Josh Ybañez, a two-time UAAP MVP and the leading scorer in Season 86, has taken on the challenge of suiting up as a libero for Alas Pilipinas in the upcoming 2024 AVC Challenge Cup for Men.
Josh Ybañez is set to take on a new challenge with Alas Pilipinas.
Despite being the most prolific scorer in the collegiate scene, Ybañez has selflessly embraced the role of libero for the national team in the upcoming 2024 AVC Challenge Cup for Men.
This transition, driven by a desire for national glory, showcases the unwavering dedication and team-first mentality of the two-time UAAP MVP.
For Ybañez, he believes the adjustments won't be as challenging as they might have been, given that playing as a defensive specialist was his original position in the past.
“‘Di naman siguro sa akin sobrang hirap na binalik ako sa libero kasi ‘yun naman talaga ‘yung original na position ko,” the 5-foot-7 UST Golden Spiker said.
“Ayun lang, may mga adjustments din, of course, kasi nga spiker ako ng UAAP and mga previous tournaments ko. Ayun, nag aaral naman ako pero tatrabahuhin ko naman sa ensayo.”
While Ybañez is renowned for his exceptional scoring prowess, he has also showcased remarkable defensive abilities in the UAAP.
In Season 86, he stood out as the top receiver with an impressive 62.84% efficiency rate and ranked sixth in digs with an average of 1.66 per set.
[ALSO READ: Marck Espejo, Jau Umandal spearhead Alas Pilipinas for 2024 AVC Challenge Cup]
As Ybañez prepares to take on the role of defensive anchor, Alas Pilipinas is primed to maximize his contributions as they vie for national pride in the continental tournament set in Isa Town, Bahrain from June 2 to 9.
(With reports from Inna Mina/One Sports)