Alas Pilipinas men’s Bryan Bagunas. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Bryan Bagunas returned to Alas Pilipinas under the new system of Italian coach Angiolino Frigoni in the SEA VLeague and had the luxury of with young guns like Buds Buddin and Louie Ramirez backing him up.
Struggling in the last two sets, Bagunas kept his faith in the national team newcomers with Buddin and Ramirez holding the ground before he subbed in to score the game-winning attack to complete a 25-21, 25-22, 18-25, 25-23 win over Vietnam in the SEA VLeague first-leg opener on Friday.
The Alas team captain, one of a few long-tenured national team players left on the roster, finished with a game-high 19 points on 15 attacks, two blocks, and two aces but he deferred the credit to Buddin and Ramirez
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“I’m so proud of those two players because this is their first time, Buddin was even a late call-up. And yet both of them performed well. As their senior, I am so proud, believing that our men’s volleyball has a bright future,” said Bagunas in Filipino.
Bagunas, whose career has been flourishing in Taiwan leading WinStreak to back-to-back championships, is honored to learn from world-class coach Frigoni, who is preparing the squad for its hosting and participation in the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship.
“We’re learning a lot from here. And what he’s been teaching us is world-class. As a world champion, he’s a huge help to us. And I know that we will learn to play at a high level,” said the Cignal star.
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Ending the dry spell after a forgettable SEA VLeague campaign last year, Bagunas relished his national team comeback after missing the AVC Challenge Cup in Bahrain last June.
“I’m happy to represent the country. It’s every player’s dream. And I’m proud to be back here,” he said.
After a winning start, Bagunas stressed that the job’s not done as the men’s team eye its second win against defending champion Indonesia on Saturday.
“This win is a big boost for us. But we won’t stop here. Every game, we will keep on working hard,” Bagunas said.