Hubalde powers Classic

A rejuvenated Paulo Hubalde believes the Valenzuela Classic have found the right man to lead them to glory in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Lakan Season.

With the 38-year-old Hubalde taking cue from new coach Gerry Esplana down the stretch, the Classic notched their second straight victory at the expense of the Quezon City Capitals, 70-65, late Monday night at Blue Eagle Gym in Quezon City.

Hubalde, who played 10 years in the PBA and a couple of seasons in the Asean Basketball League, fired 13 of his 22 points in the fourth quarter as the Classic followed up their remarkable overtime victory over powerhouse Bataan with an impressive win on the road.

“Coach Gerry (Esplana) has been a big help,” said Hubalde, who was a perfect 13 for 13 from the free throw line as Valenzuela improved to 2-1. “He’s telling me when to take over.”

Esplana, a point guard himself during his playing days just like Hubalde, was thrust into the job at the start of the season owing to his role as sports director of Valenzuela.