MATTHEW Rubico is starting to look like the floor general Lyceum hoped it would be welcoming home with open arms.
In a hardfought 82–75 overtime victory over Arellano in the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup, the comebacking talent delivered his most complete performance yet since returning to the Pirates' ship, finishing with 14 points, nine assists, and seven rebounds to show both promise and growing pains as a young lead guard.
Back within the walls of Intramuros, Rubico brought over lessons learned from a short stint in La Salle that sharpened his saw, even as minutes were hard to come by.
“Hindi naman ako against DLSU,” Rubico said, reflecting on his lone season as a Green Archer, when he totaled just 11 points and 43 minutes through 10 out of 18 games played.
“Malaking tulong yung nagawa sa akin ng La Salle, marami akong natutunan kung paano maging player ngayon.”
That experience, he added, has shaped how he approaches every possession, especially now as he adjusts to a bigger role.
“Thankful ako kay coach Jamike [Jarin] sa LPU kasi binibigyan niya ako ng opportunity. Yung mga natutunan ko doon sa La Salle, dito ko na ina-apply ngayon sa every game, every practice,” he said.
And against the Chiefs, that growth was on full display.
The 5-foot-11 guard controlled tempo in stretches, set up teammates with confidence, and took on the responsibility of being Lyceum's decision-maker in crunch time - even as his six turnovers reminded everyone he is still in the early stages of leadership.
Pirates preach patience
For Jarin, himself in his first season as the Pirates' shot-caller, Rubico's performance was less about perfection and more about potential slowly but surely being realized.
“He’s very important in the guard position,” the outspoken mentor said. “This is an opportunity for Matthew Rubico to stand out.”
Now back in a familiar jersey, the Batangas native embraces the trust placed on him as Lyceum's lead guard.
“Kailangan ko i-protect yung bola,” he said. “Rookie pa lang ako dito sa team, pero tina-try ko pa rin mag-lead kasi yun yung role ng point guard.”
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Even in a locker room filled with veterans, Rubico’s approach has been simple - listen, absorb, and apply.
“Wala akong hard feelings. Kapag tinatama ako, tanggap lang. Doon ako nag-iimprove,” he said.
And as the Pirates embark on this new voyage, they are starting to see the version of Rubico that was shaped not just by where he came from, but by everything he went through.
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