By: Joaquin Cortez
Matthew Rubico’s homecoming to Lyceum of the Philippines University may not have gone as planned, but the returning guard remains determined to lead the Pirates back to contention in NCAA Season 103, with the help of the team’s incoming recruits.
After beginning his basketball journey in Intramuros before moving to De La Salle University, the Batangueño guard returned to Lyceum hoping to help the Pirates capture their maiden NCAA championship in the Grand Old League.
However, the Pirates’ Season 102 campaign ended earlier than expected, as they bowed out in the play-in round following an 83-68 loss to Mapúa University. The Cardinals were powered by Ian Lazarte, who posted a career-high 25 points, five rebounds, and two assists.
Rubico tallied 11 points, nine rebounds, two assists, and two steals in the season-ending defeat, as Lyceum failed to replicate its quarterfinal appearance from the previous season.
Reflecting on the campaign, the returning guard pointed to the team’s injury woes and its adjustment to head coach Jamike Jarin’s system as setbacks that ultimately provided valuable lessons for the Pirates.
“Yung mga injury, ‘yun lang talaga. New set of coaches, new system. Halos lahat bago. Pero ‘yun nga, magiging lesson sa amin ‘to. Marami kaming iba-baon next season pati sa mga seniors namin [na aalis]. Babaunin namin at babalik kami nang mas malakas,” Rubico said.
One of Lyceum’s biggest setbacks came when team captain and center Genesis Aviles sustained a knee injury against San Sebastian College-Recoletos on October 16.
Despite the disappointing outcome of his homecoming season, Rubico said returning to Intramuros remained a meaningful experience, expressing gratitude for the continued support of the Lyceum community through both victories and defeats.
“Sarap sa feeling makapaglaro ulit sa Lyceum kasi nga high school, nasa LPU ako. Sarap pa rin sa feeling, thankful ako sa community na nandyan pa rin sila sa amin lagi, talo man o panalo,” he said.
“Hanggang dulo, LPU ang ilalaban ko.”
With graduating seniors Mclaude Guadaña and Renz Villegas set to leave the program, Rubico acknowledged the greater responsibility awaiting him next season. He vowed to improve his all-around game and develop into a stronger leader for the Pirates.
“I-improve ko pa sa darating na offseason ‘yung decision-making, ‘yung shooting. Lahat, pampalakas ng katawan and how to lead, kasi wala na ‘yung mga seniors namin,” he said.
Lyceum is also looking to bolster its roster with a new batch of recruits next season, headlined by Fil-Americans Desmond Pyne, Jovan Abregana, and RA Brucal and former La Salle guard Justin Buenaventura. The Pirates hope the incoming talent will help them bounce back stronger in Season 103.
Rubico welcomed the new additions, pledging to help them adjust to the program as the team begins its offseason preparations.
“‘Yung mga bagong recruits namin, I hope makatulong sila sa amin and tutulungan namin sila. Pagtatrabahuhan lang namin ‘yung next year,” he said.
With the lessons of his homecoming season behind him, the 21-year-old guard is now determined to help Lyceum turn its setbacks into a stronger campaign when the Pirates return next year.
