Phl Star Bagunas Leads All Scorers In Return From Injury

COMING off the longest layoff of his career, Bryan Bagunas made an explosive comeback in his FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship debut, leading all scorers with 23 points despite Alas Pilipinas’ 13-25, 17-25, 23-25 loss to Tunisia on Friday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Bagunas, who came back after a year after a knee injury, led the gallant stand of Alas in the third set, scoring the clutch equalizing skills until 23-all before Tunisia got the win from Oussama Ben Romdhane and Khaled Ben Slimene’s finishing touches.

“I’m super happy because it’s been almost a year since I last played on the court. I’m just really glad I can help the team again,” said Bagunas, who injured his knee in the SEA V-League Manila leg last year. 

The 27-year-old outside hitter relished the chance to fight for Alas again, especially against the world’s best squads in front of a good home crowd that enjoyed a festive opening ceremony featuring K-pop group, BOYNEXTDOOR, and Karencitta singing the theme song, ‘Electrify’, and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivering the ceremonial serve in their debut. 

"I got goosebumps because this is my comeback from injury and it’s happening right here at the World Championship. It’s a home game, and I’m just so happy and overwhelmed by the support from the Filipino fans,” said Bagunas. “It was really tough getting back on the court. I went through a year of recovery, but I’m just so happy and satisfied with how everything turned out."

Despite his dazzling debut, Bagunas embraces all the lessons learned as the team continues to make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime experience, facing Egypt on Tuesday before wrapping up their Pool A campaign against Iran on September 18. 

“It wasn’t a great start, but in the third set, I saw the potential of our men’s volleyball team. I was really happy with how we played in that set, even though the outcome wasn’t in our favor. But of course, we’re confident we’ll bounce back in the next game,” Bagunas said. “We all know that the teams playing in the World Championship are the best of the best, so we expected every country to be strong. We just have to perform well and apply everything we’ve learned from training.”