University of Santo Tomas will enter the second round of the UAAP Season 85 men’s volleyball tournament on a four-game winning streak and a 6-1 record.
In this strong start, it was rookie Josh Ybañez who made a name for himself with a dazzling first round.
The 5-foot-6 outside spiker averaged 21.0 points in seven games, ranking second in the league, just below Far Eastern University’s Mark Calado, who had 22.0 points in six outings.
Ybañez also made 15 service aces and 14 blocks in the opening round. He produced 31 points in four sets against Ateneo de Manila University last Wednesday, the league’s first 30-piece this season.
With his head-turning performances, the 19-year-old from General Santos City earned the tagline “super rookie”.
But he knows he can still do even more.
“Syempre hindi ko yun iniisip kasi open pa rin ako sa mga turo ng coach, open pa rin ako for learnings na ituturo nila sa akin,” said Ybañez after scoring 18 points against University of the East including six aces.
“Sobrang dami ko pang dapat matutunan,” he quickly followed.
Ybañez is now preparing for the adjustments of the opposing teams in the second round, which might affect his individual play.
But he is not worried at all, with a deep arsenal of the Golden Spikers just waiting for their time to shine.
Starters Gboy de Vega and Jay Rack dela Noche are always there to support him on the floor, while Lorenz Señoron is there to pump life off the bench when needed.
“Sa totoo lang hindi naman ako nagwo-worry kasi ang team namin, sobrang daming tutulong,” said Ybañez.
“Siguro first round sa akin pero for sure second round magse-step up yung ibang teammates ko. Wala akong dapat ikabahala.”
