AFTER plenty of surprises from rookie-laden Jose Rizal University in last year’s NCAA, a hell of a reinforcement is coming their way in the form of Chris Hubilla.
The 6-foot-3 forward is set to make his debut for the Heavy Bombers in the coming Season 102, reuniting with former Mapua deputies Nani Epondulan and Paolo Gorospe, as well as teammates Lawrence Mangubat and Jamhir Eligado.
The clouds of conversations that have hung over his head thus far in his young career are still there, however, especially with JRU now his fourth team since starring for San Beda's high school program.
Hubilla couldn't care less about all the negativity surrounding all his transfers, though. In fact, he actually views those as a combined ace up his sleeve, as his wealth of experience will help him out not only as a workhorse forward, but also as a veteran for the young Heavy Bombers.
“Siyempre, maraming tulong din sa'kin, marami akong napuntahan na nag-handle sa akin, at marami silang na-help sa [akin] as a player kung ano ako ngayon," he said, looking back at his brief stints in the University of the Philippines and Letran before going on a title run with Mapua.
“Dito, kuya-kuya nila 'ko, so dapat iha-handle ko kung nagkasabog-sabog kami. Lagi ko naman sila kinakausap kung ano yung dapat namin gawin. Sumusunod lang din kami kina coach para hindi kami mawala.”
Just as he has been doing, the now-23 year old is keeping the outside noise locked out.
"Tatrabahuin ko lang talaga. May pressure kasi maraming sinasabi yung ibang tao, pero 'di ko pinapakinggan. Pinapakinggan ko lang kung sino yung nandyan para sa akin, yung mga nasa circle lang namin sa team, yun lang," he said.
Nani’s new enforcers
Second-year head coach Epondulan, for his part, didn't mince words when talking about the impact of Hubilla's arrival in Kalentong.
“Actually, comparing yung lineup namin last year to this year, last year kasi parang yung maliliit lang namin yung umaatake. Not taking away sa mga naging players ko before; I mean, all heart sila maglaro,” he explained.
“Pero yun nga yung difference namin ngayon, I have Chris Hubilla, I have Jamhir Eligado, [Ivan] Panapanaan developed his offensive skills naman na kahit papaano, may nag-improve nga.”
Knowing the capability and confidence of the Bulan, Sorsogon native, Epondulan saw immense potential in pairing the tireless wing with the likes of Sean Salvador, Sanlea Peñaverde, and his fellow former Cardinal in Mangubat.
But does Epondulan envision the same ending as when they were all together in Intramuros?
He does - and he has since Day 1.
“Yun yung tinatrabaho namin ni Chris. I mean, lagi na namin pinapag-usapan eh. The reason why we're playing is to compete, so hopefully, yun yung tinatrabaho namin every day: to compete for title,” he expressed.
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