MULTI-titled Ramil de Jesus acknowledged Tai Bundit’s contribution to Philippine volleyball, saying the Thai coach’s system has forced schools and clubs to adjust and work harder.
Bundit ended his stint in the Philippines after leading Ateneo and Creamline to titles in the UAAP and Premier Volleyball League. The change in the sport during the Thai’s stay was huge, de Jesus said.
The champion coach who steered Ateneo to two UAAP titles is leaving for Thailand this week, this time for good.
“Well natutuwa ako kasi yung pagdating ni Tai dito and nalulungkot kung aalis siya kasi malaki yung nai-contribute niya sa Philippine volleyball,” said De Jesus.
“Kung hindi naman siya dumating dito, hindi magiging ganito yung galaw ng Philippines,” he added.
De Jesus took on former Ateneo mentor Bundit in four straight UAAP volleyball title series, while both also coach in the commercial leagues. Bundit was also hired as assistant coach for the Philippine women’s volleyball team to the Southeast Asian Games last year.
“Nag-start ito sa UAAP, 'yung ganitong klaseng galaw so nadominate niya yung two years tapos nag-adjust na lahat ng teams nung dumating siya,” the longtime La Salle coach said.
“Madaling matuto yung Filipino e kaya nung natuto yung Filipino, nahirapan na rin siya.”
De Jesus said he also had a hard time against Bundit, whose Lady Eagles overcame the thrice-to-beat Lady Archers in Season 76 to win the school’s maiden title before sweeping Season 77.
“Aminado naman ako na nagpahirap kasi mas advance naman yung Thailand kaysa sa Philippines, hindi ko itinatanggi yun,” he said.
“Sabi nga nila 30 years na iwan yung Philippines sa volleyball so kailangan pa natin i-adapt kung ano yung meron ngayon internationally.”
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