Arellano University's Adrian Villados has been called up anew by the national team as he serves as one of the potential playmakers for the Philippines in the 2025 FIVB Men's World Championship.
But among all the emotions he is feeling at the moment, the 24-year-old setter said he is just excited to share the court with his idol Joshua Retamar, who is also returning to his national squad duty after begging off last year.
"Idol ko po kasi ‘yun and masaya kasi ‘yung idol mo kasama mo na sa team," Villados told GMA News Online on Friday.
"And mas pagbubutihin pa naming dalawa para ‘yung national team mas umangat pa."
(He is my idol and I am happy to be with my idol in the team. We will strive to do better so the national team will continue to rise.)
This would not be Villados' first rodeo with the Philippine team as he was already tapped during the 19th Asian Games in China last year, where he teamed up with several veteran setters in Kim Dayadante and Vince Mangulabnan.
This time, he gets to learn from one of the best there is with Retamar.
The 22-year-old Retamar was part of the squad that delivered a silver medal during the 2019 SEA Games here and was also included in the squad that finished fifth in the following edition. He also parades multiple individual awards and championships with the National University in UAAP.
Villados, for his part, also boasts an impressive resume as he was named the Best Setter in NCAA Season 98 after helping the Chiefs reach the Final Four.
For him, his return and Louie Ramirez' call-up show the caliber of NCAA players.
"Happy po ako and siguro overwhelmed lang ako kasi nakabalik ako ulit sa national team. Kaya pala ng mga NCAA players na pumasok sa national team," the 6-foot Villados added.
(I'm happy and perhaps overwhelmed because I am back in the national team. NCAA players can be in the national team.)
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
