DEFEATED as it may be, Lyceum coach Jamike Jarin still considers his team's NCAA Season 102 campaign as a success.
And in the middle of it all is Matthew Rubico.
"You have to consider him as one of the top guards, not only in the NCAA, but in college," testified Jarin.
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Indeed, it was a rousing homecoming for Rubico who came back to Intramuros after leaving for La Salle following his standout high school career.
The 5-foot-11 guard wasted no time in his return, leading LPU with 14.46 points, 5.0 rebounds and 3.77 assists in only his first year in the league.
So impressive was Rubico that even graduating captain Mac Guadaña is confident that the Lipa, Batangas native can take the Pirates to higher grounds in the future with Jarin on his ears.
"Di ako worried kasi the way na nakikita ko na pinupush ni coach si Rubico, alam ko na yung team will go far next year," he said.
Of course, it will take more than just Rubico to get LPU over the hump and Jarin believes that his crew has matured immensely in their first year together.
"The experience we got this Season 102 would benefit us coming into Season 103 because the other players who still have playing years learned a lot. And I told them after the game that the honeymoon is over," the champion coach said.
"We're just excited to get it together and bring more noise in the coming season."
Guadaña shares the same sentiments, noting: "Lahat ng mistakes ng rookies and sophomores, magiging bala nila to for next season."
The toughest part of a rebuild is starting back from the groundup.
But with a year under his belt overseeing the Pirates, Jarin can hold his head high knowing that the pillars have already been planted.
"We'll just add more to the team, but the foundation is already there."
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