Buddin, a last-minute call-up, shines for Alas Pilipinas

Alas Pilipinas’ Buds Buddin in the SEA VLeague first leg at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.–SAVA PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — From being a last-minute call-up, Buds Buddin made sure he would leave everything on the floor for Alas Pilipinas.

With just more than a week to train with the national squad to fill in the void left by Marck Espejo, Buddin introduced himself to the international stage by emerging as one of the two top outside spikers in the SEA VLeague 1st leg and leading his team to a breakthrough bronze medal finish.

“Last, last week lang talaga ako nag-training sa kanila and ayun sobrang thankful ako na grabe yung trust sa akin ng mga coaches ko na i-first six ako,” said Buddin after earning the 2nd Best Outside Hitter and a bronze medal.

READ: Alas Pilipinas’ Buddin, Malabunga hailed in SEA VLeague

From a late call up to an individual awardee, Buds Buddin on his Alas Pilipinas’ debut. #SEAVLeague2024 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/bYTNBwb7BC

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) August 18, 2024

“Kung ano yung trabaho ko ginawa ko lang. Nagbunga naman lahat ng pinaghirapan namin,” he added

Buddin conspired with Bryan Bagunas and Louie Ramirez on his national team debut, pouring in 14 points in their four-set win over Vietnam on Friday — the victory that clinched the bronze medal for Alas.

Alas suffered a double whammy after Bagunas sustained a knee injury late in their four-set loss to Indonesia. Without its star, the home squad got swept by unbeaten champion Thailand but Buddin’s mindset to step up when it mattered most was evident in all three matches, where he averaged 12.3 points.

“Yung mindset ko talaga kanina ilaban na nang ilaban kasi ito yung pinaghirapan namin ng ilang buwan, ng ilang linggo. So sa isip ko, matalo, manalo, lalaban kami,” said the National University star.

Although he had big shoes to fill as a national team first-timer, Buddin is grateful to have his college coach Dante Alinsunurin, the assistant coach of Italian Angiolino Frigoni on his side, guiding him every step of the way.

READ: Alas Pilipinas, sans Bryan Bagunas, bags SEA VLeague bronze

“Andiyan naman si coach Dante, sila coach, lagi akong gina-guide. Nung una, nahirapan ako i-adapt yung sistema nila, pati yung mga kuya ko, andiyan sila and unti-unti kong na-adapt yung sistema. In-apply ko ng in-apply hanggang sa nakuha ko naman,” said Buddin, who also had his NU teammates Owa Retamar, Peng Taguibolos, Leo Ordiales, and Jade Disquitado.

Upon receiving his first international individual award, Buddin couldn’t believe what he had achieved despite the limited preparation.

But his plaque and bronze medal will be an inspiration and confidence booster ahead of the SEA VLeague second leg in Indonesia from August 23 to 25 and future tournaments.

“Gagawin ko siyang inspirasyon para mas lalo kong galingan sa mga next leagues,” Buddin said.

“Mas buo na yung kumpiyansa ko ngayon na and siguro ano, when it comes sa receive and defense siguro yun yung mas i-improve ko pa ngayon kasi I think doon ako mas kulang.”