Alas Pilipinas head coach Jorge De Brito described Angel Canino as a ‘natural killer’ following her impressive performance in the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup.
The 20-year-old outside spiker was converted into an opposite hitter heading into the tournament.
And she excelled, helping the Philippines achieve a historic bronze finish in the Challenge Cup last month.
Canino emerged as Alas Pilipinas’ leading scorer, averaging 15.6 points per game and taking home the Best Opposite Spiker award.
“You can put her in any position, and she will do real damage.
“One of the most important aspects is that because she’s still young, she has a long way to go in the UAAP,” said the Brazilian head coach, who is set to sign an extension with the national team that will last until next year’s Southeast Asian Games.
De Brito also praised Canino’s attitude throughout the tournament, highlighting how the former UAAP MVP-ROY demonstrated unyielding determination in representing the country.
“No problem being the opposite, no problem being there, no problem being in the first six, no problem being someone who’s going to help us in the second six – she’s just here to help,” said De Brito.
“What more can you ask for from someone who just joined the national team? I didn’t even expect her to play at such a high level. She had some ups and downs, but it’s part of the process. I’m really happy because she’s enjoying the time there to grow,” said De Brito.
“There’s not one practice where she didn’t ask for help, even from the players. You know when someone really cares when you’re talking to them. You can feel it in their eyes that she’s okay, she’ll try.”
The Olympic gold medalist also expressed his utmost gratitude to La Salle head coach Ramil De Jesus for allowing Canino and other Lady Archers like Thea Gagate and Julia Coronel to participate in the national team.
“I’m really thankful because La Salle let her come, especially coach Ramil De Jesus, because in the past we couldn’t bring them, and he had his own reasons,” he said.
“But at this moment, I have to thank him and La Salle for letting her come. It’s important that we can help each other. If there’s something we can give back to him, of course, it’s this kind of experience she had here that she can bring to La Salle and share with the other players like NU did in the past.”
