For Paulo Hubalde, the lights shining across the University of the East campus carried a little more meaning this time around.
Just a night before the Junior Warriors punched their ticket to the UAAP 16-and-Under Boys’ Basketball Final Four, the UE community gathered for its annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony. The celebration also gave Hubalde a glimpse of how much his young squad’s resurgence meant to the school.
It was a particularly meaningful moment for Hubalde, who had also steered the men’s side to its first win in two years last Saturday, adding another milestone to his dual role as head coach of both the collegiate and youth squads.
“Last night, we had a tree lighting, and everybody was really proud of what we have done. Sabi ko sa kanila, parang ang sarap sa feeling,” recalled Hubalde.
“One of the best feelings in the world is ma-recognize ‘yung trabaho mo.”
A day later, the Junior Warriors gave their community another reason to celebrate.
UE secured its first Final Four appearance since 2024 after dispatching the University of the Philippines Integrated School, 96-76, in the UAAP 16U tournament, marking another step forward for a program looking to reclaim its place among the league’s contenders.
The last time the Junior Warriors clinched a postseason berth was also the season they captured their last championship. In UAAP Season 87, UE made history by becoming the inaugural regular-season champion of the Junior High School Boys’ Basketball Division.
Hubalde, however, inherited a program that needed rebuilding. He took charge of the Junior Warriors in February after Strong Group’s contract with UE ended, beginning a new chapter for the school’s youth basketball program.
For the veteran mentor, the breakthrough was more than just another victory. It was a sign that the work of rebuilding the Junior Warriors was beginning to bear fruit.
“UE hasn’t made the Final Four since 2024, so we have a chance to do something great today. ‘Yun ang sinabi ko sa kanila before the game,” he shared.
The journey, however, was far from smooth.
UE had endured a three-game losing skid before finding its rhythm in the games leading up to the crucial victory over UPIS.
“Coming off our previous two games na medyo okay ‘yung laro ng mga bata, siguro from there, nandoon na yung confidence nila,” said Hubalde.
“We had a three-game losing slump before that, pero nakabawi kami. Wala akong masabi, I’m very proud for what they have done.”
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
But amid the lights that illuminated the UE campus and the celebrations surrounding the Junior Warriors’ return to the Final Four, the star that shone brightest was up-and-coming rookie Kurt Mercado.
For Hubalde, Mercado’s emergence was no surprise.
Long before the young standout began making his mark in the UAAP, the UE mentor had already seen the makings of something special.
“Ever since naman, when I first saw Kurt, I saw a glimpse of a star,” said Hubalde.
“Sabi ko sa kanya, you just have to play the game. Hard worker si Kurt, masipag ‘yan. Halos araw-araw, nakikinig lang siya.”
For Mercado, the opportunity to help bring UE back to the Final Four in his very first season has made the experience all the more meaningful.
“Tinutuloy-tuloy ko lang mga tira ko at consistent, sinimulan ko ng extra sa practice,” he said.
“Grateful po ako kasi rookie season ko din po ‘to and Final Four kami. Thank you po kay God kasi na-guide niya po kami this season.”
Mercado finished with 24 points on six-of-eight shooting from beyond the arc, delivering a standout performance in the Junior Warriors’ clinching victory.
Hubalde, meanwhile, sees the rookie’s emergence as a glimpse of what could lie ahead for the Junior Warriors.
“Sky’s the limit sa kanya. I’m very proud sa mga nagagawa niya and I hope he continues sa mga magagawa niya in the future. Hopefully, someday, he can be one of the greats.”
For a coach determined to restore the pride of representing UE, developing players like Mercado is just as important as the victories they collect along the way.
“Maiangat lang ulit natin ‘yung school ng UE, whenever nagre-represent kami, to the best of our abilities. ‘Yun ang gusto kong maibalik sa UE,” said Hubalde.
“Hindi pa tapos ang laban, siyempre gusto pa rin namin to continue and make UE proud.”
As the Junior Warriors prepare for their return to the Final Four, the lights that illuminated their campus the night before their breakthrough offer a fitting image of a program beginning to find its way forward.
With Hubalde leading the charge and Mercado emerging as one of its brightest young prospects, the future of UE basketball may just be starting to shine again.
