Hours before tip-off on Wednesday, the University of the East officially named Paulo Hubalde the head coach of the Red Warriors for the remainder of UAAP Season 89, following his five-game stint as interim coach.
Hubalde replaced Chris Gavina, who led the Red Warriors throughout Season 88 and the first two games of Season 89.
The appointment adds to Hubalde’s responsibilities as head coach of UE’s Under-16 team, which is currently competing alongside the men’s squad, and the Under-19 team, which is set to take the court next semester.
“This is an important stretch of the season for our team, and we believe Paulo can help the Red Warriors move forward with renewed focus and purpose,” UE Physical Education Director Leo Robert Viajar said in a press release.
“We are confident that his experience and familiarity with the UE basketball program will be valuable as we continue to develop our players and compete in the UAAP.”
During his interim stint, Hubalde breathed new life into UE’s men’s basketball program, which had suffered losses by an average margin of 23.5 points before his appointment.
In their most recent outings against the finalists of UAAP Season 88, the Red Warriors showed renewed determination against both the University of the Philippines and De La Salle University.
UE led for much of its game against the Fighting Maroons last Saturday before fading in the final period to suffer a 10-point defeat.
On Wednesday, the Red Warriors pushed La Salle to the limit, forcing the Green Archers to battle through overtime to secure a 97-88 victory at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
“They’re starting to believe na anong kaya nilang gawin, and they’re starting to believe sa system,” Hubalde said.
“Ang sinasabi ko sa kanila, we have to improve every day, learning talaga to continue and build doon sa ginagawa namin sa past games.”
Despite these encouraging performances, the Red Warriors still face a difficult reality.
Following their loss to La Salle, UE extended its losing streak to 28 games dating back to Season 87, giving the Red Warriors the second-longest losing streak in UAAP men’s basketball history.
“I take full responsibility, siyempre, kung ano man ang mangyari. But I don’t look at the losing streak.
“Mas focused ako sa improvement ng team and improvement ng mga players ko. Yung growth nila, yun ang priority ko,” he added.
Nevertheless, Hubalde believes the Red Warriors are moving in the right direction, particularly after their improved showings in recent games.
He also shared that the team has begun earning greater respect, both internally and from its opponents across the league.
“Most probably right now, we earned that respect na gusto kong i-implement nila and makuha namin. From there, we’re just gonna keep pushing forward.”
