OLD ties always run deep.
And for coach Topex Robinson, his familiarity with the father of Lebron Jhames Daep might have been one of the factors why the NCAA Season 100 juniors basketball MVP ultimately chose to go to La Salle.
"That might have been one of the reasons kasi naging teammates kami [ng father niya] dati. Kumbaga, kilala niya ako and alam niyang 'di ko sila lolokohin," he told SPIN.ph after the blockbuster rookie acquisition.
READ: KQ the ceiling for La Salle-commit Lebron Daep, says Topex
Robinson feels that he has come full circle with the younger Daep, considering that three decades ago, the former was the understudy to the latter's father Rommel in San Sebastian.
"Magkakampi kami for two years," he said, recalling that dynastic Golden Stags team, as they were part of the 1996 and 1997 title runs that completed the five-peat in the 1990s.
READ: Rommel Daep walked so son Lebron Jhames could run - and fly
The elder Daep was the team captain for that 1997 squad, while Robinson was still carving his name as one of the peskiest defenders in the backcourt from Recto.
"Matagal na rin yung pinagsamahan at pinagdaanan namin. We know each other well not just on but also off the court, so the level of trust is definitely there," he said.
Next generation Daep in green-and-white
Fast forward to now and Rommel is entrusting his son's future to Robinson in La Salle, with the younger Daep joining the cavalcade of bigs already in Taft.
"It's funny how life works," sighed the Green Archers shot-caller. "Now it's my chance to pay it back to Rommel and I feel blessed of the trust that he's given me and the La Salle program to nurture Lebron as he progresses in his basketball career."
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
