University of Santo Tomas will have to wait a little longer for Josh Ybañez’s return.
Golden Spikers head coach Odjie Mamon revealed that reigning back-to-back MVP Josh Ybañez has been sidelined with a Grade 2 ankle sprain, an injury that will keep him out for at least two weeks.
“Minimum two weeks. That’s the minimum, that’s the earliest he can play,” Mamon told reporters following UST’s 25-17, 25-18, 25-19 sweep of University of the East on Saturday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Despite the setback, Mamon shared that Ybañez is making progress, with plans to start a full-body workout on Monday.
“Still undergoing rehab kasi it was a Grade 2 right ankle sprain both sides inversions, one of the toughest to rehab ‘yun. Pero start na kami ng full-body workout na siya itong Monday,” said the former national team coach.
“On playing on Wednesday, medyo malabo pa,” he added.
The 5-foot-7 outside hitter from General Santos sustained the injury during the fourth set of UST’s opening-day loss to Far Eastern University, 25-20, 22-25, 16-25, 20-25, last Saturday.
Ybañez landed on the left foot of teammate Trevor Valera after attempting a back-row attack.
Despite being sidelined, the UAAP Season 85 Rookie of the Year was present during UST’s bounce-back win over the Red Warriors.
In Ybañez’s absence, rookie JJ Macam rose to the occasion, delivering a game-high 14 points. He converted 12 of his 22 attack attempts, registered two kill blocks, and tallied six excellent receptions against his former school.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Macam admitted to feeling the pressure of replacing UST’s top scorer but focused on treating the match like any other game.
“Siguro naging pressure rin ‘yung pagpalit ko sa pwesto ni ate Josh. Siguro na-overcome ko lang ‘yung pressure sa game kaya ayun po, naging one of the top scorers din ako,” said the UE High School product.
“For me, normal game lang siguro. Pero nandun pa rin ‘yung mentality na babawi kami kasi galing kami sa pagkatalo sa FEU last time. Nakaka-overwhelm din na kalaban ‘yung former school ko.”
Meanwhile, Mamon remained firm in his earlier statement, expressing confidence in the Golden Spikers’ depth and their ability to step up in Ybañez’s absence.
“I stand by my statement that I have the best lineup for this season. Anyone can play for us. I’m happy that they’re able to stand up from our previous loss. Very satisfied ako with today’s performance,” said Mamon.
“Minor adjustment lang na wala si Josh. Anyone can take his place, I have three players to fill up his position.”
