Buds Buddin and Leo Aringo always had the talent. Now, they need to prove they have the leadership to keep National University’s dynasty alive.
With the departure of Owa Retamar and Nico Almendras, the Bulldogs’ five-peat quest in the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Volleyball Tournament now rests on the shoulders of Buddin and Aringo.
But after suffering a stunning loss to Far Eastern University — NU’s first against the Tamaraws in five years — the weight of that responsibility has never felt heavier.
Their struggles continued against winless University of the East, where errors nearly cost them another match. Though NU managed to escape with the win and climb to 3-1, the game exposed a glaring reality: talent alone won’t be enough.
If they want to stay on top, Buddin and Aringo must step out of the shadows and become the leaders the Bulldogs desperately need.
Even head coach Dante Alinsunurin admitted that the team’s initial practices after the shocking defeat were far from ideal. That struggle became evident on Saturday morning when NU faced a UE squad desperate for an upset.
Marred by errors, the Bulldogs surprisingly dropped the second set before eking out a tight third-set win to take a 2-1 lead.
They eventually secured the victory, improving to a 3-1 record and moving into a tie for second place with University of Santo Tomas.
However, the match exposed a lingering concern — NU’s need for stronger leadership from Buddin and Aringo as they transition into their new roles.
Buddin acknowledged the pressure that comes with stepping into a leadership role once held by Retamar and Almendras. Yet, thanks to the openness and willingness of the team’s younger players, he has found the transition to be smoother than expected.
Alongside Aringo, the third-year outside hitter now carries the responsibility of leading a “rebuilding” NU squad that features emerging talents such as Leo Ordiales, Jeffe Gallego, and Jan Abanilla.
“Para sa akin, medyo may pressure kasi dati kami yung gina-guide ng seniors namin, tapos ngayon kami yung nagga-guide. Minsan kinakapa ko pa kung paano i-approach yung mga bata kasi iba-iba ugali nila,” Buddin said postgame.
“Doon ako medyo nahihirapan minsan kung paano sila i-approach. Pero thankful ako sa mga bata namin ngayon na kahit anong approach ang gawin ko, ina-absorb nila lahat at willing silang matuto.”
Buddin led the Bulldogs with 16 points on 13 attacks and three blocks, along with nine excellent receptions and five excellent digs.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
To truly steer NU’s five-peat bid, however, Aringo stressed the importance of stepping out of their coaches’ shadows and taking initiative in leading the team back to the top.
Taking that advice to heart, Aringo delivered a standout performance against the Red Warriors, recording a team-high 15 points, 24 excellent receptions, and two excellent digs.
“Siguro pinupunan namin yung leadership sa loob ng court kagaya ng sinasabi sa amin ng coach namin. Hindi lang kami aasa sa coach na ibigay lahat — need din namin mag-isip kung ano gagawin sa court, whether inside or outside the game,” the 24-year-old outside hitter explained.
Head coach Dante Alinsunurin reinforced this sentiment, emphasizing that Aringo and Buddin must go beyond their designated leadership roles, given their familiarity with the rest of the team.
While Alinsunurin acknowledged that the duo’s leadership skills still need development, he stressed the importance of consistency in filling the void left by Almendras and Retamar.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Honestly, nakukulangan pa ako. Araw-araw kaming magkakasama at nag-oobserve ako. Sabi nga nila, meron silang sinusunod sa akin, pero mas kailangan na manggaling sa kanila ang initiative para matuto sila,” the Choco Mucho head coach shared.
“Nandoon na rin naman, pero ang importante ngayon ay ituloy-tuloy nila. Kung may kailangang gawin, gawin nila. Kung may kailangang iwasan, nandito kami para i-guide sila,” he continued.
“Pero mas binibigay ko sa kanila ang lahat kasi sila ang araw-araw na kasama ng teammates nila. Kailangan nilang ma-motivate hindi lang para sa batch nila, kundi para sa mga susunod pang darating.”
