San Beda HS standout Chris Hubilla makes early commitment to UP

San Beda University high school standout Chris Hubilla made an early commitment to join the University of the Philippines men's basketball team.

The Fighting Maroons made the announcement on Easter Sunday.

Hubilla, a Grade 11 student, will finish senior high school first before moving to Diliman.

The NCAA Mythical Team member said joining UP is a fulfillment of his dream.

"UP po kasi dream school ko po talaga yun," said Hubilla.

"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 added.

"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."

("UP because it really is my dream school... I remember three years ago, UP played in Naga. I joined the crowd so I could watch Kobe, Ricci, and the brothers... I thought it was a dream when Coach Tom chatted with me that Coach Gold wanted to speak with me because the NCAA season had just ended and they had the opportunity to try and get me then.")

Team manager Atty. Agaton Uvero, Hubilla’s fellow Bicolano, is happy that Hubilla has committed to the Fighting Maroons.

“As a Bicolano myself and an avid fan of the team, I'm really proud that he joined UP," said Uvero. "I'm really glad to see that the team has many players representing different regions of the country."

Fighting Maroons head coach Goldwin Monteverde is also happy with Hubilla joining his squad.

"Getting him creates another positive impact in the UPMBT program as we continue to build our team towards the future."

Hubilla led the Red Cubs to a Final Four finish and posted averages of 20.86 points, 12.5 rebounds, 2.29 assists, and 1.79 steals per game.

UP has been securing many standouts recently with the likes of Lebron Lopez, Sean Alter, Hubilla’s fellow NCAA Mythical Team members Luis Pablo and Seven Gagate of LSGH, and Ateneo de Cebu-Sacred Heart School’s Jared Bahay who will also be eligible come Season 87.

—Justin Kenneth Carandang/JMB, GMA Integrated News