The UST Golden Spikers’ floor defense will be spearheaded by the sibling liberos Van and Nat Prudenciado in UAAP Season 86.
Nat, the younger of the siblings, will join his older brother as a rookie at the senior level. Van was the starting libero for the Golden Spikers last season and was the fourth-best digger in the league, averaging 2.59 digs per set.
UST head coach Odjie Mamon said the team will rely on the Prudenciado siblings to anchor the team’s new defensive system.
“Ine-expect kong mai-organize nila ‘yung floor defense namin,” Mamon told the Varsitarian. “Hindi ko kailangan ng malilikot na libero. They will be digging lots of strong ball without moving too much.”
“Mataas ‘yung expectations ko sa kanila. Sila yung court generals. They should be the floor defense specialists.”
For Van, a senior studying tourism and hospitality management, playing alongside his younger brother is a dream come true.
“Sabi ko, bago ako umalis, gusto ko magsama kami at ma-lineup siya,” Van told the Varsitarian. “Gusto ko, dalawa kami para kapag wala akong laro, siya ‘yung nasa likod at natutulungan niya ako mag-step up.”
Despite being a senior in college, Van still has two years of eligibility left. Meanwhile, Nat will have five years of eligibility starting Season 86.
Volleyball roots
The Prudenciado siblings discovered their passion for volleyball at a young age by watching their mother, who was a Palarong Pambansa volleybelle, play the sport.
“Kapag may game siya, sinasama niya kami kasi walang magbabantay sa amin, kaya manonood na lang kami game niya,” Nat said.
Eventually, the siblings grew to love the sport and began playing when they each reached second grade.
Van initially played as a spiker, while Nat started his volleyball journey as a setter.
However, they discovered that the libero position was better suited to their skills and strengths.
“Nakaka-satisfy kapag nakakasalo ka ng malakas na palo,” Van said. “Doon ko na-develop na, ‘Ay, ito pala yung position na para sa akin. Dito pala ako mage-excel.’”
“‘Yung height namin, talagang pang-libero, so no choice rin kami,” Nat added. “Pero naging love namin ‘yung pagiging libero.”
Edith, their mother, described the two liberos as determined and persevering kids.
“Pursigido silang makuha ang gusto nilang makamit sa buhay,” she said. “Bilang magulang, sobrang proud ako sa kanilang dalawa sa mga nakamit nila at narating nila na hindi ko narating sa volleyball.”
Van said volleyball has helped strengthen the bond between him and his brother.
“Mula noong lumalaki kami, pusa at daga kami, hindi kami masyadong close,” he said. “Noong nag-UST na kami, na-realize namin na kailangan naming mag-settle, kasi ang pangit naman na hindi kami nagkakasundo.”
“Pagdating ng college, mas na-develop ‘yung pagtutulungan namin inside and outside the court.”
Van acknowledged Nat’s progress in improving his positioning and overcoming his bad habits on the court.
Meanwhile, the incoming rookie expressed his intention to learn from his older brother, whom he admires for his quick digs and receptions.
“Ilalaban namin ang Prudenciado siblings,” Nat said. “Kung off siya, kailangan nagpapapawis na ako sa gilid. Hindi puwedeng wala siya, off din ako. Kailangan boom ako pagpasok.”
The Golden Spikers are set for a significant showdown in their Season 86 opener against last season’s finals opponents and defending champions, the NU Bulldogs, scheduled for Feb. 18, Sunday, at 12 noon at the Mall of Asia Arena. Bjorn Del B. Deade with reports Ernest Martin G. Tuazon.
