UST's 'small but terrible' Josh Ybañez posts career-game to be first UAAP men's volleyball Player of the Week

University of Santo Tomas rookie Josh Ybañez has earned the nod of the Collegiate Press Corps as its first UAAP men's volleyball Player of the Week.

The five-foot-seven Ybañez, who was described by his coach Odjie Mamon as a "small but terrible" player, posted a career-high 31 points during the Golden Spikers' 21-25, 28-26, 25-21, 25-21 last March 15. He was the first player to score over 30 points anchored on 26 attacks, three blocks, and two aces on top of 14 excellent receptions and eight digs.

He then posted 18 points in the España-based squad's 25-17, 25-21, 25-23 over University of the East on Saturday to end their first round campaign with four straight wins.

With eyes expected to turn on him coming in the second round, Ybañez said he is not worried about being a marked man.

"Sa totoo lang, hindi naman ako nagwo-worry kasi ang team namin sobrang daming tutulong,” said Ybañez. “Siguro first round sa akin pero for sure 'yung second round mag-step up 'yung teammates ko. Wala akong dapat ikatakot.”

("In truth, I don't worry because there are a lot of players that can help out on our team... I guess the first round was my time to shine and for sure in the second round my teammates will step up. I don't have anything to worry about.")

Mamon also believes the best is yet to come for Ybañez.

“Siyempre ginu-groom ko pa rin siya, ninu-nurture pa rin,” said Mamon. “Kahit pabayaan mo yan maglalaro yan makakapuntos yan pero siyempre mas maganda yung nasa sistema siya, in sync siya don sa mga kasama niya sabay sabay sila maggo-grow.”

("Of course, we are grooming him, nurturing him... Even if you just let him play, he will find a way to score but of course, it's better when he plays within the system, and he's in sync with his teammates. They'll grow together.")

Ybañez bested the likes of fellow Thomasian Regina Jurado and Eya Laure, NU's Mhicaela Belen, and La Salle's Angel Canino and Fifi Sharma in the weekly citation backed by San Miguel Corporation and the Philippine Sports Commission, and minor sponsors MNL Kingpin, Tinapayan Festival, and Jockey.

—Justin Kenneth Carandang/JMB, GMA Integrated News