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La Salle makes it official: It’s Topex


topex robinson phoenix

Topex Robinsons ends Phoenix’s tenure as head coach. –PBA IMAGES

The plan cherished since La Salle left his former coach last year has finally been completed.

Topex Robinson, whom everyone has designated as the next Archers coach when he leaves Phoenix in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), will return to college as La Salle’s coach. for this year’s UAAP season.

“De La Salle University is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Christopher “Topex” Robinson as head coach of the Men’s Basketball Team effective today, January 19, 2023,” La Salle said. in a statement released on Thursday.

Robinson, 48, is doing his first UAAP with the Green Archers after leaving his mark in the PBA and NCAA—both as a player and as a coach.

heavy speculation

There was a lot of speculation that Robinson would take over as head coach of La Salle after the school failed to renew the contract of veteran mentor Derrick Pumaren, who coached the Archers for the previous two seasons. , at the end of last year. And when Robinson chose not to renew with Fuel Masters, many took it as a sign that a deal between the two was imminent.

A source told the Inquirer that as many as five or six coaches were considered for the position, but Robinson was the favorite throughout the selection process. Two sources told the Inquirer that only Meralco assistant coach Luigi Trillo and women’s team mentor La Salle Cholo Villanueva were close to being considered. Villanueva will most likely be on the coaching staff in an undetermined role.

Robinson scored the winning goal for the University of San Sebastian from NCAA Seasons 87 to 90 as a runner-up in his first year as coach of the team led by Calvin Abueva, Ian Sangalang and Ronald Pascual.

Sweeping 18 games

The former Stag acted against Intramuros and sent the CJ Perez-led Lyceum to a historic 18-match knockout sweep to qualify for the Finals outright in Season 93 only to lose the series to San Beda.

Robinson will inherit a talented La Salle roster led by UAAP Season 85 top rookie Kevin Quiambao, former Mythology team member Michael Phillips, former San Beda star Evan Nelle and former celebrity player of the University of Santo Tomas Mark Nonoy.

Insiders say La Salle appreciates Robinson’s ability to build character on his team and patiently teaches players to build a winning show.

La Salle finished last season with an even record 7-7, but missed the Finals after losing to Adamson, 80-76, in a knockout.

“DLSU would like to thank former head coach Derrick Pumaren for his dedicated service to the Green Archers,” the team’s statement said.

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