Bagunas declines SEA Games stint
The national men's volleyball team lost yet another prominent player after Bryan Bagunas announced that he will not be seeing action in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games.
Bagunas, who campaigns professionally with the LianZhuang WinStreak in Taiwan's Top League, told Daily Tribune that a prior commitment makes it impossible for him to see action in the biennial meet set from 5 to 17 May in the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh.
Bagunas' decision serves as a major blow to the national team program that already lost the services head coach Dante Alinsunurin and Joshua Retamar.
Alinsunurin, who steered the Nationals to a historic silver medal in the 30th Southeast Asian Games in Pasig City in 2019, admitted that he was sacked by the federation last week due to "schedule issues."
He was replaced by former national women's team coach Odjie Mamon.
The 22-year-old Retamar also turned down the federation's invitation due to conflict in schedule with National University in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines.
In a previous report, however, Retamar lamented the firing of Alinsunurin and cited the lack of support of the federation to the national team program.
Now, it's Bagunas' turn to decline.
"I won't be suiting up in the coming SEA Games because of prior commitments," said Bagunas, who banners the list of 19 players invited by the Philippine National Volleyball Federation to see action in the SEA Games.
Bagunas and other nominated players were given until 2 February to respond to the invitation.
"I have already talked to (national team) manager Mike Verano about setting up a meeting with the PNVF to inform them first-hand. I want to personally inform (PNVF president) Sir Tats (Suzara) of my decision."
Bagunas said he will be marrying his fiancé, Nicole Tracy Tan, and the preparations will hamper his dedication to the national team program.
