By: Joaquin Cortez
Paulo Hubalde had barely any time to settle into his new role as interim head coach of the University of the East men’s basketball team.
After guiding the Junior Red Warriors to an 84-76 win over Ateneo earlier on Saturday, Hubalde made a quick trip from the De La Salle Zobel Sports Pavilion in Alabang to the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay to call the shots against Far Eastern University later in the day.
However, with UE now on a 23-game losing streak dating back to Season 87 following its loss to FEU, Hubalde stressed the need for the Red Warriors to rediscover their pride as the program continues to search for its first win in two years.
“Kailangan talaga nilang magkaroon ng pride. Pride on defense, pride on scoring. Pride on wearing that uniform,” he said.
Hubalde hopes to bring back the same competitive mentality he experienced during his playing days with UE in the early 2000s, when he suited up alongside Red Warriors standouts Paul Artadi, James Yap, Niño Canaleta, and Ronald Tubid.
“‘Yong panahon namin, we were very proud,” Hubalde said.
“So doon pa lang, when you put everything on the floor, alam mo, you’re gonna compete.”
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
Despite the abrupt transition, Hubalde’s first priority for the program was clear: restore the Red Warriors’ confidence.
“Siyempre, medyo mababa ang moral ng mga bata dahil sa 0-2 start for this season. So, my job was to give positivity sa mga bata,” Hubalde said.
“I want to bring the best out of them. Ang sabi ko sa kanila, ‘Maniwala sa lahat.’”
Hubalde was informed by UE management on Saturday that he would take over the Red Warriors for their third game of the season, replacing Chris Gavina, who resigned after the team opened the campaign with losses to Ateneo de Manila University and National University.
Hubalde also shared that he has yet to speak with Gavina following his resignation.
The former UE point guard admitted that the quick turnaround left him little time to implement changes, so he opted instead to give the team a boost after its 0-2 start.
“Short preparation,” Hubalde said.
“When UE calls, siyempre I would never ever miss a call. When UE calls for an opportunity, I’m grateful for that.”
Hubalde, meanwhile, is no stranger to the young Red Warriors, having worked with the team for the past two years.
“I’ve been with these kids for the last two years. I know all their strengths,” Hubalde said.
“Alam ko kung ano ang kaya nilang gawin.”
While he continues to call the shots for both the juniors and seniors squads at UE, Hubalde’s immediate task is to lift a young Red Warriors squad that has yet to find its footing in Season 89.
“Sabi ko nga sa kanila, you have to believe,” Hubalde said.
“We’re all in this together.”
