Nani Epondulan is now the head coach of the JRU Heavy Bombers. But honestly, I don’t get why players follow their coaches, especially when it costs them a year of eligibility.
We already complain about 31-year-old rookies in the PBA, yet here we are, seeing potential stars delay their pro careers.
At least international imports like Carl Tamayo, Rhenz Abando, SJ Belangel, Kevin Quiambao, and Dwight Ramos, among others, use these leagues to maximize their international experience as well as their financial uptick before going pro.
Epondulan undoubtedly deserves this opportunity. Helping Mapua end a 32-year title drought and then coach his alma mater is a well-earned promotion. However, his departure to JRU didn’t just leave a void. Epondulan just ruined Mapua’s title defense by taking Chris Hubilla and Lawrence Mangubat with him.
The worst thing about this is that these two are the perceived future of the Cardinals. Hubilla averaged 13 points and 6.6 rebounds as Mapua’s starting power forward. His college journey has already been a whirlwind, starting in UP’s high school program, then Letran, before settling at Mapua. Mangubat, on the other hand, has been a Cardinal his entire career. Last season, he was the team’s fourth-leading scorer, posting 9.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.0 steal per game.
Losing them is a huge blow, both for their careers and for Mapua’s title defense.
I just don’t see why amateur coaches feel the need to bring their players with them. Yes, some professional coaches have looked after their former college stars, but sooner or later, it's the players who will take their careers to the next level.
Leo Austria has Jericho Cruz, Don Trollano, and Rodney Brondial in San Miguel, but let’s be real— they play behind June Mar Fajardo and CJ Perez. Also, if Austria can do this to these players, then why can't he do the same with Lester Alvarez and Alex Nuyles? The late Lawrence Chongson also tried to support his former UE players, but aside from Paul Lee, the likes of Elmer Espiritu, James Martinez, Rudy Lingganay, and Pari Llagas never thrived in the PBA. Hell, if Llagas’ semi-pro teams like Cobra Energy Drink or Tanduay Rhum had been in the PBA, he might’ve had a real career.
Even Bonnie Tan, who drafted Fran Yu and Brent Paraiso at NorthPort, couldn’t prevent Paraiso from being traded to Terrafirma for a 2026 second-round pick.
Lee could have benefited from Chongson in the pros, but he became a superstar because Rain or Shine and eventually Magnolia loved what he brought to their team. And while Yeng Guiao preferred Lee over James Yap, both knew the trade is part of the pro ball process.
Loyalty is great, but we need to define what it really means. College journeymen can move around as long as they remain eligible, but after graduation, it's better to expand connections than stay stuck with just one plan.
Ultimately, players need to go where they have the best chance to shine. If Clint Escamis leaves Mapua before or after Season 101, guys like JC Recto and Marc Cuenco will step up. A strong starting lineup boosts a player’s PBA stock, especially in high-stakes games. And while delaying a pro career might work in rare cases, starting young is always better.
Look at Terrence Romeo. At 33, he’s already an 11-year PBA veteran. Compare that to Stephen Holt, who’s three months older but just started his rookie season. Stanley Pringle, now in his tenth PBA season, is only a year younger than Beau Belga, who’s in his 16th. Then there’s Rafi Reavis. He entered the PBA at 25 after two years in the MBA, and at 47, he’s still technically on Magnolia’s roster, playing a Udonis Haslem-like role.
Mangubat turns 20 this year, and Hubilla is 22. They’ll still be draft-eligible before turning 25, but their stock would’ve been much higher had they stayed and anchored Mapua’s title defense post-Escamis. Instead, they’re stuck waiting while everyone else moves forward.