In UST’s illustrious men’s volleyball history, the list of players who have achieved the distinction of starting their UAAP career as Rookie of the Year and then going on to become Most Valuable Player starts and ends at one name: Josh Ybañez.
As he embarks on his second UAAP season, Ybañez said he is determined to maintain his position at the top.
“Sobrang ganda na ng nasimulan ko and I just have to be consistent hanggang sa matapos ako dito sa UST,” he told the Varsitarian. “Hindi ko pababayaan ‘yung nasimulan ko, and kung ano ‘yung mga nakuha ko sa rookie days ko, ide-defend ko siya nang ide-defend.”
Ybañez, who also bagged the MVP awards in the PNVF Challenge Cup and the V-League Collegiate Challenge, recognized that there are still aspects of his game that need improvement, particularly his patience and composure.
“Up until now I’m still working on it,” he said. “I’m having a hard time kasi nangingibabaw talaga ‘yung gigil lalo na kapag ‘yung mga situations na crucial.”
And UST head coach Odjie Mamon said he has been helping Ybañez address these concerns.
“Not all balls can be won, so sometimes he has to be patient. Pagpasok niya muna kasi gusto niya agad patay,” he said. “You (Ybañez) can be tactical lang and smart. Ipinapaliwanag ko sa kanya yung situations when he can unleash his full power.”
Mamon underscored Ybañez’s role for the Golden Spikers in their title bid, calling him a “complete package.”
“Basically, siya ‘yung pinaka kumpleto ‘yung package,” Mamon said. “Meron siyang atake and magaling siya dumipensa, strong ang serve at saka main passer…he’s an all-around player.”
Leadership
Mamon said he’s developing the reigning MVP to be a more vocal leader inside the court for the Tiger Spikers’ nine newcomers.
“He’s a silent leader, pero I’m trying to mold him to be an outspoken leader sa court,” the coach said. “I don’t want to give him the team captain (title) para wala siya masyadong responsibilities, pero leadership niya sa court is more on his actions, so ‘pag nag tuloy-tuloy pa he doesn’t need the captain’s [title] to lead the field.”
Going into his sophomore season, Ybañez will be alongside team captain Dux Yambao and other veterans Gboy De Vega, Rainer Flor and Popoy Colinares to lead the Tiger Spikers.
“On the court naman may mga seniors akong kasama, kung ano ‘yung nao-observe na may kailangan naming i-improve or kailangan naming pagusapan sa court alam kong nakikita din ‘yun ng mga seniors,” Ybañez said.
“May tiwala ako sa mga teammates ko, may tiwala ako sa mga sistema ng coaches, and the coaches themselves. I know sobrang mahirap yung dadaanan namin patungo sa goal namin—’yung mag champion.”
