IF you see Cignal coach Shaq delos Santos grinning from ear to ear these days, don't be surprised,
The veteran coach finally got his wish to reunite with Buding Duremdes, a player he coached both at FEU in the UAAP and Petron in the defunct Philippine Superliga, after the latter's transfer to Cignal from Chery Tiggo.
The reunion, which was years in the making, not only boosted a Cignal lineup depleted by departures in the offseason, it also gave the HD Spikers two of the best players in the Premier Volleyball League in the libero position.
Delos Santos is now spoiled for choice in that position as Duremdes teams up with Dawn Macandili Catindig.
“Ito ‘yung dalawang libero mo na alam mong ‘pag nilagay mo sa loob ng court, sa training, magde-deliver," said delos Santos after the HD Spikers welcomed Duremdes with a four-set win over Chery Tiggo.
“Kahit sino gamitin sa kanila, puwedeng-puwede maging leader.”
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Duremdes described her transfer to Cignal after a five-year stay at Chery Tiggo as a dream come true. The same holds true for Macandili-Catindig, who is thrilled to share defensive duties with her new teammate.
“It’s an honor. Masarap na feeling na there’s someone who has your back na kaya ring mag-deliver at alam kong stable din sa loob ng court,” Catindig said. “Ako naman, kapag sa game, very observant din ako. Ang dami kong napi-pick up na skills and IQ sa ibang players. Same din kay Buding na nakakalaban ko na before.
“Talagang ang dami niya ring qualities na [gusto ko makuha], na very relaxed lang. For me naman, as an ate, shine-share ko rin ‘yung insights ko sa laro niya.”
Delos Santos said Duremdes and Macandili-Catindig have contrasting personalities and different approaches to the game.
But they are both effective in their own way.
“Balanced eh. Ito [Buding], komedyante. Ito [Dawn], hindi siya serious type eh. Talagang gusto niya lang mag-focus sa lahat ng ginagawa niya," delos Santos said.
"At the same time, meron din kaming joker na anytime mapapangiti ka kahit ayaw mo. Sobrang okay na meron kaming dalawang libero na Buding and Dawn.”
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