Buds Buddin says his next career move up to his coach, ‘second father’

Buds Buddin and the NU Bulldogs celebrate a point during a win over FEU Tamaraws in Game 2 of the UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball Finals.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Whether Buds Buddin returns to National University or takes his act overseas, he leaves the next step of his career to his coach Dante Alinsunurin.

Buddin was once again a key piece for National University in claiming a sixth straight UAAP men’s volleyball title on Saturday.

The 24-year-old spiker, who won his fourth UAAP crown, could still opt to gun for a fifth and final championship and lead NU’s road to ‘seven-peat’ if he wants to.

READ: Latest UAAP crown is NU’s toughest title run, says Alinsunurin

Buds one more year?

Buds Buddin leaves it to his coach Dante Alinsunurin as he ponders his next step. #UAAPSeason88 @inquirersports pic.twitter.com/mPsATUxWyn

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) May 9, 2026

But it’s up to Alinsunurin, who already produced international club imports like Bryan Bagunas, Leo Aringo, and Owa Retamar.

“Coach Dante is like my second father, so I really trust him with that decision. Whatever decision he makes for me, I know it will be for my own good and for my future,” said Buddin in Filipino.

“So I’ll leave it to coach Dante. If he wants me to play, I’ll play. If not, then that’s okay too. I’m always ready for whatever decision he makes because I know he’ll never put me in a bad situation.”

In case he turns pro, Buddin is confident of the Bulldogs’ chances to keep their throne.

“I’m very confident in how our rookies will perform next season because there’s still a lot of time for them to grow. They still have offseason leagues to prepare themselves, and I know Coach Dante’s system well,” said Buddin.

READ: UAAP Finals: NU Bulldogs claim ‘six-peat’ with sweep of FEU Tamaraws

Buds Buddin talks about his family’s support. #UAAPSeason88 @inquirersports pic.twitter.com/b9TCWzpaTu

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) May 9, 2026

“Whether you’re young or a rookie, if you’re under Coach Dante and our coaching staff, it’s not just your skills that improve. Your attitude and mindset on the court improve, too. So even if I’m gone next year, I know they’ll be able to handle it.”

If he comes back, the UAAP Best Outside Spiker vows to continue elevating his game to keep NU on top.

“Next season, we’ll work even harder because we know every team wants to beat us. We carry a certain pride with us. Everything we learned this season, we’ll bring into our preparations for next year because we know it’s not just FEU or UST that’s hungry—every team is hungry,” Buddin said.

“Not just to make the Finals, but to beat us. Of course, we won’t allow all the hard work of our coaches and teammates, and all the dreams our coaches have for us, to go to waste.”

Buddin offered his latest championship to his parents, who came all the way from Palawan to cheer for him.

“Right after we won, they were the first people I looked for because I really wanted to hug them. All the sacrifices, effort, and everything I went through just disappeared the moment I hugged them.  That’s when I really felt that we were champions because my family was there,” he said.

“Every time I needed them to watch our championship games, they were there. It’s really different when you see your parents on the sidelines cheering for you. It hits differently when the people who inspire and motivate you are there. It gave me extra motivation on the court to finish the game so we could celebrate together with our teammates, coaches, and family.”