Espejo to Japan to play for Philippines, Bagunas still uncertain

File – Marck Espejo of Alas Pilipinas. ——MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Marc Espejo was proud of the Philippines’ first bronze medal in the first leg of the Southeast Asian Super League in Manila as he will continue to miss the Indonesian competition with Brian Bagunas’s participation still uncertain due to a knee injury.

Espejo may have missed the first leg, but he is a proud veteran teammate of a young team that is reaching the podium for the first time in five years since winning the silver medal at the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.

“I’m very happy because from fourth place in the SEA V.League last year, to third place now in the first round. Another achievement, but there’s still a long way to go, a long way to go, but we can see there’s still a lot to learn,” said Espejo, who had been cheering on his teammates during the first round. “I hope that with the new coach and system, everyone can adapt and use it in the upcoming world (championship) next year.”

READ: Philippines (minus Bryan Bagunas) takes bronze in Southeast Asia Super League

Marck Espejo will fly to Japan next month and return to Alas Pilipinas next year.

He was proud of Arras for winning a bronze medal in the competition #SEAVLeague2024 Round one. @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/vk2mHu77zh

— Lance Agcaoil (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) August 18, 2024

The five-time UAAP MVP from Ateneo de Manila University will continue to miss the Alaska tournament and will return to action next year for the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship and the Southeast Asian Games in Thailand as he needs to fly to Japan to play for his new club Osaka Kubota Spears in the Japan V. League.

“I will be back next year. I will not be able to play in the second round. I left in September and came back in April. But we are not sure yet, maybe I will suddenly play (if there is one),” Espejo said.

For Bagunas, the injury occurred when he landed improperly on a jump serve, causing his left knee injury, but head coach Angiolino Frigoni was reluctant to reveal the player’s diagnosis.

“In any case… injuries are private matters, I can’t tell you anything, nobody can tell you, nobody can tell you journalists, newspapers, other people, nobody can tell you about such private matters. Besides, we know nothing…” said the Italian.

Although Bagunas will undergo some testing, Espejo wishes his longtime teammate the best, according to teammates.

READ: Marc Espejo returns to J-League with Kubota Spears Osaka

“He can do this. Brian is strong, just praying for him. He will get over this,” the Cross star said.

After winning the title in South Korea, Espejo is hoping to build on his third club league campaign in Japan.

“Very excited. New players, new team, new environment. How about that, I’m looking forward to seeing them in the new league. I’m happy to be back in Japan,” Espejo said.