Since stepping into the limelight, Josh Ybañez, a sophomore at University of Sto. Tomas, has encountered criticism due to his stature.
The 5-foot-7 Ybañez drew criticism from almost everyone, including himself.
Ybañez admitted that it has long been his dream to represent the country in international tournaments. However, he knew deep down that his pint-sized frame would make it hard for him to secure a spot on the national team.
A couple of UAAP MVP awards later, the 21-year-old hitter from General Santos City is finally knocking on the door of his childhood dream after being named to Alas Pilipinas Men’s 21-man pool for the FIVB World Championship.
“Of course, every volleyball player siguro is dreaming about being part of the national team. Ako naman siguro, with my height, with my skills, parang sobrang pinagdudahan ko yung sarili ko na, ‘Ay! Parang wala na akong chance sa ganyan,’” said the Golden Spikers ace.
“But now, I’m so happy na binigay sakin ni God, binigyan ako ng opportunity na makapasok and makatulong,” he added.
The job, however, is not yet over for the former UAAP ROY-MVP. He is part of a stacked outside hitter pool that includes three of the country’s best spikers in Bryan Bagunas, Marck Espejo, and Jau Umandal.
“Siguro naman may mga aspect sa volleyball na kaya ko silang sabayan, so doon ako siguro lulusot and ayun, healthy competition. Suportahan kung sino ‘man ang masalang. If ever hindi, okay lang din naman teammates ko pa rin sila,” said Ybañez.
(C) Joaqui Flores/UAAP Season 86 Media Team
Ybañez acknowledged that his journey to represent the Philippines is still far from realization. He knows that he still needs to put in the work to have a shot at making it to the final lineup for the world tilt, which the country will host next year.
“Siguro yung mindset ko na pagiging rookie. I mean, dala-dala ko pa rin ‘yun until now na iniisip ko lang na rookie pa rin ako, dapat pagsabihan pa rin ako, I need guidance (pa rin),” said the 2023 PNVF Challenge Cup champion.
“Rookie na marunong mag-lead, marunong magsalita, marunong mag-communicate sa mga teammates. Open for learnings, suggestions alam mo yung absorb lang ako nang absorb. Of course, ifi-filter ko rin naman yung mga ia-absorb ko,” he added.
Ybañez and UST are coming off their second consecutive silver finish in the UAAP Season 86 Men’s Volleyball Tournament after losing to National University in Game 2 of the Finals last Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The sophomore outside spiker, who received his second-straight MVP award on the same day, fired a team-high 24 points, all from attacks, to go along with seven excellent digs in the loss.
“Ayun po, saludo po ako sa team kasi nga po sobrang ang hirap ng dinanas namin during elimination round hanggang semis, and, ayun po, parang sabi ko nga kanina, andito kami kanina para sa maglaro sa finals and sobrang proud lang kami sa sarili namin.”
