CANDON, Ilocos Sur — Joshua Magalaman was a revelation for Alas Pilipinas Men at the 2026 SEA V Cup—and head coach Angiolino Frigonio affirmed it.
Magalaman stayed consistent for Alas across three matches against Cambodia, Indonesia, and Myanmar, breaching double digits in scoring.
He top-scored against Cambodia with 21 points, had 13 points against Indonesia, and contributed 12 markers against Myanmar on Saturday, July 18.
READ: Alas Men sweep Myanmar in fifth-place match, conclude SEA V Cup Leg 1 with win
It was an effort duly noticed by Frigoni.
Initially hesitant to disclose the “current best player for now,” the outspoken Italian mentor later on gave in and shared what he thinks about the De La Salle University middle blocker.
“I will not tell you, because you know who is the best player of all—for now… You don't know? You don't have any idea? Who was more stable?” Frigoni said while talking to reporters.
“I give you one name. Magalaman, for example. He was pretty stable in all three matches. The others, they went up and down, but he was stable,” he went on.
Frigoni said he already scouted the Green Spiker two years ago and already wanted him on the national team.
“I saw Magalaman two years ago, and I wanted him to the national team. But there were some problems with the, I think, scholarship. I don't remember. So I couldn't get him. As soon as I could, I got him,” said Frigoni.
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Responding to the compliment, Magalaman credited Frigoni’s supervision for his impressive performances in the tournament presented by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), and Candon City Mayor Eric Singson.
“Sobrang thankful lang din po ako sa kaniya (coach Frigoni), kasi hindi niya po ako pinabayaan. Kapag nagkakamali po ako, itinatama niya po 'yun eh. Lagi niya pong sinasabi na ‘pag nagkakamali, ‘next ball,’” said the Alas Pilipinas debutant.
Frigoni also mentioned libero Josh Ybanez as one of the more consistent players on the team now.
Magalaman, Frigoni, and the rest of Alas Men head to the Leg 2 of SEA V Cup this July 22-26 in Jakarta, Indonesia.