Josh Ybañez of the UST Golden Spikers reclaimed the Most Valuable Player award after bannering the individual honors in the UAAP Season 88 Men’s Volleyball Tournament on Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Golden Spiker finished the season with a league-best 90.192 statistical points, becoming the first player in the school’s history to win three MVP trophies.
“Actually, I really didn’t take it as something na makakapagpa-pressure sa akin. Instead, this MVP is a motivation for me and a confidence boost to do better and to lead the team kung ano pang magagawa ko next year,” said Ybañez.
“As what I have said sa previous interviews, it is not my goal. Welcome ito sa akin, but that’s not what I’m chasing. Bonus na lang itong binigay ni God. Thank you, God. I’m grateful for this, pero alam niyo naman talaga ang pinaka-goal ko dito sa UAAP.”
The 23-year-old senior anchored UST on both ends of the floor, ranking fourth in spiking with a 45.19% success rate, second in aces at 0.35 per set, and second in reception with a 65.68-percent efficiency clip. He also finished second in total scoring with 278 points.
Josh Ybañez to Return for Final Playing Year
Perhaps more importantly for the UST community, Josh Ybañez confirmed he will return for his final playing year with the Golden Spikers as the España-based squad continues its bid to end a 16-year title drought.
“Honestly, I think it’s the love I have for my school. It’s my way of giving back to my community, so ayun yung inisip ko. I am so grateful na napunta ako sa UST, so why not laruin ko pa ang pinakahuli kong chance na ipaglaban ang team at maglaro for UST?” he said.
Other Stars Join Josh Ybañez as Season 88 Honorees
Josh Ybañez also completed a three-peat as Best Outside Spiker alongside Buds Buddin of the NU Bulldogs.
Buddin topped the league in aces and emerged as one of the key leaders for the defending champions, while teammate Leo Ordiales secured his first Best Opposite Spiker award after a breakout campaign that also saw him help the Bulldogs to their sixth straight title on Saturday.
In the middle blocker position, Issa Ousseini of the La Salle Green Spikers and Lirick Mendoza of the FEU Tamaraws earned the honors.
Meanwhile, Ariel Cacao of FEU captured the Best Setter plum after leading all playmakers in excellent sets per frame, while teammate Vennie Ceballos took home the Best Libero award after topping the league in receptions.
Richard Besorio of the Adamson Soaring Falcons was named Rookie of the Year after a strong debut campaign for the Falcons.
