Alas Pilipinas libero Josh Ybanez during the SEA VLeague first leg at Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.–SAVA PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Josh Ybañez may have established himself as the most lethal scorer in the UAAP but the University of Santo Tomas’ two-time MVP has been thriving in his new role as a libero for Alas Pilipinas.
Since getting a call-up from the Philippine national volleyball team, Ybañez had to embrace the defensive role, which isn’t new for him as it was his original position before he turned into a do-it-all spiker for UST.
The 5-foot-6 player impressed with his steady floor defense and was instrumental in Alas Pilipinas’ bronze medal finish in the SEA VLeague first leg in Manila.
READ: Frigoni says SEA VLeague bronze just the start for Alas Pilipinas
Josh Ybañez on embracing the libero role for Alas Pilipinas. #SEAVLeague2024 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/i4qGpVEJYy
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) August 18, 2024
Ybañez, who debuted for Alas in June in the AVC Challenge Cup in Bahrain, credited his smooth transition to his coaches including Italian Angiolino Frigoni and college tactician Odjie Mamon.
“Sobrang happy ko [na nandito] si coach Odjie at coach Angelo dahil sobrang mino-motivate nila ko kaya nailalabas ko talaga ‘yung laro ko as a libero,” he told reporters.
The pride of General Santos City seems to be having the time of his life in Alas uniform as he was animated after receiving their bronze medal — the team’s first podium finish in the league after a winless stint last year — and even did an impression of Paris Olympics double gold medalist Carlos Yulo with his version of a cartwheel.
Ybañez is just grateful and thrilled to represent the country after wholeheartedly accepting the libero role.
READ: Josh Ybanez ready to show his mettle at Alas Pilipinas
“Sobrang saya ko sa bagong role ko lalo na dito sa Alas kasi sobrang dami kong natututunan from the coaches. Sobrang thankful ako, of course, sa experience na naglalaro ako dito sa national team,” he said.
Bannering a collegiate-laden squad, Ybañez is eager to keep improving with his teammates as they head to the second leg in Indonesia from Friday to Sunday.
“Sobrang dami pang pwedeng i-improve, and of course, makukuha naman yan kung mas matagal pa kaming magsasama,” he said.