San Beda’s Chris Hubilla. NCAA PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—San Beda standout Chris Hubilla has formally committed to the University of the Philippines despite still having a year left in senior high school.
Hubilla will be eligible to play for the Fighting Maroons in UAAP Season 87 alongside another blue chip acquisition Jared Bahay.
“[I chose] UP because it’s really my dream school,” said Hubilla in Filipino.
“I remember watching them play live three years ago. I had to squeeze in the crowd to watch Kobe (Paras), Ricci (Rivero) and the brothers (De Liaño’s),” he added.
The Fighting Maroons continued to stack their talents after already gaining the commitments of fellow NCAA juniors’ division stars Luis Pablo and Seven Gagate from La Salle Greenhills. UP also acquired Fil-American big man Sean Alter.
“He (Hubilla) is a strong finisher in the break and has a nice touch around the basket. He plays bigger than his size, notably on the offensive glass,” UP coach Goldwin Monteverde said.
“Getting him creates another impact in the UPMBT program as we continue to build our team towards the future.”
Hubilla, a Bicol native, averaged a double-double of 20.9 points and 12.5 rebounds per game in the Red Cubs’ Final Four run in NCAA Season 98, earning him a spot in the Mythical Team.