NCAA: Mapua coach urges rookie Chris Hubilla to play smarter

Mapua rookie Chris Hubilla during the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball action. –NCAA PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Mapua rookie Chris Hubilla has been having some hard times adjusting to the level of play in the NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball tournament but coach Randy Alcantara has the proper advice in mind.

The Cardinals won their most recent encounter at the expense of Emilio Aguinaldo College, 69-66, at San Juan Arena but it didn’t come without some growing pains from the newcomer out of San Beda.

With roughly two minutes left in a neck-and-neck affair with the Generals, Hubilla fouled out in the most unfortunate time, giving the Cardinals a hard time pulling out the win.

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Before he was ejected from the game, the rookie produced nine points and 10 rebounds in his second game in the men’s division of the NCAA.

Hubilla’s nine-point outing wasn’t the flashiest—in fact, he only sank one field goal out of eight tries—but it was his defense that Alcantara truly appreciated.

“We expect defense from Chris. He just fouls a lot so he needs to control that. Even if he can’t shoot, his rebounds and hustle are there,” said Alcantara in Filipino.

“What’s needed and what’s important is he shows his defense and switches to smaller players. The offense will come but he just needs to not be frustrated.”

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Foul trouble has been Hubilla’s weakness in the first two games. The stretch forward tallied four in the Cardinals’ season-opening loss.

But Alcantara believes that can be fixed as long as he can control his emotions. The top tactician stated that it’s normal for a rookie to be too aggressive in pursuit of proving himself in the big leagues.

“His energy is inspiring and contagious but he just really needs to control the little things like the small pushes and unnecessary fouls. We always remind him about that.”

“The body strength and rebounding? That’s already in his system.”