De La Salle University never truly got to show the full strength of its lineup this UAAP Season 88 Men’s Basketball campaign.
From injuries to suspensions, the Green Archers spent most of the season juggling a patchwork roster, never able to unleash their full potential.
Mason Amos missed seven straight games with a Grade 2 medial collateral ligament tear in his right knee.
Kean Baclaan only recently returned after an eight-game absence from a similar MCL injury. Meanwhile, rookie center Lebron Daep has been sidelined for five games — and counting — due to illness.
Disciplinary issues further thinned the roster.
Vhoris Marasigan served a one-game suspension, missing La Salle’s second-round clash against Far Eastern University. Then EJ Gollena sat out against archrival Ateneo de Manila University for a similar suspension.
It wasn’t until Wednesday afternoon at the SMART Araneta Coliseum that the Green Archers finally had their full roster on the floor.
La Salle flaunted its depth with a convincing 87-77 win over National University, forcing a rubber match for a Finals berth in Season 88.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
For head coach Topex Robinson, seeing his team at full force is a relief — a timely boost for a squad eager to reclaim the crown it lost last season.
“We’re just so blessed and fortunate to have this group of guys that are really willing to support each other, but we keep going back to those challenges,” Robinson said.
“When we were down earlier, we reminded everyone: what worked for us? That’s about playing for each other. It’s a constant reminder of what we went through this season.”
Now that La Salle can field a fully healthy lineup, Robinson is urging his players to make the most of the rare luxury. It was something that had eluded them for much of the season and often kept them from showing their true potential.
“Automatic, they realize we can’t waste this chance by playing selfish basketball,” Robinson added.
“Even I have to remind myself, and the players remind me, to always remember what worked for us in those challenging times.”
Beyond the immediate win, Robinson hopes the postseason can serve as both a showcase of La Salle at full capacity and a reassertion of the Green Archers as contenders against top-ranked NU.
Whatever happens in the Finals — whether La Salle makes it for the third straight season or not — Robinson is proud of the program’s decision to prioritize player health over rushing back injured athletes.
“If you’re not 100%, you’re not ready. We don’t want to compromise a young athlete’s career just to win games. The support of our management ensures we protect these valuable players and never put them at risk,” Robinson shared.
“This team will not just roll through; we’ll stay humble and learn from the mistakes we made. Those lessons will be what we bring into Saturday’s game.”
