CEBU CITY, Philippines — Jose Rizal University (JRU) completed one of the biggest surprises in Philippine collegiate basketball when the Heavy Bombers swept defending National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) champions San Beda in the FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup 2026 finals last July in Manila.

At the center of that Cinderella run was Cebuano guard Lawrence Mangubat, whose breakout performance earned him the tournament’s Most Valuable Player award and established him as one of the NCAA’s brightest rising stars.

The 21-year-old, 5-foot-11 scoring guard from Yati, Liloan, Cebu, delivered 27 points, three rebounds, and three assists in JRU’s title-clinching Game 2 victory over the Red Lions.

For Mangubat, the remarkable rise began on a humble dirt court in his hometown.

“I’m just a small-town kid from Yati, Liloan, Cebu. I was inspired by my older brothers and my father because they also played basketball. I first held a basketball when I was around seven years old. From then on, I played every day because our community really loved basketball, and that’s when I fell in love with the game,” Mangubat said.

He developed his game using a a makeshift hoop without a backboard that his family built in their backyard. What started as a childhood pastime eventually grew into an obsession.

Basketball also runs in the Mangubat family. Lawrence is the younger brother of former University of San Carlos (USC) standout Froilan Mangubat, who now plays in the commercial leagues.

First a Wildcat

Mangubat first gained recognition in Cebu basketball after suiting up for the Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U) Junior Wildcats following the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite the team’s struggles in the Cesafi high school tournament, he averaged 20 points per game, attracting the attention of college recruiters from Manila.

His scoring ability earned him a spot with Mapúa University before he transferred to JRU at the end of 2024 in search of a bigger opportunity.

He credits CIT-U coach Edsel Vallena for believing in him long before he became one of the country’s most promising collegiate players.

“Sa panahon pa lang nga gasugod ko, si Coach Edsel Vallena dili gyud mawad-an ug salig sa akong duwa. Wala gyud nako gisayang ang iyang pagsalig. Gitrabaho gyud nako ni tanan tungod sa iyang pag-mentor ug pagsalig sa ako,” he said.

(When I was just starting out, Coach Edsel Vallena put his unfailing trust in my game. I did not put his trust to waste. I have done everything because of his mentorship and trust in me.)

Mangubat also expressed gratitude to coach Yong Garcia, then with Mapúa and the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League’s Abra Weavers, for personally traveling to Liloan to recruit him to the Cardinals.

Like many aspiring basketball players, Mangubat grew up idolizing National Basketball Association legend LeBron James. More recently, however, he has drawn inspiration from New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson, whose style of play he hopes to emulate.

Always learning

Despite his recent success, Mangubat considers himself a lifelong student of the game.

“I want to squeeze out every knowledge and every piece of information about basketball wherever I play because every person I meet has something to teach me,” he said.

He believes hard work remains his greatest strength, making it a point to give everything he has every time he steps on the court.

Active faith

Beyond talent and determination, Mangubat credits his faith in God for helping him reach this point in his career.

“To the man above. Siya gyud ang nakahibaw sa akong life and siya ang nag guide nako since Day One so grabe kaayo ko ka thankful niya. Thankful pud kaayo ko sa school nga gihatagan ko og chance nga i-represent ang JRU. Lipay kaayo ko nga nidaog mi sa FilOil. Dugay na kaayo among last title, pag-2006 pa. Nakita namo ang suporta sa mga tawo ug content creators sa social media, ug dako kaayo among pasalamat nila,” he said.

(God is the one who knows my life and who has guided me since Day One so I am profusely grateful to him. I am also so thankful to the school that gave me a chance to represent it, JRU. I am so glad we won FilOil. We won our last title so long ago, in 2006. We felt the support of people and of social media content creators and we are immensely grateful to them.)

Positive outlook

With the Heavy Bombers emerging as one of the favorites entering the new NCAA season, Mangubat believes the team is capable of carrying its championship momentum into the campaign.

“Confident mi nga madala namo ang momentum sa NCAA season kay kabalo ko unsa ka grabe motrabaho among team, coaches ug management. Sa akong kaugalingon, kabalo ko nga kaya nako basta padayon lang ko mohatag og 100 percent ug ibutang ang akong kasingkasing sa matag duwa,” he concluded.

(We are confident that we can maintain our momentum in the NCAA season. I know how hard our team, both the coaches and managers, work. For myself, I know I can do it as long as I give my 100 percent and my heart in each match.)