Rubico Brings La Salle Lessons to Bigger Role at Lyceum

After spending time with La Salle in the UAAP, Matthew Rubico is finding his footing in his first NCAA seniors season back with Lyceum of the Philippines University, where he previously played in the juniors.

As he adjusts to the Pirates’ system and culture, Rubico is becoming more comfortable in familiar surroundings.

“Familiar naman ako sa Lyceum kasi high school, LPU Cavite ako. No’ng bumalik ako, medyo sanay na rin ako sa kultura,” Rubico told ALL-STAR.

Having experienced both the UAAP and NCAA, Rubico has also gained a different perspective on the two collegiate leagues. While he sees the UAAP as a more skill-oriented competition, he considers the NCAA more physical.

“Nothing against both collegiate leagues. Sa UAAP siguro more on skills talaga, habang dito sa NCAA sobrang pisikal talaga compared sa UAAP.” Rubico said.

“O baka hindi lang din ako masyadong nakapaglaro no’ng UAAP samantalang dito sa NCAA heavy minutes na ako. Magagaling naman ang mga players sa both leagues, ang pinagkaiba lang talaga is mas nakakapaglaro ako ngayon,” he added.

His time at La Salle also gave him the opportunity to learn from experienced teammates, including Mike Phillips and Kevin Quiambao. Their guidance helped him understand the value of hard work, energy, and confidence—lessons he now carries with him at LPU.

“Sobrang dami kong natutunan sa previous school ko sa La Salle, lalo na sa mga seniors ko tulad ni Kuya Mike Phillips. Grabe ’yung puso niya, energy, at work ethic.” Rubico said.

“Si KQ din, talagang kakausapin ka niyan na, ‘Matt, kaya mo ’yan, nandito lang ako.’ Kahit bago at bata pa ako noon, lagi akong tinutulungan ng mga seniors at mas matatanda sa akin,” Rubico added.

Rubico is beginning to show what he can bring to the Pirates, averaging 12.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists over his past two games against Perpetual and San Sebastian as LPU picked up back-to-back wins.

The increased production reflects a bigger role than the one he had with La Salle. There, he was primarily a role player, often unsure when he would be called upon. At LPU, he has earned a starting spot, heavier minutes, and greater responsibility under coach Jamike Jarin.

“Yung naging transition ko is sobrang laki talaga kasi from role player ako no’ng UAAP days ko. Hindi ko sure kung kailan ako bubunutin, pero always ready naman ako.” Rubico said. 

“No’ng lumipat ako sa LPU, sobrang laki ng pinagbago kasi naging starter ako kay Coach Jamike, heavy minutes, at lagi niya akong kinakausap na malaki talaga ’yung responsibility ko. Lagi niya namang sinasabi sa akin na, ‘Maglaro ka lang, nandito lang ako lagi sa likod mo,’” he said.

With that trust comes an opportunity Rubico is determined to make the most of. Now taking on a bigger role at LPU, he wants to prove that he can compete and contribute consistently at the seniors level.

“Ang gusto ko lang ma-prove ngayon is kaya kong sumabay sa collegiate level,” he said.

Now back at Lyceum with a larger role and the lessons he gained from La Salle, Rubico is working to establish himself in the NCAA. As he continues to adjust to the league’s physicality and the demands of heavier minutes, he hopes to show that his experience in the UAAP has helped prepare him for this next chapter with the Pirates.