CHICAGO - Gratitude. Satisfaction. Happiness.
Those are the feelings that overwhelm Topex Robinson each time he thinks about his tenure with the Phoenix Super LPG of the PBA.
Robinson's contract expired last December 31, officially making him a free agent. And as a weary 2022 surrendered to the promise of 2023, the 48-year old overachiever found himself standing on the crossroads of a brilliant career.
"Yes, I have agreed in principle to a potential new deal with Phoenix," he told me over the telephone yesterday.
READ: Topex is ready for a high-profile job
Per sources, the Phoenix offer borders on the irresistible. The perks are great, the money is even better.
But Topex isn't in a rush to put pen to paper and affix his signature. He is mildly holding out not because he is angling for more cash and incentives. The hesitancy is a function of trying to buy just a little more time as he ponders his next move.
Robinson, you see, is a hot ticket item pursued by a slew of teams in the UAAP and overseas.
"I love everything about the Super LPG, the people I work for and the players I work with," he said. "But I owe it to myself to look at what the open market bears."
CAN YOU BLAME HIM?
I certainly don't.
Topex is doing his own due diligence, exploring if a door opens where greater joy can be found as he continues to grow with the game of basketball. Happiness cannot be fully known without knowing what's on the other side.
With leagues sprouting in Japan, Korea and Taiwan, overseas has morphed into a vibrant playground and going there is a possibility. Topex has never been unafraid of new challenges.
As a former college coach, the UAAP appeals to him, an affection that we know now to be fiercely mutual.

"I like building a program and working with young men on a common goal. The spirit of amateurism brings in a different vibe of commitment, enthusiasm and appreciation for the sport," he explained.
You don't find that in the pro game where rich, overpaid stars make coaching seem like pulling a dental molar.
Robinson has made a living out of making an independent team roar like a fully-budgeted heavyweight contender.
His latest exploits happened in the ongoing Commissioner's Cup where Phoenix, which just lost Matthew Wright to the B.League, made an improbable run to the quarterfinals.
Super rich TNT, meanwhile, watched the playoffs from home, including Mikey Williams and his newly-minted contract that included a reported $150,000 signing bonus.
STAYING OR LEAVING?
While slaying big-budgeted PBA giants seems like a good hobby, it eventually gets old. And the thought that it's almost always an SMC or MVP group team in the finals of every conference extinguishes the fire of even the most competitive coach.
Knowing that the bit of darkness has a neon sign that screams "EXIT" is probably making Robinson's toes tingle with anticipation.
If he stays, Phoenix is so lucky to keep the next generation coaching ace.
If he bolts, the team he chooses to run with will start the new year with a blast.
What will Topex Robinson do?
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