CHICAGO - Around this time last year, Topex Robinson was in coaching purgatory. He left the security of a tenured position in the PBA and took the risk of pursuing the La Salle job with no assurances of getting hired.
He bet on himself. And he won big.
"I am deeply humbled by this experience that I can't even imagine it will happen in a matter of 11 months, " Robinson told me in an early morning telephone interview yesterday.
READ By becoming a DLSU student, Topex turns into best teacher to his players
The night before, he delivered La Salle's 10th UAAP men's basketball crown and its first since 2016. Since officially assuming the position last January 19 this year, Topex's journey spanned 320 days.
The evening's jubilation spilled from the Araneta Coliseum to the La Salle campus where a short blessing and prayers were held. Sumptuous food was catered by Aristocrat but the former Phoenix Super LPG bench boss was too happy to muster an appetite.
He went home late and as soon as he awoke he called me and walked me back to that memorable Game 3 clincher where the Green Archers rallied late to stun the UP Fighting Maroons.
Down 65-60 in the final 6:38 with all the marbles at stake, I asked him what he told his players before they went on that 13-4 run.
"ENJOY EVERY MOMENT. PLAY FOR EACH OTHER. NEVER GIVE UP."
Known for its high-octane offense that heats quickly like a microwave, UP went on a scoreless drought from the 6:04 mark of the fourth quarter until there were only 2.3 ticks left to play.
I asked Topex what he thought of the unlikely, stunning power outage.
"We were not aware of that. We knew that they could score at any given time if we didn't defend properly. Entering the series, we talked about their edge in experience, that they've been to the finals three straight years and how well they handle pressure. Fortunately for us, they missed shots in the crucial stretch."
Title in hand. Legacy secured. You'd think Topex can finally rest. Well, not quite.
"What rest?" he says with a teasing laugh. "Learning never stops."
Currently in Tagaytay for a quick jaunt to recharge batteries that have been working overtime as a student and a coach, Robinson will soon embark on a recruiting trip in hopes of replenishing a Green Archer team that will lose talents Evan Nelle, Mark Nonoy, Ben Phillips and Joaqui Manuel in Season 87.
"I'm still planning my schedule. But I definitely will come to the US."
HOPING FOR THE BEST.
Reigning MVP Kevin Quiambao is going to Japan for vacation, I asked Topex if he ever loses sleep thinking about the possibility that KQ might be poached by rich, well-paying overseas leagues.
"Not at all. He deserves everything that he has right now. I'm excited where his basketball will take him."
Showing his true colors as a players' coach, Topex reiterates that he will never get in the way of a player's desire to ply his trade elsewhere.
Still, he's hoping for the best.
"I hope Kevin stays in Taft."
Why not?
The only thing sweeter than winning a championship is winning it again.
Back to back.
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