If there was one thing that Chris Hubilla left on the court on Thursday, it was his heart.
Hubilla gave his all in San Beda Rizal’s do-or-die game against La Salle Green Hills after putting up superstar numbers. He finished with 37 points on 12-of-25 from the field and 13-of-15 from the foul line, 14 rebounds, and two steals while shooting.
Despite exhibiting his never-say-die attitude, it just wasn’t enough. The Greenies prevailed 89-85, earning the last spot in the NCAA Season 98 Juniors Finals.
“Nagtrabaho talaga kami, e, di lang talaga namin nakuha yung gusto namin,” said the emotional forward of San Beda. “Proud nga yung mga coaches namin kasi binigay na namin, binuhos na namin, wala nang natira sa amin. Wala talaga, hindi para sa amin yung laro na yun.
“Masakit man, pero kailangan talaga naming tanggapin.”
Undoubtedly, Hubilla had the best individual performance in the series as he averaged 35.5 markers and 14.5 boards in two games. But despite producing these averages, the Red Cubs won’t be able to defend their title in the finals.
Not making any excuses, the Bulan, Sorsogon native is still feeling the heaviness of his foot after an injury he had a few games back during the stepladder. He also mentioned that losing Kirk Canete, as well as Andrei Dungo – who wasn’t a hundred percent – was a huge loss for them.
“Mahirap din po talaga yung injury ng teammates namin [Canete and Dungo]. Lalong lalo na ako may injury din, pero pinilit ko para makalaro po talaga. Medyo masakit, pero di ko na din inisip nung nakita ko yung support ng Bedan community. Wala na po akong masabi, kaya naiyak din po ako,” said Hubilla, who expressed his gratitude to the San Beda community.
“Binuhos ko yung lahat ko, pero kinulang po talaga.”
The Grade 11 ABM-strand student also said that he’s going to take a break from basketball for a year as he wants to finish his senior high school first and, at the same time, focus on improving his game. After that one-year break, that’s when he’s going to decide where he’s going to play next.
“Mag-focus muna ako sa mga weaknesses ko po at sa mga kulang ko po at aral po. Saka na po ako mag-isip kung saan po ako, kung palarin po ulit,” the 20-year-old big man said.
“Meron na po [offers], pero no comment na muna po ako kasi di pa naman talaga ako nakakapili saka di ko alam kung interesado pa din sila sakin [pag college na]. Pero meron naman po.”
Starting with an entirely new coaching staff, carrying so much expectation from the Beda community, and climbing their way up to the stepladder to get the twice-to-beat advantage, it was indeed a great run for the Red Cubs.
