NU skipper Aringo jumps to pro scene, signs with Saitama Azalea in Japan V.League
At A Glance
- Former National University team captain Leo Aringo soars to greater heights as he signed with the Saitama Azalea in the 2025-26 season of Japan V.League.
Leo Aringo (National U Men's Volleyball Team)
Former National University team captain Leo Aringo soars to greater heights as he signed with the Saitama Azalea in the 2025-26 season of Japan V.League.
The development was announced by his team on a social media post Tuesday, June 17, showing photos of Aringo with a Saitama official and some NU executives which signaled the green light for the UAAP Season 87 Finals MVP.
This would be his first stint as a professional after a successful collegiate career with the Bulldogs in UAAP as he exited as three-time champion and a BS Physical Education graduate.
With his signing, Aringo made himself the second Bulldog to compete in the Japanese tournament next to erstwhile NU superstar Bryan Bagunas.
The 6-foot-3 hitter became pivotal in NU’s run in Season 87, especially in the finals where they overcame the gritty Ryx Saavedra-led Far Eastern University Tamaraws which concluded in a rubber match.
“Fresh from winning his third career UAAP championship, finals MVP and former captain Leo Aringo is taking his talents to the Japanese V.League in the 2025-26 season after signing with Saitama Azalea,” NU wrote.
“A testament to the tried, tested Bulldog pride and programme,” it added.
The outside spiker from Davao City will try to make an impact for Saitama, which is part of the league’s East clubs along with six others and 10 from the West side.
With Aringo's departure, Dante Alinsunurin now relies on his players Greg Ancheta, Leo Ordiales, and Buds Buddin.