NU Bulldogs’ rising star Michaelo Buddin. –UAAP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — National University coach Dante Alinsunurin knew that Michaelo Buddin would shine bright in his rookie year as the young outside spiker helped the Bulldogs complete a perfect title run in the UAAP Season 85 men’s volleyball tournament.
The 21-year-old hitter out of Nazareth School, who made waves when they won the Spikers’ Turf crown and V-League last year, capped a successful first collegiate season after completing the Bulldogs’ historic ‘three-peat’ and extending their winning streak to 34 games.
Alinsunurin was hardly surprised by Buddin’s stellar stint as he’s been seeing the dedication and hard work of the league’s 2nd Best Outside Spiker.
“He is a hard-working player in our practice. Every time he needs to improve or lack something, he will address it right away by asking us, coaches,” said the NU coach in Filipino after winning his fifth UAAP title.
Buddin, who averaged 23 points in the Finals, said he didn’t want to waste the trust given to him by Alinsunurin since the preseason.
NU Bulldogs’ Michaelo Buddin. –UAAP PHOTO
“I’m really grateful to the trust of coach Dante since the Spikers’ Turf until now. He guides me every time and when I commit mistakes he and my seniors are always there to correct me.
The NU coach urged his young player to keep on listening to his coaches and teammates, believing the best is yet to come for Buddin.
“I always tell him not to let his achievements get to his head. He has a lot of playing years here in the UAAP. And his talent is not just for here in the Philippines, he can go to places, in the international league,” Alinsunurin said.
It took time for Buddin to make his collegiate debut as the men’s players waited for three years before returning to action. Despite their successful comeback, the rookie spiker remains hungry for more.
“I will continue to work hard and fight for my team, coach,” he said.