Matthew Rubico excited to play under Topex Robinson in La Salle

Matthew Rubico made waves in the NCAA Season 98 juniors basketball as he stood out for Lyceum of the Philippines University.

Despite missing the Final Four bus, Rubico made it to the Mythical Team after posting 21.89 points, 10.22 rebounds, and 7.11 for the season. In one game, Rubico erupted for 43 points, though his team fell to the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA. His impressive numbers also netted him the Rookie of the Year plum.

On Thursday after receiving his individual awards, Rubico said he is grateful to his family and loved ones, but especially to the LPU community for the support he has received.

However, he will be taking his talents to another school for his collegiate stint.

"Naging first choice ko pa rin ang LPU kasi sila ang nandyan, sila ang sumuporta, gumabay, tumulong nung una pa lang mula nung pagpasok ko ng Grade 9 hanggang Grade 12," said the high school standout.

("I had LPU as my first choice because they were there, they supported me, guided me, helped me especially when I just started from Grade 9 to Grade 12.")

But the Batangas native is opening another chapter of his career as he moves to De La Salle University.

"Siguro alam naman natin na La Salle is magandang school. Marami tayong matututunan," Rubico said.

("We all know that La Salle is a good school. We will learn a lot.")

Add to that, Rubico will have an LPU connection in Taft as former Pirates coach Topex Robinson will now handle the Green Archers.

"He's not just a coach, he's a life coach, marami akong matututunan sa kanya," Rubico said about Robinson.

"Nae-excite ako na maging coach si Coach Topex kasi 'yun nga galing siya sa LPU and may mga [nahawakan] siya na galing samin sa juniors. Nakakatawa kahit na lumipat ako sa La Salle, siya pa rin coach ko," he added.

("He's not just a coach, he's a life coach, I'll learn a  lot from him... I'm excited to have Coach Topex as my coach because he also came from LPU and he's been able to coach some of those who came from us in the juniors. It's funny that even if I move to La Salle, he'll still be my coach.")

Despite the move, Rubico said his LPU team is there to support him.

"Alam naman nila kung anong makakabuti sa'kin, kung anong gusto ko. Dun lang sila lagi sa likod ko."

("They know this will be good for me, and for what I want. They're always there behind me.")

—JMB, GMA Integrated News