National University setter Owa Retamar and winger Nico Almendras are already entertaining the possibility of playing club volleyball abroad and are uncertain if they will return next season.
The veteran duo only played two full seasons in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines following their debut in 2019.
The Covid-19 pandemic forced the league to cancel the men’s division competition for three years before making its comeback in Season 85.
Despite the long layoff, the Bulldogs were able to defend their crown and completed a three-peat in an unbeaten fashion behind the stellar performances of Retamar and Almendras.
However, the pair along with other seasoned players may have finally seen their last action for NU.
“They have already graduated (from academics) but they still have playing eligibility years. Like Owa and Nico, they only played two years,” Bulldogs coach Dante Alinsunurin said of his trusted veterans, following their finals series sweep of University of Santo Tomas last Sunday.
“For me, it will still depend on where their career will take them after UAAP. If there will be international teams that will take them in, why not,” he added.
The mentor said that if it would just be up to him, he would like the two prized pieces of the Bulldogs’ grand slam to stay. But he also wants them to spread their wings internationally if given a chance.
“Two of them have already graduated and I don’t want them to be stuck in school. It’s important that they also prepare for their lives (outside of UAAP).
If their plan of playing abroad pushes through, Retamar and Almendras would be following the footsteps of NU great Bryan Bagunas, who saw action in the Japan V. League and in Taiwan’s Top League.
“There are already inquiries (from international teams) about them. We are still waiting for the result if they’ll get in or not,” Alinsunurin said.
But for now, Bulldogs team captain Retamar, who was named Finals Most Valuable Player, would like to take his time to think about it.
“It will depend on coach (Dante). We’re still waiting for what will happen next. We know whatever his decision is will be for our future,” Retamar said.
“We trust him that he just wants the best for us.”
Almendras shared the same thoughts.
“All will depend on coach (Dante’s) decision. This is for our future after UAAP,” he said.
