Matthew Rubico is making a homecoming in Intramuros as he returns to Lyceum of the Philippines University.
The former NCAA high school standout confirmed that he is leaving De La Salle University in the UAAP after a two-year stay with the Green Archers to rejoin the LPU Pirates in their bid to win an elusive title.
For Rubico, coming back to where it all started for him was a no-brainer as he is confident he can bring out his full potential under the guidance of LPU head coach Gilbert Malabanan.
"Kaya po napili ko bumalik sa LPU kasi nararamdaman ko po na du'n ko po mas maipapakita 'yung talent na natutunan ko sa ilang taong pag-eensayo," Rubico told GMA News Online on Monday.
"Sa tulong po ng mga coaches and mga magiging ka-teammates ko po, feel ko po na matutulungan po nila ako ilabas 'yung full potential ko."
Rubico was a scoring machine in the juniors ranks, once erupting for a 43-point explosion back in Season 98 with the LPU Junior Pirates. His offensive onslaught earned him an inclusion in that edition's Mythical Five alongside Luis Pablo, Seven Gagate, Chris Hubilla, Amiel Acido, and Andy Gemao.
He then decided to bring his act to the UAAP after joining La Salle.
He sat out Season 86, where the Green Archers captured the crown against University of the Philippines. He was lined up in the recent Season 87, but the Taft crew faltered in their title defense after bowing to the Fighting Maroons in the finals.
The young guard, though, feels his future is in LPU. He is now linked up with the Pirates anew as he looks to lead the rebirth of LPU after falling short in the Final Four last year.
"Nakikita ko po na magfi-fit naman po ako sa sistema ni Coach Gilbert. Kasi 'yung laro po nila is takbuhan, 'yun po 'yung gusto ko at nakasanayan ko na din po," Rubico added.
"Kasi sa DLSU halos ganon din naman po'yung system namin. And gusto ko lang din po mag pasalamat sa DLSU, kay Coach Topex (Robinson), sa coaching staff, sa mga naging teammates ko, and sa mga managers po, maraming salamat po sainyong lahat. Marami po akong natutunan sa inyo na babaunin ko po sa buong basketball career ko at sa buong buhay ko."
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
