New University of the East interim head coach Paulo Hubalde against Far Eastern University in UAAP Season 89. UAAP Media.MANILA — It was on short notice, but Paulo Hubalde was quick to impose his vision as the newest interim head coach of University of the East in UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball.
The UE alum took over from resigned coach Chris Gavina as the Red Warriors extended their skid to 23 games, and for Hubalde, turning things around is a matter of building their confidence.
“Gusto ko lang ayusin yung confidence nila, na they know that they can compete in this league,” said Hubalde, as UE fell to Far Eastern University, 93-70. “Lumaban naman yung mga bata, so for me to bring out the best sa kanila, yun ang primary objective ko sa kanila.”
Despite not having a championship during his time in Recto, Hubalde was among the early 2000s Red Warriors who regularly competed in the Final Four alongside James Yap, Nino Canaleta, and Paul Artadi, among others.
For Hubalde, that group maintained the culture built by Philippine basketball legend and UE product Allan Caidic, and he now hopes to bring that same foundation to the current batch of Red Warriors.
“Panahon ni Coach Allan, they won the championship,” he said of Caidic, who is currently UE’s team consultant. “Nung panahon namin, we were there. We never won, but we were really competing. Yun ang gusto ko ipa-feel sa kanila, na we’re all in this together.”
The 45-year-old, however, understands that it would be easier said than done, as aside from the short time for a turnaround, Hubalde’s spot as interim coach is also not set in stone.
“Mababa ang morale ng mga bata, so my job is to give positivity. Sabi ko sa kanila, maniwala sila sa kaya nilang gawin. You just have to believe that you can do it,” said Hubalde, before touching on the details of his position as UE coach.
“Today, I’m the coach. Yun ang utos ng management. [Moving forward], we’ll have to know,” he said. “Ibigay man yan or hindi, I’m always grateful.”
From Gavina to Hubalde
Speaking of things that Hubalde did not disclose, the former PBA player also remained mum when asked about how UE transitioned from Gavina’s exit.
“For now, I cannot disclose anything. Basta sinabi lang ng management: ‘You’re gonna coach for today’s game.’ So automatic, masunurin tayo sa UE,” he said.
What is certain, according to Hubalde, is his effort to make sure the current batch of players understands and bears the weight of donning the Red Warriors uniform.
“Kailangan nilang magkaroon ng pride. Pride on defense, pride on scoring, pride on wearing that uniform,” he said. “Sabi ko nga sa kanila, you need to have that pride of wearing the red and white.”
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