GOLDEN SPIKER star Josh Ybañez has officially secured a place on Alas Pilipinas’ final 14-man roster for the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship to be held from Sept. 12 to 28.
The back-to-back UAAP Most Valuable Player will serve as the squad’s main libero under Italian coach Angiolino Frigoni.
UST Institute of Physical Education and Athletics (IPEA) director Fr. Rodel Cansancio said Ybañez’s inclusion is a source of pride for the UST community.
“First, we’re proud. The UST and Filipino community is proud of what Josh has achieved so far,” Cansancio told The Flame.
“For now, we want to express that we’re fully behind him in all of his international competitions. Anything that he can learn in the international games, he can apply to UST as well,” he added.
The 22-year-old has been Alas’ starting libero since May 2024. He bagged his first international Best Libero award during the second leg of the 2025 SEA V.League in July.
According to Cansancio, UST Golden Spikers head coach Odjie Mamon is also considering the graduating outside hitter to be the full-time libero for the España-based squad in Season 88.
“Initially, I talked to Coach Odjie. He [Ybañez] might really be converted into a libero this season,” he said.
The World No. 82 Alas Pilipinas will compete in Pool A against rank 43 Tunisia (Sept. 12), rank 23 Egypt (Sept. 16), and rank 13 Iran (Sept. 18) at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
Other players included in the final roster are open hitters Bryan Bagunas, Marck Espejo, Buds Buddin and Jade Disquitado; Jack Kalinking and Vince Lorenzo; opposite spikers Leo Ordiales and Louie Ramirez; middle blockers Peng Taguibolos, Kim Malabunga and Lloyd Josafat; and setters Owa Retamar and Eco Adajar. F
