Rob Labagala is making sure to surround himself with familiar faces as he rebuilds the San Sebastian Golden Stags program.
The former National University assistant coach successfully recruited two of his former Bullpups—point guard Tom Pillado and forward Gab Nepacena—to join San Sebastian.
The duo committed to the team earlier this week.
“Masaya ako na nakasama ko ulit sila. Masaya rin ako na nadala ko sila sa programa ng Baste. They’re smart, hardworking, and have both talent and character—exactly the type of players na alam naming makakatulong para mapaangat ang team,” said Labagala, a former UE Red Warrior who served as an NU assistant from UAAP Seasons 84 to 87.
Both Pillado and Nepacena suited up for the NU Bullpups in UAAP Season 87, with Pillado also participating in the 3×3 tournament.
Pillado, a 5-foot-11 playmaker, averaged 2.31 points and 1.38 assists in 13 games, while Nepacena posted 2.06 points and 1.88 rebounds in 16 appearances.
“Thankful din ako sa fellow NU coaches and bosses, especially kay Coach Jeff, na pinagkatiwala sa amin sina Gab, Thomas, at Matt Acosta,” Labagala added.
The three Bullpups—Pillado, Nepacena, and Acosta—will join fellow rookies Jaime Gomez de Liano, Ian Cuajao, and Jhuniel Dela Rama to form San Sebastian’s young core heading into NCAA Season 101.
