In his debut game for Mapúa University, Chris Hubilla quickly made an impact on the court.
The 6-foot-4 bruiser delivered 17 points, eight rebounds, and two assists in the Cardinals’ 75-67 victory over Lyceum of the Philippines University.
Taking a lengthy route to reach Intramuros, Hubilla reflects on how his detours from San Beda in high school to UP for college, then a brief time with Muralla neighbor Letran, provided him with much-needed lessons upon entering Mapúa.
“Marami akong natutunan lalo na sa UP kasi galing talaga akong probinsya.
“‘Yung mga basic na drills mas na-adapt ko dahil sa UP,” said the Sorsogon native.
Additionally, assistant coach Yong Garcia added to how Hubilla is already contributing this early in his stint with the Cardinals.
“Si Chris, mahabang story ‘yan, dapat high school pa lang, kasama ko na sa Mapúa. Pero, masaya naman kami dahil sa nangyari sa career niya, and ngayon, mas masaya kami na dahil nasa amin na ulit si Chris,” said Garcia, who is also the head coach of the Red Robins.
GArcia also noted Hubilla’s ability to dominate games, never relenting against any opponent.
“Talagang itong bata na ito all out, kaya tawag sa kanya sa Sorsogon ay bato dahil walang inaatrasan,” Garcia added.
Now that he’s secured his spot with the Cardinals, the big man notes how much freedom their team’s system gives him, allowing him to reach his full potential.
“Ngayon, sobrang happy naman ako dahil dito nakikita ko na ang tunay kong laro, at maipapakita ko talaga. Marami pa talagang kailangan gawin para makabalik kami sa [NCAA Finals],” he stressed.
Finally, Garcia recognized the role that Hubilla needed to fill, with the departure of Warren Bonifacio.
“Malaking responsibilidad ni Chris ngayon dahil sa pagwala ng mga beteranong player [namin]. Pati na ‘yung mga dating players namin, ang lagi naming sinasabi, kailangan nilang mag-step up ngayong wala na ‘yung mga beterano.”
