Undeniably one of the best opposite spikers of his time, College of St. Benilde alum John Vic de Guzman shared on the 'Rise Up Stronger: The Road to NCAA Season 96' his all-time list of NCAA volleyball players.
Topping his list is Perpetual's Jack Kalingking, who was his teammate in the national team and is probably considered as one of the great liberos that the NCAA ever saw.
They both saw action in the 2019 SEA Games where the Philippine men's volleyball team finished with a historic silver medal.
"Jack is a quiet person but when he entered the court, his drive was different. And he may not be the captain but you can see his leadership," de Guzman spoke of Kalingking.
Grethcel Soltones of the San Sebastian College-Recoletes and Howard Mojica of Emilio Aguinaldo College were next on the former Blazer standout's list.
According to de Guzman, he has high respect for Soltones for bringing glory to her alma mater while saying that Mojica is a powerful player despite a lanky body frame.
"I sometimes throw him (Howard) silly jokes that he's very skinny but when he steps onto the court, it's like he's a big person," de Guzman recalled.
Ces Molina of San Beda University also made it to de Guzman's all-time best. According to him, Molina is the one player he used to watch when he was just starting his stint with CSB.
"Last SEA Games, we saw how she carried the team and she became my idol because she really brings something to the table."
The last one to catch the ride to de Guzman's list is, surprisingly, himself.
The Kapuso actor shared to host Martin Javier how his years long run with Benilde has made him a stronger person not only as an athlete but as well as when he's outside of the taraflex.
"In the four years that I played in the NCAA, I endured a lot of hardships, a lot of trials and I really gave it all."
Watch the NCAA Season 96 opening ceremony today at 5:05 p.m. only on GTV.
—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA News
