Luis Pablo and his quest for a major basketball title continues

It was March 16, 2023.

The San Andres Gymnasium in Manila was packed with supporters as La Salle Green Hills and Colegio de San Juan de Letran battled for the NCAA Season 98 juniors basketball title.

With less than 40 seconds remaining, NCAA juniors Most Valuable Player Luis Pablo was subbed out as LSGH trailed, 75–59. The end of his high school career was imminent.

Moments later, Pablo turned emotional, crying as he watched his team fall to the Squires. The Intramuros-based supporters celebrated as the likes of Andy Gemao and Titing Manalili secured their high school championship.

“Last one minute na, nagsi-sink in na sa’kin na parang ‘ito na,’” Pablo said back then.

“‘Sobrang nag-sink in sa’kin na ‘This is it.’ Sobrang laki na ng lamang nila with one minute left. ‘Di pa rin po ako naggi-give up, binibigay ko pa rin po lahat kasi sobrang pagod na ako,” he added.

Days later, Pablo and teammate Seven Gagate confirmed their move to the University of the Philippines for their rookie year, using their runner-up finish as fuel for their next chapter.

“Pinakanatutunan ko po sa NC is pagdating po talaga sa dulo, kapag gusto mong manalo, dapat ma-adapt mo ‘yung mindset na mas gustuhin mong manalo and dapat willing kang gawin kahit ano para makatulong sa team — offensively or defensively,” he said.

The Fighting Maroons went on to reach the UAAP Season 86 Finals in December 2023. 

Kevin Quiambao and De La Salle University, however, ultimately claimed the title — another heartbreak for Pablo.

Months later, he made another move — a familiar one. He returned to the green-and-white and committed to De La Salle University.

New chapter, new chance

Fast forward to December 2025. 

Pablo finds himself with another chance at his first major basketball title.

The Green Archers booked a spot in the UAAP Season 88 Finals after dethroning twice-to-beat National University in the Final Four. Pablo has been a crucial piece of La Salle’s campaign, averaging 7.0 points and 4.43 rebounds per game.

The tears he shed two years ago turned into tears of joy years after as the green side of the Big Dome cheered on for the Green Archers.

“Actually kanina, during the last couple of seconds sa loob ng court, I was kind of tearing up na… like wow, looking at the La Salle crowd, ganito 'yung support na binibigay nila,” Pablo told GMA News Online after their 78-73 do-or-die win over NU.

Apparently, it was also another painful moment, La Salle’s Season 87 loss to UP, that fueled him this year.

“Last year, pag-transfer ko, I saw when they lost, everyone was so sad. Mag-buzzer pa lang noong Game 3 last year, sobrang motivated na ako na really work hard to reach the finals again and have the opportunity to win. So kanina, sobrang iba ‘yung fulfillment,” he said.

“Since I've been with the La Salle program my whole high school career, now reaching the finals with the La Salle community… it's a surreal feeling.”

Heartbreaks to hopes

Reflecting on his journey, Pablo said he needed all those setbacks to become a better person and player.

“I think ‘yung past two finals appearance ko, from high school and ‘yung first year ko sa UP, parang kailangan ko pagdaanan ‘yun. ‘Yung tough losses, I think God wants me to realize a lot of lessons and what it takes to really win,” he shared, adding that La Salle’s struggles throughout the season helped shape their finals run.

“I really feel na ginrind out namin ‘to para makapasok kami sa finals. Super grateful kami and super happy. But job’s not done , there’s nothing to celebrate yet kasi ‘di pa tapos.”

Physically and mentally, Pablo says he is now more prepared, even if the challenge is against his former team.

“With UP, siyempre, I've been there. I know how they play, I know their mindset. I know they’re gonna be super aggressive because they want to win it back-to-back. So I’m ready for all the physicality. I'm looking forward to it kasi dun mo makikita who wants it more,” he said.

“It’s a very good opportunity to show UP that we really deserve to win this finals.”

—JMB, GMA Integrated News