Josh Ybañez has established himself as a key piece for Alas Pilipinas Men.
Josh Ybañez has come a long way since arriving as a super rookie for the University of Santo Tomas in the UAAP Men’s Volleyball Tournament.
Shortly after securing his second-straight UAAP Most Valuable Player award in Season 86, Ybañez received the prestigious call-up to represent the national team. Since then, he has proven his mettle as a libero on the international stage.
A year after his national team debut, the spiker-turned-libero is now part of Alas Pilipinas’ 21-man pool for the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championships, being one of three floor patrollers along with veterans Vince Lorenzo and Jack Kalingking.
As he waits for a call-up into the Final 14, Ybañez reflected on his rise from a star in the collegiate scene to being a mainstay on the national team while playing outside of his usual wing spiker position.
“Actually at first, I really didn’t expect [this trajectory], but ayun nga, nakita ko ‘yung trust ng coaches sa akin, so parang na-realize ko na kaya ko palang umabot sa ganitong stage, so ayun, masaya ako,” Ybañez said during the MRT Go Live! event to promote the Philippines’ FIVB Men’s World Championship hosting.
Ybañez also credited Lorenzo and Kalingking as key factors in his growth, as they have willingly shared their knowledge as veterans on the international stage.
“I’m so glad that I have this trio na parang mga kuya ko na libero din. Hindi sila nagkulang sa pag-guide sa akin as someone who is bago sa team, and ayun, masaya ako na lagi akong may nakakausap,” he said.
“Lagi akong may dalawang libero na lagi akong tinutulungan, nakikita ‘yung lapses ko inside the court and ayun, pinpunuan din nila.”
Should he make the final roster, Ybañez knows that the World Championships will be a major learning experience, given the quality of opponents he and Alas will face, starting with world no. 40 Tunisia this September 12.
“Of course masaya ako, and it’s an honor kasi the Philippines, it’s our first time sa World Championships. Ayun nga, happy ako kasi for sure I’m gonna learn so much from our opponents and sa liga na ito,” Ybanez said.
Ybañez also hopes that Filipino fans will give Alas a home crowd advantage, knowing that a “seventh man” will be important as they make their historic World Championship debut.
“Sana naman suportahan kami ng lahat ng mga Pilipino, syempre may mga USA, crowd favorite din ‘yan; favorite din ‘yan ng mga Pinoy, so sana masuportahan din kami.”
Banner images from the Philippine National Volleyball Federation on Facebook.
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