Nakhon Ratchasima assistant coach Jang Bualee and Creamline captain Alyssa Valdez. Photos from PVL Media Bureau

MANILA, Philippines – Former volleyball import in the Philippines Jang Bualee, now an assistant coach for Nakhon Ratchasima, knows how deadly former teammate Alyssa Valdez could be.

That's why she's taking charge of studying the Creamline captain ahead of their quarterfinal matchup in the AVC Women's Champions League on Thursday.

READ: AVC: Creamline reaches quarterfinals after Zhetysu eliminates Al Naser

"I think Alyssa, she is stronger and she is very smart. I know her since she was young and until now, she’s still playing," said Bualee.

Valdez, in one of her best performances recently, dropped 10 points on seven attacks, two aces, and one block in their game against Jordan's Al Naser Club on opening day.

READ: AVC: PLDT takes 2nd seed in Pool D, Nakhon arranges QF clash with Creamline

"I changed my position, I’m a coach now. Maybe I can help my team a little bit on how Alyssa plays," she added. "We have to practice and it’s our homework to know how Alyssa plays."

Bualee, who played for coach Roger Gorayeb in San Sebastian and BaliPure, also saw her trip as a reunion with the decorated coach and veteran setter Chie Saet.

"I’m very happy to see him [Roger Gorayeb] again. I messaged him, ‘Coach, are you coming to approach me?’ He said, ‘yes, of course.’"

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