NCAA: Rubico leans on lessons from KQ, La Salle to steer Pirates to right course

Lyceum of the Philippines University guard Matt Rubico against University of Perpetual Help in NCAA Season 102. Angela Davocol/NCAA Philippines.MANILA — Matt Rubico’s homecoming voyage with Lyceum of the Philippines University has gotten off to a rough start, but the returning Pirate is armed with valuable takeaways from his past sails that could help him and his crew correct their course.

“‘Pag may nagsasarang pintuan, may bagong nagbubukas,” the former De La Salle University guard told ABS-CBN News after tallying 21 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and a steal in LPU’s 98-89 victory over University of Perpetual Help in NCAA Season 102 on Tuesday.

It was a much-needed win as Lyceum ended a four-game skid and notched its second win in seven games, but for the former Junior Pirate, it was also a testament to how he had put what he learned during his stay in Taft Avenue into action.

“Ang pinakamalaking natutunan ko sa La Salle is how to treat your team. Tulad nito, ngayon na lang ulit kami nakapanalo,” said Rubico, who played for the Green Archers in UAAP Season 87 in 2024 after being recruited a year earlier.

“Kung ano yung circle niyo, walang pwedeng makabuwag sa circle niyo, so natutunan ko na kailangan we’ll stick with each other, through ups and downs,” he added, echoing an approach that La Salle head coach Topex Robinson has been vocal about.

Rubico’s all-around game during his time in the NCAA juniors helped pave his way to the UAAP, as he averaged 21.9 points, 10.2 rebounds, 7.1 assists, and 1.6 steals in the Junior Pirates’ Season 98 campaign in 2023.

Despite appearing in just 10 games and scoring a total of 11 points for La Salle in UAAP Season 87, when the Green Archers reached the Finals, Rubico said his time with the team taught him valuable lessons that extended beyond the basketball court.

Former De La Salle University guard Matt Rubico against Adamson University in UAAP Season 87. UAAP Media.“Yung mga nakasama ko, Kevin Quiambao, Evan Nelle, and Mike Phillips, mga big names sa college and hanggang ngayon sa pros,” said Rubico. “Talagang tinuro nila sa akin to stay patient, stay confident, no matter what, so dinadala ko yun dito sa LPU kahit isa ako sa mga bata rito ako ngayon.”

That patience is now particularly relevant in Rubico’s return to Lyceum, where he is still finding his footing as he tries to help the Pirates turn their campaign around. 

Which is why, despite the team’s early struggles, there is no question in the former De La Salle-Lipa standout’s mind that returning to LPU was the right decision..

“No regrets, and tuloy-tuloy lang. Ang gusto lang namin manalo sa court, at manalo sa buhay,” he said. “And sinabi ko rin sa sarili ko na kung aalis ako ng La Salle, LPU lang ako lilipat.”

And whether with La Salle or Lyceum, Rubico said he will continue to draw on the experience and values he gained from both institutions.

“Grateful ako sa kanila, kay Coach Topex, kasi it was a privilege,” said the former LPU-Batangas ace.