Romwel Anzures

Jose Rizal University’s Chris Hubilla (#72) and Lawrence Mangubat (#10). Photos from 19th FilOil Preseason Cup.

Article (news)

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1784961025917IMG_1502.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>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&#x27;s resurgence, head coach Nani Epondulan believes the Heavy Bombers are far more than just their two prized reinforcements.</div>The arrival of Hubilla and Mangubat — both champions during their rookie year with Mapua University — has paid immediate dividends, with the duo spearheading JRU&#x27;s title run in the 19th FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup.<div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/basketball/2026/7/23/jru-completes-two-game-sweep-of-san-beda-for-filoil-preseason-crown-2056">READ: JRU completes two-game sweep of San Beda for Filoil Preseason crown</a></div>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.&quot;Last year, I didn&#x27;t have enough na mga pieces,&quot; said Epondulan, as they took down San Beda University, 74-67, for their first-ever FilOil crown. &quot;Pero yung exposure at gamit sa kanila, na-maximize.&quot;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.&quot;Na-feel na nila yung physicality, so coming into their second year, na-gauge na nila kung ano yung mga kulang,&quot; said the one-time NCAA MVP. &quot;Now that we have these two guys here, yung focal point nasa kanila, so yung role players ko, makakalaro sila nang may freedom.&quot;The Heavy Bombers now shift their focus to NCAA Season 102, where they hope to end the school&#x27;s 54-year championship drought.Despite JRU&#x27;s recent success, Epondulan stressed the importance of staying grounded as the Heavy Bombers look to build on their breakthrough preseason campaign.&quot;Masyado nang mahaba yung trinabaho nila dito sa FilOil, so kailangan mas gustuhin pa namin,&quot; he said.

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.

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.

NCAA: For coach, Jose Rizal U's rise goes beyond Hubilla, Mangubat

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

BINI

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

Basketball

NCAA: For coach, Jose Rizal U's rise goes beyond Hubilla, Mangubat

Rom Anzures,

ABS-CBN News

Published July 25, 2026 02:48 PM PHT

Read More:

Basketball

UAAP

NCAA

ABSSports

NCAA Season 102

UAAP Season 89

FilOil Preseason Cup

San Beda

JRU

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

Sign Up

I have read and agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.

Haven't received our newsletter?

Check your inbox to verify and confirm your subscription.

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.