Shaq Delos Santos had himself a year in 2018.
Beyond winning two PSL championships with Petron, Delos Santos made his mark when he stepped in on short notice to coach the Philippines Women’s National Volleyball Team for the Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia, and the Asian Women’s Volleyball Cup in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.
Under Delos Santos, the National Team performed valiantly. But because of their short preparation time, they succumbed in the early stages of both tournaments.
During the Asiad, the Philippines finished in eighth place with a 1-6 record, while a month later, they ended in ninth place in the AVC-sanctioned tourney.
Whether Delos Santos has a chance to continue the program remains to be seen. He signed a contract with National Team and the Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas Inc. that expires on December 30, 2018.
“Wala pa namang nagiging usapan,” said Delos Santos, Thursday evening, fresh from winning his third PSL championship.
“Kasi naka-focus pa kami talaga kung saan dapat. Siguro, focus muna kami ngayon sa Christmas, sa family. Pahinga muna tayo diyan.”
The country will host the 2019 SEA Games, where the women’s volleyball team looks to break a two-decade medal drought.
Since returning to the regional meet in 2015, the Philippines has failed to qualify for a medal, owing largely to a short period of preparation.
