Men’s volleyball pillar Bryan Bagunas reflects on his lengthy recovery from a freak knee injury.
For the longest time, the Taraflex has served as a second home for men’s volleyball star Bryan Bagunas, from his time with National University in the UAAP, to his multiple national team appearances, and even a professional career that has included overseas stints.
However, all that came to a screeching halt when Bagunas suffered a non-contact knee injury during Alas Pilipinas’ SEA V.League matchup against Indonesia in August last year.
It has nearly been a year since that career-altering injury for Bagunas, who has temporarily become a spectator towards the budding local men’s volleyball scene. Challenging as it is, however, the ace spiker is still trying to view the situation in a positive light.
In his view, this lengthy layoff is a sign for him to get some well-deserved rest, especially after he’s committed his body to meeting the physical demands of being a professional athlete.
“Para sa akin naman, parang tinake ko na lang din ito na kailangan ko mag-slow down kasi right after the UAAP, nagtuloy-tuloy ako. Siguro ito ‘yung binigay sakin ni God na para mag–pahinga na muna, so ayun, tine-take ko naman siya as positive pa rin,” Bagunas told The GAME in a recent exclusive interview.
“Pero siyempre, kailangan ko pa rin alagaan ang sarili ko…Syempre pag-iigihan ko ‘yung workout ko kasi na-injury na ako. So mas kailangan doble ingat at double time sa workouts,” added Bagunas, while politely declining to provide further details about the injured knee.
With three months left before the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship, the big question now is whether or not Bryan Bagunas will make it back in time for Alas Pilipinas’ homestand in Manila.
Bagunas refused to make any promises, or cite any potential timelines, but nonetheless assured that his recovery is going quite well. In fact, he was actually in uniform during Alas Pilipinas’ exhibition game against Fil-Am Nation Select last May, where he re-acquainted himself back into a playing environment.
“Syempre hindi pa naman fully [nakakabalik], pero ayun, nakakatuwa lang na nakatungtong ulit ako sa court na kahit pakonti-konti. Ayun, sana maging okay ‘yung progress ko para makahabol tayo sa mga games,” he said.
On top of this, the ace hitter is also nearing his hop test procedure, which will determine the readiness of his left knee post-injury.
“Okay naman, malapit na ‘yung hop test ko, pag okay na ‘yung hop test ko, for sure makakabalik na ako sa court,” he said. “As of now hindi ko pa masabi [as to when he can return], pero I hope by July, makabalik na ako sa court nang dahan-dahan.”
On Alas’ youth brigade
But for now, Bryan Bagunas will be carrying on with his daily therapy and rehab sessions, all while watching the growth of Philippine men’s volleyball before his eyes.
In particular, Bagunas is proud to see the influx of youth within Alas Pilipinas, with UAAP stars such as Michaelo Buddin, Noel Kampton, and Josh Ybañez all being part of the current national team core.
UAAP Season 87 Most Valuable Player Kennedy Batas has also made his national team debut, along with DLSU setter Eco Adajar, while the likes of Peng Taguibolos, Leo Ordiales, and Louie Ramirez have emerged as mainstays within Angiolino Frigoni’s core.
“Para sa akin, sobrang laking bagay na hindi lang kokonti, o ‘yung mga matatanda lang ‘yung nagre-represent. Pati ‘yung mga bata nandiyan na, and ang laking bagay na simula bata national team na sila. So in the future, mas maganda ‘yung kalalabasan ng national team,” Bagunas said.
As for himself, Bryan Bagunas promised to be the best version of himself as he makes up for lost time on the Taraflex.
“Siyempre mas intense at mas ganado,” he concluded with a slight chuckle.
Banner images courtesy of the Spikers’ Turf.