MJ Phillips confirms Korean Volleyball League tryout invite

MANILA, Philippines – MJ Phillips will try out the Korea V League in April but his focus remains on the Petro Gazz Conference All-Filipino Premier Volleyball League rematch against defending champion Creamline.

Phillips confirmed a report by Naver Sports that he is among six PVL players invited to try out for the Korea Volleyball Federation (KOVO) on April 21.

The Korean website reported that Creamline setter Jia De Guzman, star Akari Dindin Santiago-Manabat, Chery Tiggo captain Mylene Paat, and F2 Logistics pair Majoy Baron and Iris Tolenada are among the 24 Asian candidates.

Phillips said she got her chance through her handler Vania Edralin.

“The opportunity came about Vania Edralin. He spoke to me and he said, ‘Hey, they are looking [player] for the Asian Quota in the Korea League’ and I think I’ll take my shot,” said the Filipino-American middle blocker during Petro Gazz’s 25-17, 25-23, 25-15 win over PLDT in Game 3 of the semifinals on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena .

“I’m looking forward to high-level volleyball. Not to say that it’s not, I’m just saying that Korea is just at a different level and I just want to see how my skill level is,” he said.

But before that, Phillips will try to help Petro Gazz take his first All-Filipino title against last year’s tormentor Creamline in the best-of-three series starting Sunday.

“They support me all the time. Of course, I asked the management because there is a possibility that it will come in the middle of the season, so they are proud of me and they encourage me to try internationally,” he said.

Inquirer Sports first reported that Manabat will try his luck in South Korea before joining Akari.

Meanwhile, Paat played coy and shared a laugh with reporters when asked about the report.

“I don’t know yet. One thing. I hope that whatever God gives me, I will be very happy, my family, and I hope the Philippines will be happy too,” Paat said.

KOVO also invited four Filipino boys from the 32 Asian players for a chance to play in the Korea V League.

Marck Espejo is looking for his country’s fourth overseas to play as an import after campaigns in Japan, Thailand and Bahrain. Cignal’s friends JP Bugaoan, and Manuel Sumanguid were also invited.

National team star Jau Umandal, who played in Bahrain last year, will also try to earn a second overseas assignment.

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