The National University product joined the Nationals on Monday, reporting for training at the Sagamitana High School.
Bagunas, who is currently playing for Oita Miyoshi Weiss Adler in the Japan Premier League, will be with the squad for just four days to familiarize with the system and rotation and build chemistry.
“Friday ng morning aalis na ko kasi may game ako ng Saturday,” said Bagunas.
The reigning UAAP Most Valuable Player will get a chance to see action with the Nationals in two tune-up games against FC Tokyo on Tuesday and Thursday.
“Siyempre ako sobrang masaya ako kasi nakasama na ulit ako sa training nila iba talaga sa feeling yung sarili mong bansa yung pinaglalaruan mo kaya sobrang excited ako na pumunta dito para makasama sila sa training,” said Bagunas.
But it will be only time that Bagunas will share the court with his teammates in the 16-day training camp made possible by Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas, Inc. and the Philippine Sports Commission as preparation for the 30th Southeast Asian Games next month in Manila.
“Susulitin ko ‘to kasi ito na yung last na makikipag-training ako sa kanila kasi dadating ako SEA Games na talaga,” he said. “Kaya susulitin ko na makapag-perform ng maayos at makapag-communicate sa kanila para pagdating ng SEA Games may maipakita kaming maganda.”
Looking at how the team has performed so far in their past four tune-up matches, including a win over Chiba Zelba in five sets Sunday night, Bagunas sees the Nationals are heading on the right direction in their goal of landing a podium finish in the biennial meet.
“Sa ngayon sa nakikita ko, halos talagang may communication na sa isa’t isa tsaka talagang nagkakaisa-isa na,” he said. “Nakita ko ‘yung depensa talagang grabe na rin ‘yung depensa talaga, nagtutulungan sa blockings tapos sa floor defense talagang tumaas ‘yung percentage ngayon ang daming nag-improve.”
No comments