By ANGELO JACINTO
TOPEX Robinson has always been renowned as a “players’ coach” since taking over the coaching helm at San Sebastian in 2011.
His approach has earned him admiration from athletes like Calvin Abueva and CJ Perez, who credit Robinson for their development, both as players and as individuals. Yet, despite this deep connection with his players, success has eluded him.
Nearly-man Topex
Throughout his coaching journey, Robinson faced moments of self-doubt, especially after experiencing three championship losses, first with Abueva and Ian Sangalang at San Sebastian, then with Perez at Lyceum.
However, he remained steadfast in his mission to prioritize his players' success in life beyond the game.
The narrative changed in UAAP Season 86 when Robinson, now with De La Salle, led the Green Archers to a 73-69 victory over the UP Fighting Maroons in Game Three, securing the long-overdue championship.
The win marked a significant milestone in Robinson's coaching career, finally allowing him to claim the title of champion.
“As a father, I’m so happy that my players get to achieve what they want to achieve, CJ and Calvin to name a few, but as a coach now I guess, ako naman. Ako naman ang napagbigyan,” Robinson said.
“After all those years, I’m just so grateful and honored to be a part of this, winning a championship as a head coach with DLSU.”
The victory represented the culmination of years of dedication, resilience, and belief in his coaching philosophy.
In a transformative move, Robinson elevated his commitment by becoming a student coach. Sharing dormitory life with his players and pursuing a degree in Sports Management at La Salle, he deepened his connection with the team.
“It’s always nice to be with them because I also stay in the dorm e. Pag dating ng dorm, wala ng coaches’ uniform, wala na uniform ng player. Nagiging magbarkada na kami. That’s where they tell me things they couldn’t tell me in practice. They treat me as one of their own,” said Robinson, who had players EJ Gollena and Earl Abadam as classmates.
“They told me words that really woke me up. All those things that I needed to improve on, they really tell me without malice, without thinking that I’m gonna take it personally. I guess that’s where it grew, being with them every single day for the last 10 months gave me things that solidified our bond and our friendship.”
This immersive approach allowed him to build stronger bonds and receive honest feedback from his players.
The success of his coaching strategy became evident in the players' commitment to the team's objectives. Like how MVP Kevin Quiambao accepted a bench role, and Evan Nelle sacrificing personal glory for team-focused contributions.
Topex's unshakeable bond with players
Robinson's journey with his players created a bond based on trust and mutual respect. Quiambao acknowledged the hardships Robinson faced, emphasizing the need to support the coach who stood behind them.
Nelle, recalling their time together at San Beda, expressed gratitude for making basketball enjoyable under Robinson's guidance.
Taking on the challenge of coaching at La Salle, Robinson bet on himself and his team. Despite moments of doubt, he left a PBA job and embraced the opportunity to lead one of the hottest seats for coaches in Philippine basketball.
“I always have doubts. I always question my capabilities, but just like sir [La Salle team manager] Terry Capistrano told me, coaching DLSU is a kingmaker,” he said.
“Either you make it or you don’t. So that’s the challenge. There’s no in-between. Sabi ko nga, I don’t want to, when I get asked, I don’t say we’re a rebuilding team. You have to believe in yourself, and hear yourself out that it’s either you win a championship or die trying.”
The championship victory served as a validation of Robinson's leadership and coaching capabilities. It solidified his position as both a leader and follower, recognizing the importance of taking a backseat when needed.
“Obviously when you lose games as a leader, you kind of doubt your capacity to lead,” he said. “Winning this championship solidified my position as a leader and also at the same time as a follower. There are times when I have to take a backseat and let the other guys lead. When I’m tired, I know I can rest because I know there are guys behind me.”
With this long-awaited triumph, Robinson can now proudly claim the title of a 'king' in coaching.
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