With the pandemic making athlete eligibility more complex, Kennedy Batas is already contemplating his next move — even with two playing years left in the UAAP.
The third-year outside spiker from Ateneo de Manila University is about to graduate this June with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, majoring in Filipino Literature and Management, and minoring in Marketing.
However, Batas made it clear that nothing is set in stone just yet — except one thing: his focus on representing the country with Alas Pilipinas. He was recently invited to join the national training pool for the upcoming international calendar, highlighted by the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship to be held in the Philippines this September.
“Siguro mag-focus muna ako doon sa next ko which is yung national team since I got invited. Doon muna ako magfo-focus then we will cross when we get there kung mag-stay pa ako or not kasi let’s see where this UAAP break will take us,” said Batas on Saturday, following Ateneo’s final game of Season 87.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
The 23-year-old MVP favorite from Santiago, Isabela, also revealed that several club teams have started reaching out to him after their thrilling five-set win over the University of the East, 18-25, 22-25, 26-24, 25-22, 15-12.
Batas, a product of the University of St. La Sallette, had a breakout season in his third year with Ateneo, racking up 263 points across 14 games. He also ranked in the league’s top 10 in service aces, spiking efficiency, receiving, and digging.
“Yeah, meron naman (teams na nagse-send ng feelers) pero hindi ako nagmamadali. If gusto nila ako talaga, ayun pupunta ako doon,” he added.
Across his three seasons with the Blue Eagles, Ateneo consistently finished in fifth place with identical 7-7 records. Should he decide to return for another season, Batas said the team would be determined to break that pattern once and for all.
But that decision is still up in the air.
“Kinapos talaga siya, though sobrang laki ng tiwala ko sa team namin na makakapasok kami sa Final Four,” said Batas, reflecting on their Season 87 campaign.
“Naniniwala naman talaga ako na hindi talaga ibibigay sa amin ng ibang teams yun kasi gusto rin nilang manalo. At siguro yung pangatlong taon ko na same result — 7-7 kami, fifth place — siguro motivation na lang namin ‘yun kung maglalaro man. Gagawin talaga yung best para at least makuha na talaga yung goal sa last year.”
