Netherlands’ Nimir Abdel Aziz within the VNL 2024.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.web
MANILA, Philippines — Nimir Abdel-Aziz’s best scoring nights went for naught after the Netherlands ended up winless in Manila to cap its Volleyball Nations League (VNL) season.
Abdel-Aziz scored one other 37-point explosion highlighted by six aces however the Netherlands fell to Canada in 5 units, 21-25, 25-22, 28-26, 14-25, 15-9, on Saturday at Mall of Asia Area.
The Dutch star emerged because the league’s prime scorer with a complete of 284 factors constructed on 235 spikes, 40 aces, and 9 blocks. He was the one VNL participant to attain 30-plus factors in 5 matches.
However he’s not serious about his scoring tear as all he wished was to provide his finest for his crew.
“I simply attempt to do my finest like all of the groups. We wished to battle, we wished to provide our greatest. And I actually don’t care concerning the particular person factors as a result of I’m simply pleased with the crew and the way we stood on the courtroom,” mentioned Abdel-Aziz, who averaged 29.8 factors in 4 video games in Manila.
The Netherlands misplaced all 4 video games in Manila, lacking the Closing Eight with a 3-9 file to finish the VNL season. However Abdel-Aziz remained pleased with his teammates.
“I believe we had an excellent battle, we gave the whole lot. It was not sufficient however I’m pleased with the crew [despite] not qualifying for the Olympics and the whole lot. We continued to battle so we did nice,” he mentioned. “It’s our third yr in a row. Yearly, [we’re] enhancing. This yr was nice, so I believe it’s solely gonna get higher.”
The 32-year-old Abdel-Aziz admitted that a number of the Dutch gamers are retiring after the VNL, passing the torch to the younger weapons.
“We are going to see what’s gonna occur within the subsequent yr as a result of I believe a few of us received’t be there anymore. So, it’s additionally time for some younger technology guys. So we’ll see how they are going to develop and the way they’ll proceed to succeed in the next stage,” he mentioned.
Regardless of the winless Manila stint, the scoring machine expressed his gratitude to Filipino followers for supporting them.
“The factor for us volleyball gamers, it’s among the finest locations to play as a result of the followers are right here, they’re supporting all people. So, it’s not simply the house crowds like in different venues,” Abdel-Aziz mentioned. “Right here, we really feel assist from all people, each sport, doesn’t matter who we play. Possibly rather less towards Japan however for the remaining, we really feel lots [of support], so it feels nice to play right here.”
Your subscription couldn’t be saved. Please attempt once more.
Your subscription has been profitable.