For a team with a target on their back after beating all nine squads in the first round of the NCAA Season 93 Seniors Basketball tournament, one would expect the Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates head coach Topex Robinson to be privy of his plays and wisdom as he mentored the Heroes team in this season’s All-Star festivities.
But Lyceum’s ace CJ Perez shared that Robinson did not hold anything back.
“Actually, walang tinago si coach Topex. Kung ano mga sinasabi niya sa amin [sa Lyceum] na honor the game and inspire others, yun din sinabi niya sa Heroes,” Perez said after Team Saints lost to Team Heroes by a slim margin, 80-84.
“Talo pero maganda naman ang laro. Nag-enjoy naman kami, nakapag-inspire kami ng ibang tao at na-entertain naman sila (audience).”
The 23-year-old, do-it-all forward tallied a team-high 15 points to go along with four rebounds, three assists, four steals, and a block in 18 minutes of action during the annual showcase, displaying the same intensity he plays with during the regular season.
And this was the mindset instilled in them by their mentor prior to tip-off.
“Shinare niya [Coach Topex] sa Heroes na kahit ganitong game lang na All-Star, gusto niya na mag-iba ang tingin ng mga tao sa All-Star game na pukpukan din ang laro,” added Perez who was making his All-Star debut.
This loss can technically be considered Lyceum’s first of the season. And Perez is hoping that this loss won’t jinx their success come the second round.
“Di naman! Di naman siguro,” the Lyceum standout quipped.
By: Danine Cruz
