Choco Mucho and NU men's coach Dante Alinsunurin, alongside another veteran tactician in Odjie Mamon, will serve as an assistant coach for the Philippine men's national volleyball team helmed by Brazilian mentor Sergio Veloso.
Dante Alinsunurin is set to return to the Philippine men's national volleyball team, albeit in a different capacity.
Alinsunurin, who helmed the Nationals from 2019 to 2022, will serve as one of the deputies of current head coach Sergio Veloso. This development came a year after being relieved from his post as chief tactician, due to his concurrent commitments with Choco Mucho in the PVL and National University in the UAAP.
Alinsunurin will be joined by another former national coach in Odjie Mamon in the buildup to the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship.
"Noong nag meeting kami sinabi lang sa akin ako 'yung magiging isa sa mga assistant coaches kay coach Sergio. 'Yun 'yung magiging papel ko dito sa national team," Alinsunurin said.
"Sobrang thankful kasi kahit anong nangyari before binigyan pa rin ako ng pagkakataon mag-serve sa men’s, sa national team kaya sobrang saya na nakabalik ulit ako dito sa position."
The 2025 global showpiece will feature 32 world-class teams vying for the coveted world championship. As host of the event, the Philippines will be awarded a slot in the tournament.
Asked about the composition of the national team, Alinsunurin said that the pool will be composed of 25 players, though the list of names remains undisclosed.
With over a year before the FIVB tilt, which is slated to run from September 12 to 28, the coaches will have plenty of time to choose the players that would clash with the world's best.
"As of now wala pa naman siguro, pagkatapos ng media briefing na 'to magusap kami ng mga coaches para pagplanuhan kung kailan kami mag start and kung paano 'yung selection ng players," Alinsunurin shared.
"Ite-train talaga siya buong taon kung sino man makasama sa 25, magcu-cut lang pagdating world championship."
More than anything, Alinsunurin expressed his gratitude to the Philippine National Volleyball Federation, along with the tourism department and private stakeholders, for securing the hosting rights.
After all, the veteran coach believes that the international event will help broaden the reach of men's volleyball in the country.
"Personally siyempre excited ako na mag host tayo ng ganitong sobrang laking liga. Sobrang thankful ako sa PNVF na dinala dito para mas ma-showcase pa talaga 'yung men’s team dito sa Pilipinas," Alinsunurin said.
"'Yun naman 'yung lagi naming sinasabi na mabalanse 'yung volleyball sa Pilipinas na pati 'yung men’s din makasabay din sa women’s."