Chris Hubilla becomes NCAA champ after overcoming challenges

Chris Hubilla, a former NCAA Juniors' Mythical Five member, overcame numerous challenges to become the champion in collegiate basketball with Mapua University.

Hubilla's journey was marked by uncertainty and criticism, including switching schools multiple times before joining Mapua for the NCAA Season 100 where he scored 15 points, grabbed eight rebounds, and made two steals in the championship game against St. Benilde Blazers.

In Saturday's victory, Hubilla also shared his emotional journey from Sorsogon to Manila, highlighting heartbreaks and missed opportunities that led him to Mapua University.

Despite facing initial setbacks, including losing in the Final 4 stepladder with San Beda Juniors and a brief stint at Letran before joining Mapua, Hubilla's perseverance paid off as he won both Rookie of the Year and Freshman of the Year awards during his first year in the seniors level.

Hubilla expressed gratitude to Mapua for embracing him when he was lost and needed support the most, emphasizing how the university became a second family for him.