The University of the Philippines (UP) secures a valuable addition to their basketball team in Chris Hubilla, a promising 20-year-old forward from San Beda-Rizal and a top prospect in the class of 2024.
Despite still being in Grade 11, Hubilla committed to UP early on because playing for the Fighting Maroons has always been a dream of his.
"UP po kasi dream school ko po talaga yun. 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 said.
Photo courtesy: UP Fighting Maroons
His love for the team was solidified when he got the chance to talk to UP Men's Basketball Team Managers Atty. Agaton Uvero and Hyatt Basman, both from his home region of Bicol.
Hubilla has impressed with his performances for San Beda-Rizal and the NCAA Season 98 stepladder semis, averaging 20.86 points, 12.5 rebounds, 2.29 assists, and 1.79 assists per game, earning him a spot in the Mythical Team.
Fighting Maroons head coach Goldwin Monteverde is optimistic about Hubilla's game, stating that he is a strong finisher on the break and plays bigger than his size, particularly on the offensive glass.
While he won't be eligible for UAAP Season 87 until alongside fellow 2024 prospect Jared Bahay, Hubilla will start training with the Fighting Maroons next week.
He believes that his remaining year in Grade 12 will allow him to improve his shooting and defense, and he trusts that Monteverde will help him develop even further.
