ALYSSA Valdez was pleased to see action for a stadium packed to the rafters, and got a big surprise with former coach Tai Bundit among those cheering her on during the PVL All Star match.
Bundit, who had left Ateneo and Creamline to stay for good in Thailand, showed up and joined Team Blue head coach Jerry Yee on the sidelines on Saturday at the Arena in San Juan City.
“I had no idea na nandito siya, actually. I was really happy na I was under the mentorship of coach Tai and coach Jerry. Alam niyo naman kung gaano sila ka-competitive,” The former three-time UAAP MVP said said.
“Lagi lang ako inaasar ni coach Tai. Very short lang 'yung usap namin. Pero sa tingin niya pa lang, alam kong na-miss niya ako,” she added. “In-assume ko lang 'yun. Very thoughtful pa rin siya, nagdadala siya ng pasalubong. Bilin niya lang na dapat di ako papayat and lagi akong kundisyon.”
Valdez said Bundit won't stay long in teh Philippines, and Creamline has yet to announce the new coaching staff, but vowed to be ready for the Reinforced Conference in May.
“Hindi namin alam kung ano pa 'yung mga changes na mangyayari sa team from the coaching staff to the players,” she said.
“Doon pa lang exciting na kasi kaming core ng team, marami kaming matutunan sa mga darating pa.”
Valdez put on a fine performance for the fans in a pressure-free match, although her team, bowed to a Jema Galanza-led squad.
“Natapos agad ng kalaban namin eh, dapat masaya lang eh. Joke lang,” said Valdez, who had 10 points in the straight sets loss. “I think the other team came prepared also. Marami sa kanila 'yung tuloy-tuloy 'yung ensayo.”
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph