HAVING FACED a higher level of competition on the global stage, Golden Spikers Josh Ybañez and Al-Bukharie Sali now anchor UST with a profound maturity and discipline as they push for a return to the UAAP men’s volleyball finals.Leadership in España is no longer defined solely by seniority. This season, stability comes from experience forged by international exposure, as Ybañez and Sali bring lessons learned from their stint with Alas Pilipinas back to the collegiate ranks.
Now in his fourth year with the Golden Spikers, Ybañez has long been a focal point of the team. While pressure once weighed heavily during his early seasons, the two-time UAAP MVP has since learned to embrace it.
“I really felt the pressure during my rookie years,” Ybañez told The Flame.
“But now, I’ve learned to embrace it. I’m more motivated, I enjoy playing more and I want to lead the team on the court.”
His stint with Alas Pilipinas proved pivotal as Ybañez learned the value of emotional control, which he believes gives him a crucial edge in their high-stakes matches.
“One of the biggest lessons I learned from my time with Alas was maturity — maintaining emotional control while playing,” he shared.
“I want to share that with my teammates because it is valuable, especially in crucial moments,” he added.
Ybañez aims for this growth to translate into UST’s improved composure, particularly when they face elite opponents such as the NU Bulldogs.
“I know how they play, it has to be a team effort, defense as a team, offense as a team… and we have to trust the system,” he said.
Meanwhile, the sophomore Sali echoed the same sentiments, emphasizing that his Alas debut reshaped his mindset on leadership and training discipline.
“I learned so much there — leadership, discipline, almost everything,” Sali said.
“Yung intensity ng training nila, walang harutan. Training lang talaga. Yun yung gusto kong ma-apply dito,” the opposite spiker added.
(“Their training was intense, with no goofing around. It was all about training. That’s what I want to bring here.”)
That intensity has since become part of UST’s daily routine, with Sali pushing his teammates to match the level required at the international stage.
“I’ll just do whatever I can to help the team. I also need to step up in leadership — bringing here the lessons I learned from Alas,” he said.
Rather than commanding authority, Ybañez prefers to lead through guidance, particularly in mentoring fellow liberos.
“I don’t see myself as the one leading,” he said.
“I’m just sharing what I’ve learned at higher levels. I show them what to do in specific situations,” the spiker-turned-libero said.
This approach has helped foster confidence among younger players, especially the team’s bench, whom Ybañez believes are ready to step up when called upon.
“We can see in training how competitive they are. Just wait and watch in the UAAP.”
The Golden Spikers will open their Season 88 campaign against the defending champions NU Bulldogs on Feb. 15 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Sali, meanwhile, remains grounded despite the possibility of a larger role following the graduation of Jayrack de la Noche.
“I have no expectations for myself. If I become a starter, I’ll just enjoy the game and contribute wherever the team needs me.” F
