Buds Buddin and the NU Bulldogs rejoice a degree during a win over FEU Tamaraws in Game 2 of the UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball Finals.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Whether Buds Buddin returns to National University or takes his act overseas, he leaves the following step of his profession to his coach Dante Alinsunurin.
Buddin was once more a key piece for National University in claiming a sixth straight UAAP men’s volleyball title on Saturday.
The 24-year-old spiker, who won his fourth UAAP crown, could still opt to gun for a fifth and final championship and lead NU’s road to ‘seven-peat’ if he desires to.
READ: Latest UAAP crown is NU’s hardest title run, says Alinsunurin
Buds another yr?
Buds Buddin leaves it to his coach Dante Alinsunurin as he ponders his next step. #UAAPSeason88 @inquirersports pic.twitter.com/mPsATUxWyn
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) May 9, 2026
However it’s as much as Alinsunurin, who already produced international club imports like Bryan Bagunas, Leo Aringo, and Owa Retamar.
“Coach Dante is like my second father, so I actually trust him with that call. Whatever decision he makes for me, I do know it should be for my very own good and for my future,” said Buddin in Filipino.
“So I’ll leave it to educate Dante. If he wants me to play, I’ll play. If not, then that’s okay too. I’m all the time ready for whatever decision he makes because I do know he’ll never put me in a foul situation.”
In case he turns pro, Buddin is confident of the Bulldogs’ probabilities to maintain their throne.
“I’m very confident in how our rookies will perform next season because there’s still numerous time for them to grow. They still have offseason leagues to organize themselves, and I do know Coach Dante’s system well,” said Buddin.
READ: UAAP Finals: NU Bulldogs claim ‘six-peat’ with sweep of FEU Tamaraws
Buds Buddin talks about his family’s support. #UAAPSeason88 @inquirersports pic.twitter.com/b9TCWzpaTu
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) May 9, 2026
“Whether you’re young or a rookie, for those who’re under Coach Dante and our coaching staff, it’s not only your skills that improve. Your attitude and mindset on the court improve, too. So even when I’m gone next yr, I do know they’ll find a way to handle it.”
If he comes back, the UAAP Best Outside Spiker vows to proceed elevating his game to maintain NU on top.
“Next season, we’ll work even harder because we all know every team desires to beat us. We feature a certain pride with us. All the pieces we learned this season, we’ll bring into our preparations for next yr because we realize it’s not only FEU or UST that’s hungry—every team is hungry,” Buddin said.
“Not only to make the Finals, but to beat us. In fact, we won’t allow all of the exertions of our coaches and teammates, and all of the dreams our coaches have for us, to go to waste.”
Buddin offered his latest championship to his parents, who got here all the way in which from Palawan to cheer for him.
“Right after we won, they were the primary people I searched for because I actually desired to hug them. All of the sacrifices, effort, and every thing I went through just disappeared the moment I hugged them. That’s once I really felt that we were champions because my family was there,” he said.
“Each time I needed them to look at our championship games, they were there. It’s really different once you see your parents on the sidelines cheering for you. It hits otherwise when the individuals who encourage and motivate you might be there. It gave me extra motivation on the court to complete the sport so we could rejoice along with our teammates, coaches, and family.”