The national team is looking to make waves in the fourth edition of the tournament.
The Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) on Thursday bared the lineup of the men’s volleyball team for the upcoming 2023 AVC Challenge Cup in Taipei, Taiwan.
Spikers’ Turf Open Conference MVP Jao Umandal, who led the offensive front of the Philippine squad under new Brazilian coach Sergio Veloso in this year's Southeast Asian Games, returns to national team duty. But this time, he is joined by more veterans in the men's volley scene.
Marck Espejo, South Korea-bound superstar and Umandal's Cignal HD Spikers teammate, is set to fortify the team's firepower. Espejo and Umandal's other pro teammates in Manuel Sumanguid III, Rex Intal, and Chumason Njingha are also part of the national squad.
La Salle Green Spikers’ Noel Kampton and NCAA Season 98 Men's Volleyball Best Setter Adrian Villados of the Letran Knights are also included in the lineup.
Meanwhile, AMC-Cotabato's Vince Mangulabnan, Lloyd Josafat, Kim Dayandante, Vince Patrick Lorenzo, and Jayvee Sumagaysay are also ready to render their services to the flag.
Other veterans John Vic De Guzman, Edward Camposano, Kim Malabunga, and Madzlan Gampong are also in the team alongside Filipino-American recruits Steve Rotter, Ryan Ka, and middle blocker Cyrus de Guzman.
Bryan Bagunas, who was earlier reported to be skipping the Chinese Taipei tilt, remains as part of the official lineup.
Joining Coach Sergio are assistant coaches Odjie Mamon and Rommel Abella, trainer Mark Alfafara, strength and conditioning coach Melchizedek Samonte, and team manager Jerome Guhit.
This will be the first time that the men’s national team will be competing in the AVC Challenge Cup, which is taking place from July 8 to 15.
(GM)