“The main sport of the Philippines is, of course, basketball. Isn’t this moment a turning point for volleyball? Because the icon of Philippine men’s volleyball will play in Korea.”
I was full of ambition. Mark Espeho (26, Korean Air), the man who heated up the Asian Quarter Draft scene the most, showed pride and a “sense of mission”.
The 2023 V-League Men’s Asian Quarter Draft was held at the Jeju Sun Hotel on the 27th. The first place was Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance, and the second place was Korea Electric Power Corporation.
However, it was Korean Air that made the biggest impact on the day. Libero Iga Ryohei (Japan), who was picked as a candidate, was previously selected by KEPCO. Director Tommy Tillikainen chose Espejo against everyone’s expectations. Names other than Eddie (Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance), Lee Ga, Bayar Saihan (Mongolia, OK Financial Group), and Chai Pei-chang (Taiwan, Hyundai Capital), who were selected as the ‘Big 4’ at the scene, were called in the third place.
Espejo, who was interviewed, said with a broad smile, “I was so nervous that my heart was about to burst. It was beating so fast.” He then clenched his fists, saying, “I didn’t expect to be selected for the defending champion team. It’s really an honor.”
Espeho’s position has to compete with outside heater, ‘Seok-seok duo’ Jung Ji-seok and Kwak Seung-seok, who discuss the best in Korea. However, Espeho smiled confidently, saying, “I am also a Philippine national team member.” 안전놀이터
“We will do our best to compete and help each other. I remember playing against Jeong Ji-seok in the U-23 national team before.
As a player who can speak English, there is no problem communicating with coach Tillikainen. I know him from his days in the Japanese league, but he said we hadn’t talked to each other before the draft. He said, “I will also learn Korean for the team,” burning his motivation.
He cited receiving as his strong point. Espeho emphasized, “Attack and blocking are all similar. I want to show a different part in receiving.”
The moment his name was called, he remembered the face of his agent. After praising, “I am here thanks to him,” he added, “I think of my family, friends, and my fans. Everyone will be really happy.” I don’t know MJ Phillips (Pepper Savings Bank).