Leo Ordiales emerged as the biggest star of the Finals after powering the NU Bulldogs to a historic six-peat in the UAAP Season 88 Men’s Volleyball Tournament.
The 6-foot-6 opposite spiker was named Finals MVP after averaging 23.0 points in NU’s two-game championship sweep of the FEU Tamaraws.
Ordiales first delivered 22 points in NU’s gritty five-set Game 1 victory before erupting for 24 points on an efficient 23-of-36 attacking clip in the Bulldogs’ title-clinching 26-24, 25-22, 25-22 win in Game 2.
Fighting back tears after securing the championship, Ordiales dedicated the victory and his individual award to his father.
“Pa, para sa’yo ito! At sa lahat ng mga naniniwala diyan, para sa inyo ito!” he said.
Where to Now, Leo Ordiales?
Beyond the championship, however, questions about Leo Ordiales’ future have quickly surfaced as overseas opportunities continue to emerge for the rising star.
When asked about his plans for next season, Ordiales could only laugh before responding vaguely, later teasing overseas interest with a smiling “Secret!”
Head coach Dante Alinsunurin confirmed that multiple offers from abroad are already on the table.
“May mga offers na rin. Tinitingnan na lang namin, binabalanse namin kung ano ‘yung para sa kanya,” said Alinsunurin.
“Sa akin, wala namang problema kung hindi na sila (ni Michaelo Buddin) babalik next year basta maganda ‘yung kukuhang team and makakatulong sa kanila in the future,” he added.
Leo Ordiales, Rising Star
Ordiales’ rise has been rapid over the last two years.
Aside from helping NU secure back-to-back titles, he also captured the Season 88 Best Opposite Spiker award and became one of the key players for Alas Pilipinas during the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship.
“Nakatulong din kay Leo ‘yung pagiging national team niya kaya naging mabilis ‘yung progress ng career niya. Nung dumating si Coach Angiolino Frigoni, talagang nabigyan siya ng break,” said Alinsunurin.
Despite being only in his second collegiate season, Ordiales already faces a limited UAAP timeline because of age restrictions, with only two playing years remaining.
Should he decide to leave early, he would join the growing list of NU standouts who pursued professional careers overseas, including Bryan Bagunas and Leo Aringo.
For now, though, Leo Ordiales leaves Season 88 with the biggest prize possible—another championship and a Finals MVP trophy that further cemented his place as one of the country’s brightest volleyball stars.
