Jose Rizal University’s Chris Hubilla (#72) and Lawrence Mangubat (#10). Photos from 19th FilOil Preseason Cup.MANILA — While Chris Hubilla and Lawrence Mangubat have been at the forefront of Jose Rizal University's resurgence, head coach Nani Epondulan believes the Heavy Bombers are far more than just their two prized reinforcements.
The arrival of Hubilla and Mangubat — both champions during their rookie year with Mapua University — has paid immediate dividends, with the duo spearheading JRU's title run in the 19th FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup.
READ: JRU completes two-game sweep of San Beda for Filoil Preseason crown
But while Epondulan acknowledged the added firepower the two transferees have brought, he believes their biggest impact has been their ability to elevate the players around them.
"Last year, I didn't have enough na mga pieces," said Epondulan, as they took down San Beda University, 74-67, for their first-ever FilOil crown. "Pero yung exposure at gamit sa kanila, na-maximize."
Jose Rizal U finished with a 6-7 record in NCAA Season 101, reaching the quarterfinals behind the promising core of Sean Salvador, Allan Laurenaria, Ivan Panapanaan, and Justine Lozano, among others.
Although the Heavy Bombers eventually bowed to University of Perpetual Help and fell short of a Final Four berth, Epondulan said the experience became a valuable foundation for the program he has been rebuilding since returning to Kalentong.
"Na-feel na nila yung physicality, so coming into their second year, na-gauge na nila kung ano yung mga kulang," said the one-time NCAA MVP. "Now that we have these two guys here, yung focal point nasa kanila, so yung role players ko, makakalaro sila nang may freedom."
The Heavy Bombers now shift their focus to NCAA Season 102, where they hope to end the school's 54-year championship drought.
Despite JRU's recent success, Epondulan stressed the importance of staying grounded as the Heavy Bombers look to build on their breakthrough preseason campaign.
"Masyado nang mahaba yung trinabaho nila dito sa FilOil, so kailangan mas gustuhin pa namin," he said.