National University homegrown talent Yuan Mendoza is seizing the spotlight, proving he can carry the Bulldogs even in the absence of his seniors Jade Disquitado and Buds Buddin in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge.
With Disquitado and Buddin currently with Alas Pilipinas Men, NU desperately needed a spark after the ‘five-peat’ UAAP champions stumbled to back-to-back losses, sliding to a 1-2 record in the eight-team league organized by Sports Vision.
That spark came against modern-day rival University of Santo Tomas Golden Spikers, where Mendoza and fellow freshman Luke Macatangay stepped up to deliver a timely boost.
The Bulldogs battled through a grueling five-set clash to snap their two-game skid, securing a much-needed bounce-back victory.
For Mendoza, the breakout performance was fueled by the guidance and encouragement of Buddin, even while the NU star was away training in Europe for the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship.
“No pressure lang sa akin kung pwesto ba ni kuya Buds or kahit kanino pa yung pinupunan ko. Kinakausap naman kasi kami nila kuya Buds. Kami ni Luke [Macatangay], lagi kami nakakausap ni kuya Buds,” said Mendoza, who tallied 18 points on 16 attacks, along with one ace, one block, and 13 excellent digs.
“Kaya gusto ko rin magpasikat kay kuya Buds talaga kasi alam ko nanonood siya ‘eh. Mamaya sa group chat namin magcha-chat na ‘yon kung ano yung mga kulang namin,” he added.
(C) V-League Images
The pride of Bulacan admitted that his standout showing also brought a sense of closure. Mendoza initially had doubts about committing to NU due to his relatively shorter height as an outside hitter.
But inspired by his idol Buddin — a three-time UAAP champion and two-time Best Outside Hitter in the SEA V.League — he gained confidence that he could overcome similar challenges.
Mendoza, the 2023 Palarong Pambansa MVP, knew if Buddin could rise above the odds, so could he.
Another decisive factor in his commitment to NU was the proven system of head coach Dante Alinsunurin, architect of the Bulldogs’ historic five-peat in UAAP men’s volleyball — the first team in the Final Four era to claim five consecutive titles.
“Galing ako ng [NU] Nazareth, bago ako mapunta sa Nazareth, na-recruit nila ako sa Palarong Pambansa. Two years ako sa Nazareth tapos nagdadalawang isip pa nga ako dati sa NU kasi ang liit ko lang,” Mendoza shared.
“Sabi ko lang na try ko na lang din kasi gusto ko maging katulad ni kuya Buds. Idol ko si kuya Buds and grabe rin pinagdaanan niya kaya gusto ko siya maging kampi siya and kaya rin nag-NU na ako. Gusto ko rin yung sistema nila coach [Dante Alinsunurin], mababait sila coach,” he added.
At the core of Mendoza’s approach is a vow to repay the trust placed in him by Alinsunurin, Buddin, and the rest of the Bulldogs camp. By training thrice daily, the former Trinitas College standout is preparing for another standout outing as NU aims to improve on its bronze-medal finish from the 2024 V-League.
“Thankful ako kila kuya Buds at coach Dante kasi parang ano naman, pag may tiwala sa akin yung mga coaches or kuyas, kailangan ko panghawakan ‘yon. Hindi ko na ‘yon bibitawan,” he said.
“Sulit yung three times of training ko ng isang araw kasi kada game, kailangan paghandaan talaga. Alam ko naman na kahit galing ako sa second six, papagkatiwalaan pa rin ako ni coach. Think positive lang talaga ako palagi.”
