IN a game that calls for a strong body and a stronger mind, being vulnerable often tends to be understated.
And it is this ‘human’ side of basketball that La Salle head coach Topex Robinson has sought to foster within his champion squad.
READ: Mike Phillips mourns loss of person who first opened La Salle's doors to him
Even as they’ve won it all last year in the UAAP, the highest of highs doesn’t spare anyone from the lowest of lows.
But through it all, Robinson knows all too well that the team’s culture of openness and backing each other up in times of victory and struggle will always be of utmost importance.
It’s okay not to be okay
An emotional Mike Phillips didn’t shy away from admitting how he’s been fighting through difficult times in his life as of late — one that even the euphoria of a winning on-court performance couldn’t conceal.
The passing of La Salle’s longtime on-campus dormitory guard Doleo Susalta, a close friend of Phillips, took an emotional toll on the Green Archers mainstay.
In such times of struggle, Robinson made it clear that everyone in the team has a shoulder to cry on within the brotherhood they’ve now formed on and away from the basketball court.
“Among the things that are so important for us is that you could be vulnerable. If you’re struggling, you don’t have to pretend that you’re not. This is the family that we have, and in this space, we could just be ourselves,” Robinson said.
“I can tell them if I’m struggling and I need help, and the same goes for everybody. If wala silang mapupuntahan sa team during those low times, saan sila pupunta?
“We’re all humans, and that’s the human side of basketball which we put so much value on.”
Safe spaces matter
It was ‘Motor Mike’ and his brothers who’d always build the strongest ties and bonds with the team’s guards, cooks and maintenance staff, among others.
Hence, in the absence of Phillips’ family in the Philippines, it was the late Susalta who’d best personify the feeling of home away from home for him.
Such a loss was personal for him, and in moments of grief and deep hurt, giving just enough space to process emotions alone is imperative in the often-tedious journey of healing.
“There are times when you just want to give them that space. You don’t have to really do everything, but sa dami na ng oras naming magkakasama, I know who’s struggling.”
Robinson added: “I’ve always been like this to Mike, and when he needs space, I give him that space. I don’t have to talk to him or ask him anong problema. I know him because I see him every day.
“Kapag meron silang ganung times, not unless they talk to me about it, I don’t get in. That’s one thing that we really value, giving that safe space.”
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