Buboy Mangubat stays in Mapua amidst numerous offers

Published March 20, 2024 12:55pm

Updated March 20, 2024 12:55pm

HIgh school standout Buboy Mangubat is not going anywhere as the explosive guard decided to stay in Mapua University for the senior ranks. 

Mangubat, who was the leading scorer for the Red Robins in NCAA Season 99 juniors basketball tournament, said he opted to continue his young career with his high school coach Yong Garcia, who serves as one of coach Randy Alcantara’s deputies for the Cardinals. 

“Magse-stay ako sa Cardinals,” Mangubat said on Wednesday after Mapua pulled off a 64-62 win against San Sebastian College-Recoletos in their battle for third.

“Hindi nila pinapabayaan ‘yung mga players tapos sobrang dami kong natutunan dito.”

(I will stay with the Cardinals. They take care of the players and I learned a lot from here.)

Mangubat poured in 18.44 points in the elimination round alongside 5.89 rebounds, 1.78 assists, and 0.89 steals as the Red Robins wound up third ahead of the Final Four. They then lost to the Letran Squires in the semis. 

With the Cardinals, Mangubat is tipped to form a formidable backcourt rotation with reigning NCAA MVP Clint Escamis and returning senior guard Joaqui Garcia. Mangubat is also expected to fill the void left by Paolo Hernandez, who decided to forgo his final playing year. 

“As a rookie, makikinig lang ako sa mga sasabihin nila at gagawin ko lang kung ano ‘yung makakatulong sa team.”

(As a rookie, I will just listen to what they will say and I’ll do what I can do with the team.)

—JKC, GMA Integrated News