Ybañez to go all out if tryout invite to PH team comes his way

MANILA, Philippines: UST Golden Spikers’ Josh Ybañez doesn’t know yet if he will be invited to try out for the Philippine men’s national team pool for the FIVB Men’s World Championships in September next year.

Josh Ybanez UAAP PHOTO 

But should the reigning UAAP men’s volleyball MVP get one, he said that he’s going to go all out to earn his spot.

Playing for the flag and country is one of his dreams, after all.

“Of course, I’m happy because I will be able to see [in person] the players I’m looking up to and to really witness high level of volleyball [in the World Championships],” said Ybañez.

“I don’t know if I will be invited but if they will, then I’ll try out. I’ll accept it with all my heart because it [playing for the national team] is one of my dreams and I’m ready to fight for the country if ever.”

At 5-foot-7, Josh Ybañez, albeit athletic and explosive, is definitely a small spiker especially in international volleyball competitions.

Ybañez, however, may still function as a libero as some fans have brought up online.

Ybañez playing as a floor defense specialist is not a bad idea considering he has shown his capability to do so.

Against the defending champs NU Bulldogs on March 24, Ybañez logged 25 excellent receptions on top of a career-best 34 points.

His two-way play enabled UST to earn a tough 28-30, 22-25, 25-23, 25-22, 15-9 win to rise to 5-4, tied with Ateneo in fourth place in the UAAP Season 86 men’s volleyball tournament.

“I’m happy with the win. I’m thinking about my score as I’ll do anything to contribute to the team as long as I can. I’m happy because it’s a collaborative effort,” said Ybañez.

The selection process for the 25-man national team pool for the World Championships will begin after the completion of the Spikers Turf and UAAP volleyball tournaments.

Head coach Sergio Veloso along with his assistants Dante Alinsunurin and Odjie Mamon, Ybañez’s coach at UST, will facilitate the player selection.