Lawrence Mangubat and Chris Hubilla were part of the Mapúa Cardinals roster that won the NCAA Season 100 Men’s Basketball Tournament championship back in 2024. Two years later, they find themselves wearing the navy blue and gold of the JRU Heavy Bombers and conniving to lead their new team to a 65‑64 win against their former squad.
For Mangubat, in particular, the goal is to bring the same leadership he displayed back then in hopes of winning another title.
Mangubat, Hubilla to Be JRU’s Leaders
Back in 2024, both Hubilla and Mangubat won the NCAA title alongside Mapúa star Clint Escamis. After sitting out a year due to residency, the 2026 FilOil EcoOil Preseason Finals MVP now hopes to replicate that success at JRU.
“Para naman sa amin ni Chris [Hubilla] gusto lang namin maging leader sa team and madala yung championship experience dito sa JRU,” said Mangubat in the post‑game conference.
Aside from being a primary option on offense, the second‑year guard fully believes in the skills and talents of their “once upon a time rookies,” particularly Sean Salvador.
“Especially yung mga rookie ngayon? Hindi na sila mga rookie eh, and last year pa lang hindi na rookie tingin ko sa kanila,” he added.
In their win against Mapúa, both Mangubat and Salvador were named best players of the game, allowing the Heavy Bombers to capture their first victory of Season 102.
Rookies Expected to Deliver
With all the expectations surrounding JRU’s ceiling this season, the 21‑year‑old guard emphasized how their trust in younger players is being rewarded as they step up and deliver in crucial moments.
“‘Yun lang trabaho lang kami lagi, and naniniwala din naman sila sa amin paano kami mag‑lead, and naniniwala din kami sa kanila,” he said.
Ever since winning the preseason tournament, hopes have been high that the Heavy Bombers have a legitimate chance of winning it all this season.
That is, of course, yet to be seen after just one game. However, with their next opponent being the defending champions—the San Beda Red Lions—the matchup will test whether their preseason success was merely a fluke or a sign of what is to come.
