By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Negrense opposite spiker Leo Ordiales is emerging as a key offensive option for Alas Pilipinas men as the squad gears up for the 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Bangkok, Thailand.

Now on his second SEA Games stint, the 22-year-old National University standout is expected to serve as the team’s third scoring pillar behind veterans Bryan Bagunas and Marck Espejo.

Coaches noted that Ordiales’ growth over the past year — marked by improved maturity and composure — has positioned him for expanded minutes and a heavier workload.

Ordiales had limited exposure in his SEA Games debut in 2023, but his recent international performances have elevated expectations.

He turned heads in the FIVB Men’s World Championship, rebounding from a shaky opener to drop 21 points in the Philippines’ upset victory over Egypt.

He repeated the 21-point output in a narrow five-set loss to Iran as the team came close to reaching the Round-of-16.

His upward trajectory also included a Best Opposite Spiker citation in the Southeast Asian V.League, reinforcing his status as a rising offensive threat.

With the SEA Games presenting a different level of intensity, Ordiales said he has been focusing on strengthening his mentality to better navigate pressure situations and recover quickly from rough starts.

Alas Pilipinas is bracketed in Pool B, opening its campaign against Myanmar on December 13 before a crucial matchup with defending champion Indonesia on December 16./ASC, WDJ