With his possible return already looking bleak, Jau Umandal made sure to help out University of Sto. Tomas in any way he can.
Umandal, who last played for the Tiger Spikers in the canceled UAAP 2020 season, was hoping for a possible swansong with UST but his eligibility remains in question as he already played professionally when he signed with Bani Jamra in Bahrain two years ago.
“He’s still hoping that he can play but I think there was a ruling na hindi na talaga siya pwedeng mag-laro. So, he volunteered to help with the team,” revealed UST head coach Odjie Mamon right after their semifinals win over Ateneo last Wednesday.
According to Mamon, Umandal was the one who offered himself to be part of the team’s coaching staff. He even suits up during the team’s scrimmages to help his former teammates get ready for the upcoming UAAP season next year.
The national team stalwart was very much hands-on even during games as he was seen pulling the likes of GBoy Dela Vega and Josh Ybanez to the side in timeouts.
Mamon said that having someone like Umandal during the team’s practices definitely helped the Tiger Spikers’ development.
“Syempre, malaking bagay yun sa scrimmage. Yung nakakalaban ng mga bata is high level na player kaya malaking tulong din talaga,” said Mamon.
The Tiger Spikers 25-27, 25-17, 25-20, 25-16 took out the Blue Eagles in the semifinals to set up a date with the undefeated National University in the finals, which will open on Sunday at 10:00 AM.
