In a long-awaited comeback, former league MVP Bryan Bagunas graced the Spikers’ Turf court on Wednesday night, marking his debut with the Cignal HD Spikers after his stint in Taiwan.
Despite his absence from team practice, Bagunas wasted no time showcasing his prowess, contributing eight crucial points off the bench in a resounding victory against his former team, the Philippine Air Force.
Bagunas' return was met with jubilation from fans and teammates alike, as he expressed his joy in donning the Cignal jersey for the first time.
"Syempre sobrang masaya ako kasi ayun nga, nakapaglaro na naman ako dito sa Pilipinas and natutuwa ako na welcome na welcome ako sa Cignal," said Bagunas.
Having last played in the country's premier men's volleyball league five years ago, Bagunas embarked on an illustrious journey abroad, featuring prominently in the Japan V.League and later securing back-to-back championships with WinStreak in Taiwan, where he also claimed the MVP title in his debut season.
Bagunas' return to the Spikers' Turf holds sentimental value, with his last appearance dating back to July 21, 2019, a poignant loss against Cignal in the Open Conference finals.
However, fate seemed to intervene as he found himself signing with the very team that once thwarted his championship aspirations.
The two-time UAAP Finals MVP acknowledged the honor of representing Cignal, a team steeped in rich volleyball history, emphasizing his commitment to contribute to their title defense in the Open Conference.
"Kahit noon pa naman naa-amaze ako sa Cignal kasi nakikita naman natin na nandun yung dedication nila na i-maintain yung men’s volleyball kasi talagang one of the stable na clubs sila dito sa Pilipinas," said Bagunas.
His recent five-year contract extension with WinStreak notwithstanding, Bagunas vowed to impart the wisdom gleaned from his international experiences to elevate the level of play in the local scene.
"Ang aanuhin ko lang is yung experience, ishe-share ko lang yung experience ko kasi yun nga, five years na rin ako naglalaro sa international so siguro kung ano yung mga natutunan ko, ita-try ko i-share kung pwede. Para lang din mas tumaas yung level natin dito," he affirmed.
