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Transformed to libero after profitable two UAAP MVPs as a spiker, Alas Pilipinas’ Josh Ybañez continues to maintain his head down and grind for a standard aim: to elevate Philippine volleyball forward of the FIVB Males’s World Championship
MANILA, Philippines – Josh Ybañez burst onto the Philippine volleyball scene as one of the crucial electrifying younger hitters to hit the taraflex.
With excellent leaping potential, spiking energy, and tenacious ground protection, the delight of Common Santos Metropolis shortly shifted the lads’s volleyball panorama as back-to-back UAAP MVP in simply his first two collegiate seasons.
When the Alas Pilipinas nationwide staff rightfully got here calling, nonetheless, Ybañez discovered himself on unfamiliar territory — at the very least to legions of recent followers who tuned in to look at him play — as he accepted a libero position in a staff already loaded with gifted wingers taller than his slight 5-foot-7 body.
Head bowed down and simply completely happy to compete for the nation, the flashy Ybañez now finds himself one foot within the door of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Males’s World Championship as a part of the 21-man Alas pool for the 32-nation spiking showpiece the Philippines is internet hosting this September 12 to twenty-eight.
For Ybañez, spiker or not, the World Championship is extra than simply an opportunity to play; it’s a once-in-a-lifetime probability to show himself towards the world’s greatest.
“I’ll simply give attention to doing my greatest in each sport and studying from every match. That’s the one manner I can develop,” he mentioned.
“I hope all Filipinos will assist us as a result of, in fact, there are groups just like the USA and others which can be additionally favorites amongst Filipinos. So, I hope they cheer for us, too.”
Celebrating volleyball historical past past wins and losses
Ought to he be chosen for the ultimate staff (a probability at this level), Ybañez is ready to banner an enhancing Filipino protection towards world No. 43 Tunisia within the curtain-raiser on Friday, September 12, then towards world No. 23 Egypt on September 16, and No. 13 Iran on September 18.
A frightening job, little doubt, however one Ybañez is totally prepared for after months of toiling for the flag in numerous worldwide competitions.
“Strain is fixed. It’s at all times there, even when it’s not the World Championship,” added the SEA V. League Finest Libero. “There’s at all times stress, so I simply embrace it and give attention to loving what I do.”
Although followers must mood profitable expectations for the world No. 82 Philippine staff, Ybañez makes it some extent to look past wins and losses and give attention to the golden alternative to enhance from the game’s figurative and literal giants.
“It’s an honor for us to symbolize the Philippines for the primary time on the World Championship, and as they are saying, that is historical past. I’m completely happy, and for positive, I’m going to be taught a lot from our opponents and from the match itself,” mentioned Ybañez.
A celebration of volleyball’s worldwide progress kicks off in every week’s time, and followers can watch the motion stay on the Mall of Asia Enviornment and Araneta Coliseum by snagging tickets right here. – Rappler.com
