Chris Hubilla has become the epitome of heart for his San Beda University high school team.
In the Red Cubs' battle against College of Saint Benilde-La Salle Green Hills in their do-or-die Final Four match in the NCAA Season 98 juniors basketball tournament, the San Beda star forward posted 37 points and 14 rebounds in a valiant effort on Thursday.
However, they came out on the losing side, 89-85, which ended their hopes of defending the NCAA high school basketball crown.
"Ginawa talaga namin 'yung gusto namin. Nagtrabaho kami. Hindi lang namin nakuha 'yung gusto namin," an emotional Hubilla said after the match.
(We did what we wanted to do. We worked, but we just could not get it.)
Despite their efforts, Hubilla said the game just wasn't meant for the Taytay-based squad.
"Proud nga 'yung coach namin sa'min kasi binuhos na namin, wala talagang natira samin. Wala talaga, parang 'di talaga sa amin 'yung larong 'yun," Hubilla said.
(Our coach was proud of us for giving our all, but it seemed like it was not meant for us.)
"Masakit man pero kailangan naming tanggapin kasi at least sabi ng coach namin, umabot kami sa Final Four. Kahit na maraming nagba-bash samin, pinapatunayan lang namin. Wala talaga, binuhos na namin lahat."
(It's hard but we need to accept it because, our coach said, at least we made it to the Final Four. Even though we have bashers, we just proved them wrong. We really gave our all.)
It was a long journey for San Beda as they first needed to face San Sebastian College-Recoletos in a playoff game for the last Final Four spot, then the Mapua Cardinals for a chance to stay in the hunt for a twice-to-beat advantage.
They won the playoff bonus in a tight contest against LSGH, but it was the tough Greenies squad that punched a ticket to the finals after back-to-back wins in the Final Four.
Add to the Red Cubs' mishaps were the injuries which hit them left and right. Hubilla himself was not immune as he had to play through an ankle injury in the do-or-die match.
"Medyo masakit pero hindi ko na iniisip kasi sobrang happy ako sa support ng [San] Beda community, wala na po akong masabi. Kaya naiiyak ako kasi binuhos ko lahat pero kinulang talaga," said the emotional Hubilla.
(The injury still hurts somehow but I did not mind it because I was very happy from the support we got from the San Beda community. I have no words. That is why I am emotional because I gave my all but it still was not enough.)
His coach Mikko Roldan was happy about Hubilla's unforgettable performance.
"Sabi ko nga sa kanya, 'Chris, I'm proud of you. Hanggang dulo hindi ka bumitaw, nagpapakamatay ka para sa teammates mo. HIndi namin makakalimutan 'to,'" said Roldan.
(I told him, 'Chris, I'm proud of you. You did not give up until the end, you gave everything for your teammates. We will not forget this.')
Even LSGH head coach Renren Ritualo acknowledged Hubilla's impact on the game.
"He's not just a talent. Ang lakas ng katawan eh, kahit anong bangga mo, they bounce back. I really appreciate his game."
(He's not just a talent. His body is strong, no matter how much you push them, they bounce back. I really appreciate his game.)
With his season done, the 20-year old Grade 11 student said he will now work on his weaknesses before deciding on his next moves, which will likely involve the collegiate ranks.
"Sa ngayon po, wala pa pong [plano]. Sa ngayon, parang mag-focus po muna ako sa weaknesses ko and sa mga kulang ko pa po para mag-improve. Saka na po ako mag-isip kung saan po ako, kung palarin ulit," the humble Hubilla said.
(For now, there are no plans yet. I will focus first on my weaknesses to improve before thinking of my next destination, if I will still be lucky.)
The San Beda forward admitted he had received offers, but could not make a comment yet.
"'Di pa naman ako nakakapili and 'di ko alam kung interested pa sila sa akin," said Hubilla.
(I have not made a choice yet and I am not sure if they are still interested in me.)
—JMB, GMA Integrated News
