Tai Bundit eyes Spikers Turf title with Criss Cross King Crushers

MANILA, Philippines – Returning head coach Tai Bundit is setting the bar high in his first coaching stint back in the Philippines after three years, as he takes the reins over at new Spikers Turf team Criss Cross King Crushers.

Bundit, who last handled the Creamline Cool Smashers during the 2021 Premier Volleyball League Open Conference, heads a team bannered by the likes of Rex Intal, Kim Malabunga, Ish Polvorosa, Ysay Marasigan, and Marck Espejo.

Knowing the caliber of his new wards, Bundit believes he is in for a winning return when the Spikers Turf Open Conference kicks off later this month.

“In my dream, [we will be] champion[s],” Bundit said during the team’s official launch at the Joy Nostalg last Friday.

Though it is his first time handling a men’s team here in the Philippines, the multi-titled coach doesn’t see himself needing too much adjustment, especially considering the experience of his players.

“I have experience [in volleyball]. I will do better in the men’s team in Rebisco.” he said.

“My players are very good. They concentrate on training and I will support them to be better,” he added.

As for what his players think so far, King Crushers skipper Marasigan said that he and his teammates simply need to be serious about what they’re doing. If they follow Bundit’s lead, they will be able to succeed even at the team’s infancy.

“Oo, mahirap. Mahirap ‘yung training namin kay Coach Tai, of course. Focused talaga si Coach Tai sa basic skills and [ayaw niya ng] pa-banjing-banjing lang sa training,” Marasigan said. 

“Kailangan talaga, seryoso ka.”

Still, Bundit’s real test with the King Crunchers will happen when Spikers Turf unfurls its 2024 season in the coming weeks.