Alyssa Valdez happy for Jia De Guzman's Creamline return

Alyssa Valdez herself is happy for Jia De Guzman's upcoming return to Creamline.

After a two-year stint in Japan, De Guzman is returning to the Philippines and will rejoin the Cool Smashers in the PVL.

For Valdez, De Guzman's comeback will boost the squad.

"Even before Jia's coming, going to Japan and joining Alas, we know Jia is Jia. With all the experiences she's getting on and off the court, I think more than ever, she's gonna be one of the ates in the team," Valdez told reporters on the sidelines of the signing of the partnership agreement between Rebisco clubs and Allianz PNB Life.

"I'm just really glad I've witness all these ups, wala yatang downs si Jia eh, all these ups in her career and really, we're all gonna be here. I'm always gonna be here supporting her."

Valdez also relished her upcoming reunion with fellow Atenean Be De Leon with the team.

"Nakaka-feel bata. Nakaka-feel na bata pa rin kami just because we've always been together since then and who would've thought we'll be together again all these years? Reminiscing all those good and bad memories together, it's been tough, but I think we'll always get to answer the reason why we're playing: it's because of the team, the players where were with, and more reason to really actually play better in the upcoming season," she added.

Creamline head coach Sherwin Meneses, meanwhile, said having De Guzman back in the team, on top of a more experienced Kyle Negrito, is a "good problem to have."

"Siyempre 'yung Jia talagang nandyan na, si Kyle pinagtrabahuhan ang spot niya sa Creamline, so let's see, pero it's a good problem to have, sabi nga namin," he said.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News