Buds Buddin may have just played his final game in a NU Bulldogs uniform in the UAAP, but the decision on what comes next remains far from final.
Fresh off helping NU complete a historic six-peat in the UAAP Season 88 Men’s Volleyball Tournament, Buddin admitted that his future will ultimately depend on longtime mentor Dante Alinsunurin.
The veteran outside spiker played a key role in NU’s championship run, producing 20 points, 18 excellent receptions, and seven digs in the Bulldogs’ five-set Game 1 victory before adding 8 points and 17 receptions in the title-clinching Game 2 win over the Far Eastern University Tamaraws.
Still, whether he returns for one final UAAP season or pursues opportunities overseas remains uncertain.
“Ako kasi, siyempre, bilang pangalawang tatay ko si Coach Dante, kumbaga sa kanya ako lagi nakasalalay,” said Buddin. “Kung ano ang magiging desisyon niya, doon ako kasi alam ko naman na over time, yung magiging desisyon niya para sa akin ay sa ikabubuti ko, sa ikabubuti ng future ko. Basta bahala si Coach Dante sa akin. Basta ako, ready ako sa kung ano ang magiging desisyon niya para sa akin kasi alam ko ‘di niya ako ipapahamak.”
International Stint Next for Buds Buddin?
Under Alinsunurin, NU has established itself not just as a UAAP dynasty but also as a pipeline for international volleyball careers.
Former Bulldogs such as Bryan Bagunas, Leo Aringo, and Owa Retamar have all earned opportunities abroad—a pathway Alinsunurin hopes more players can follow.
“Kaya namin ginagawa ‘to, siguro ay para sa mga player namin na gusto naming maabot ‘yung best nila, hindi lang sa national team, kundi outside the country,” said Alinsunurin. “Dito naman talaga tumatakbo ‘yung programa namin. Sabi ko, hindi lang dapat sa Pilipinas ‘yung career nila mag-grow. Sabi ko, ang plan talaga namin is makalaro sila internationally. Pinu-push lang namin ‘yung sarili namin, nag-aaral, pumupunta sa mga training camps sa ibang bansa, para at least makilala kami, ma-recognize kami. Kung anuman ang matutunan namin, dinadala namin dito para pagdating sa international, lahat ng players ko ready.”
If Season 88 does end up being Buddin’s final UAAP campaign, it was a fitting sendoff for one of NU’s most reliable leaders during its dynastic run.
But even amid uncertainty about his own future, Buddin remains confident the Bulldogs can continue their dominance.
“Ako, very confident ako sa magiging performance ng mga rookies namin next season, kasi mahaba pa naman yung oras para mahanda nila ang sarili nila,” said the four-time champion. “May mga off-season na leagues na alam kong mapapaghanda sa sarili nila. “Siyempre sa sistema ni Coach, kahit bata ka or rookie ka o kahit ano, pag nasa kay Coach Dante ka at mga coaches namin, hindi lang skills mahahasa sa iyo pati siyempre yung attitude mo sa loob ng court. Kaya alam ko na kahit na mawala man ako siguro next year, alam kong kakayanin pa rin nila.”
Buddin won’t have to worry about the Bulldogs he’ll be leaving behind. They’re in good hands with Dante Alinsunurin. Now, the NU stalwart can look ahead on what’s best for him.
