University of the Philippines has gained a promising young talent in Chris Hubilla, the 20-year-old forward from San Beda-Rizal and a top prospect in the class of 2024.
Despite being in Grade 11, Hubilla committed to UP early because donning the Fighting Maroons jersey has been a long-time aspiration of his..
“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.
“Kala ko panaginip lang nung chinat ako ni Coach Tom [Chua] na gusto ako makausap ni Coach Gold [Monteverde] kasi kakatapos lang NC nun tapos may opportunity na gusto nila ako kunin nun.”
His love for UP was strengthened when he got the chance to talk to UP Men’s Basketball Team managers Atty. Agaton Uvero and Hyatt Basman, both of whom come from his home region of Bicol.
“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 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.” Hubilla has worked hard to get where he is today, with impressive performances for San Beda-Rizal and the NCAA Season 98 stepladder semis.
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 assists per game — earning him a spot in the Mythical Team.
“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.”
While he will only be eligible for UAAP Season 87 alongside fellow 2024 prospect Jared Bahay, Hubilla will start training with the Fighting Maroons next week.
He believes that his one year left in Grade 12 will give him time to improve his shooting and defense, and he trusts that Monteverde will help him develop further.
