Nico Almendras shines in Criss Cross debut

Nico Almendras wasted no time making his presence felt under the tutelage of head coach Tai Bundit, delivering a solid performance in his debut for Criss Cross during the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference.

Almendras, who recently joined the King Crunchers after leading National University to a rare four-peat in the UAAP, was a key figure in his team’s dominant 25-14, 25-15, 25-15 win over VNS last Wednesday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

The 22-year-old standout tallied eight points and contributed seven excellent receptions in his first game with Criss Cross, showing the versatility and reliability that made him a star at NU. After the match, Almendras couldn’t hide his excitement about starting strong with his new team.

“Okay naman, sobrang happy kasi nakuha namin ‘yung unang panalo namin and sana magtuloy tuloy,” Almendras shared.

Almendras is no stranger to pressure. He’s been in the spotlight since his collegiate days, and his resume speaks for itself: a two-time Spikers’ Turf champion and the league’s former Conference MVP. But what’s intriguing is how he has adapted to a new chapter in his young career—under the guidance of another celebrated coach, Tai Bundit.

Having spent most of his career under Bulldogs' head coach Dante Alinsunurin, Almendras now faces the challenge of adjusting to Bundit’s demanding system.

The Thai coach, known for leading Ateneo to multiple championships in the UAAP, brings a unique style that requires discipline, precision, and relentless effort. It’s a fresh approach for Almendras, but one that he seems to be embracing.

“Syempre ‘yun nga, first time kong naging coach si coach Tai. Nung una nag-adjust ako, pero ngayon medyo nagiging okay naman kaming lahat. Siguro tinrabaho lang namin kung ano ‘yung pinagtraining-an namin sa loob ng almost three months,” he admitted.

The King Crunchers have high expectations this season, especially with the absence of their star player, Marck Espejo, who is currently playing in Japan’s V.League with the Kubota Spears. Almendras understands the weight of those expectations, particularly after his stellar run with NU.

However, he’s not alone in carrying the load.

Criss Cross has bolstered its roster with notable recruits, including Francis Saura, the 2024 Open Best Opposite Spiker, and standout NCAA players Adrian Villados and John Pepito, along with Filipino-American talent Lucca Mamone.

The new-look King Crunchers are gearing up for a deep run in the tournament, and Almendras is determined to rise to the challenge. With Bundit’s system starting to click, he’s confident that his team has what it takes to bring home their first-ever Spikers’ Turf title.

“Syempre ang expected ng mga tao sa’min is, mataas ‘yung tingin sa’min kaya syempre papakita namin kung ano ‘yung pinagtraining-an namin and syempre patuloy pa rin kaming magte-training para tuloy tuloy,” he said.