is currently campaigning in the Japan V-Premiere League.
“Siyempre, nakaka-proud kasi Pilipinonsiya and maganda ‘yung nilalaro niya doon. Dala-dala niya lagi ‘yung bansa doon,” added Bagunas.
The rest of the Men’s National Team pool are:
Mark Alfafara
Kim Dayandante
Joven dela Vega
Rex Intal
Fauzi Ismail
Jack Kalingking
Jessie Lopez
Jeffrey Malabanan
Kim Malabunga
Rikko Marmero
Ricky Marcos
Ish Polvorosa
Francis Saura
Jayvee Sumagaysay
Peter Torres
Johua Umandal
