Jau Umandal is undeniably a star in the men's volleyball scene in the country, leading AMC-Cotabato in the 2023 Spikers' Turf Open Conference to a 6-1 mark.
That one loss, however, came at the hands of fellow powerhouse Cignal via an embarrassing sweep, 15-25, 21-25, 17-25.
Nothing was specially talked about in the dugout after the shutout to HD Spikers but one topic, Umandal's role with the Cotabato Spikers.
Although head coach Odjie Mamon admitted that he wants Umandal to be the team's first option offensively, he also wants him to be a more mature player.
"Correction on Jau's role sa team kasi ginugroom ko siya as the hard carry or yung main scorer pero dapat ishare din niya yung responsibility, huwag niyang akuin lahat kasi anim naman sila," shared Mamon after the team's bounce-back win on Friday against PGJC-Navy in four sets.
"Yun yung sinabi ko sa kanya, dapat magmature na talaga siya."
After being limited to just 10 against Cignal, Umandal showed out against the Sealions with a game-high 27 points on 23 attacks, three blocks, and a service ace alongside 15 excellent receptions.
The performance pushed him to fourth in the Best Scorers list with a total of 125 points in seven games played.
Despite the dazzling numbers though, Mamon still wants more from his top ace in order for them to reach the peak of success - the championship of the country's men's premier league.
"He played relaxed today pero meron pa ring instances na nanggigil tapos wrong decisions. We really have to work on that pa."
