By: Dominic Adrian Veloso
22 years have passed since Paulo Hubalde last donned the Red and White for the University of the East, but this new chapter with his alma mater carries a different kind of weight and sentimental value.
Back in 2004, Hubalde was a fiery point guard who orchestrated the offense for a talented Red Warriors squad that featured the likes of James Yap, Paul Artadi, Ronald Tubid, and KG Canaleta.
Fast forward to 2026, Hubalde has officially taken the reins as the head coach of UE’s junior basketball programs. And he ushers in a new era following the conclusion of Strong Group Athletics’ three-season commitment from UAAP Seasons 86 to 88.
He takes over from Matthew Sia, who last handled the 16-and-under squad, and Karl Santos, who coached the school’s 19-and-under team.
While the 45-year-old coach already got his feet wet as an assistant under Chris Gavina with UE’s men’s basketball team in Season 88, stepping up as the lead tactician tasked with molding the program’s grassroots talent carries a heavier mantle of responsibility — one that he welcomes with open arms.
“Finally, after maybe 22 years since 2004, since I was a player. Since last year, part naman na ako, but for now, junior’s naman tayo and it’s truly an honor to represent my school,” Hubalde said on Saturday morning.
Since being selected eighth overall in the 2005 PBA Draft, playing for more than seven teams during a 12-year PBA career, and later journeying through several squads in the MPBL, Hubalde admitted that transitioning into coaching was not exactly part of his original game plan.
However, as a natural point guard and leader, the transition eventually felt natural over time.
“Nung nasa PBA ako, I had in my mind na parang hindi ko kaya mag-coach. But along the way, when I was still playing, parang na-incorporate ko na how I play — being a point guard and being a leader inside,” Hubalde said.
“I think medyo yung transition ko doon, hindi naman madali, pero mas easier naman. Yung experience ko doon, I am trying to apply dito, especially from 21 years ago nung player pa ako here sa UE,” he added.
In stepping into a head coaching role, Hubalde is also following in the footsteps of his father, PBA great Freddie Hubalde, who previously led Marist School, a high school basketball program based in Marikina.
Embracing the family lineage, the younger Hubalde was quick to credit the people around him for easing his transition into a leadership role.
“Yes, sa Marist. Hindi lang naman ako yung natuto doon, most likely, yung mga kasama ko. Malaking factor yan… Yung experience nila and what yung gusto kong mangyari sa sistema, malaking tulong ‘yon,” he explained.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
While Hubalde’s tenure began on a winning note, with UE dismantling the University of the Philippines Integrated School in its UAAP Season 89 16-and-under basketball tournament opener, the first-year head coach remains far from satisfied.
One vital piece who could help Hubalde is Jayson Mercado, who was included in the Gilas Pilipinas Youth pool over the summer and represented the Philippines in the 2026 B.League Under-16 Challenge Cup last July in Japan.
“Slightly happy kasi may bad habits pa rin tayo na nakikita na we’ll try to address. Kudos sa UPIS, alam ko naman na they’re trying, but within the team, mataas kasi yung gusto ko na standards sa mga bata for them to play the right way and to be on that next level,” Hubalde shared.
“Yung leadership role niya, nakakatulong sa team and sa akin dahil especially sa international ranks yun galing. Hopefully, ma-translate ‘yon into wins kasi it will be a long season. I am very proud na we have someone from UE to represent our country. Isa ‘yon as a coach and as a school na very proud moment for us,” he added.
As he navigates his first season at the helm, the former UE floor general keeps his philosophy plain and simple.
While returning to the Final Four or replicating the 16-and-under team’s Season 87 championship run would be ideal, Hubalde emphasized the importance of building a strong foundation above everything else.
“When it comes to basketball, sa mga interview ko naman, ako naman, we’ve been in the industry for so long, I just want my boys to play well and play the right way. Consistently play the right way lang, and if the wins come, bonus na lang.”
