San Beda-Rizal’s Chris Hubilla, a top-two prospect in the class of 2024, has committed to study at and play for University of the Philippines.
Despite just being in Grade 11 now, the 20-year-old forward made his commitment early to the Fighting Maroons because it had always been his dream to play for the Fighting Maroons.
Yes, Hubilla was a huge fan of the Fighting Maroons growing up.
“UP po kasi dream school ko po talaga yun,” he said.
“Naalala ko mga three years ago, naglaro yung UP dito sa amin sa Naga. Talagang nakipagsiksikan ako para mapanood sila Kobe (Paras), Ricci (Rivero), at yung magkapatid (Gomez de Liaños),” he continued.
“Kaya nung chinat ako ni Coach Tom (Chua) tapos sabi niya gusto daw ako makausap ni Coach Gold (Monteverde), nagulat ako nun. Kaya hindi ako nakapag-reply kaagad,” he shared.
“Kala ko panaginip lang kasi kakatapos lang NC nun. Tapos may opportunity na gusto nila ako kunin nun.”
What made Hubilla at ease with UP was when he got a chance to talk to UP Men’s Basketball Team managers Atty. Agaton Uvero and Hyatt Basman, both of whom came from Bicol like him.
It immediately made him feel like UP was his home away from home.
“Natuwa ako nung nalaman ko na taga-Bicol din si Atty. Ags at Sir Hyatt. Nung nalaman ko yun, alam ko na na sa UP ako dapat mag-aral,” he gushed.
“As a Bicolano myself and him being an avid fan of the team, I’m really proud that he joined UP,” said Atty. Uvero.
“I’m really glad to see that the team has many players representing different regions of the country.”
Definitely, Hubilla worked his way to get to where he is now.
The 6-foot-4 workhorse was only discovered by the Red Cubs last year after being part of Parañaque in NBL-Pilipinas Youth. He played alongside Seven Gagate and Luis Pablo in the Aces.
(C) Nowhere To Go But UP
In his one-and-done stint with San Beda-Rizal, Hubilla turned heads, averaging 20.86 points, 12.5 rebounds, 2.29 assists, and 1.79 steals per game – earning him a spot in the Mythical Team.
But it was in the NCAA Season 98 stepladder semis when he shone brightly.
Despite nursing an injury, Hubilla put up numbers of 35.5 markers and 14.5 boards against La Salle Green Hills.
“Malaki ang pasasalamat ko sa San Beda at kay Coach Miko (Roldan) dahil wala ako dito kung hindi sila nagtiwala sa akin,” expressed Hubilla, also thanking coach Genesius Molto who helped him especially during the pandemic.
“Chris Hubilla is a strong finisher on the break and has a nice touch around the basket. He plays bigger than his size, notably on the offensive glass,” Fighting Maroons head coach Goldwin Monteverde remarked about Hubilla’s game.
“Getting him creates another positive impact in the UPMBT program as we continue to build our team towards the future.”
Hubilla, though, will have to finish his Grade 12 studies before being eligible for UAAP Season 87, alongside top 2024 prospect Jared Bahay.
Before going to San Beda-Rizal, he studied at a school in Southern Luzon. He had to repeat Grade 11 when he transferred to San Beda.
But as early as next week, Hubilla will be training with the Fighting Maroons.
“Mag-eensayo na ako kaagad sa UP.
“Sa’kin, sakto din talaga na Grade 11 ako ngayon kasi hindi pa ko 100-percent ready sa college. Tratrabahuin ko yung one year na ito – yung shooting lalo at sa depensa. Naniniwala ako na made-develop ako nila Coach Gold,” he said.
“While he will only be eligible come Season 87, his work ethic and skillset is definitely a good fit to Coach Gold’s system and culture,” added Atty. Uvero.
“His entry will be just in time as many of our student-athletes will be on their third season or more by then.”
