Topex Robinson is simply enjoying every moment as interim head coach of Phoenix Super LPG.
He did just that on Monday, which led to a successful debut for him as the Fuel Masters beat the Meralco Bolts, 116-98.
“If I wasn’t nervous and I wasn’t scared, I should have done other things,” said Robinson post-game.
“I came here enjoying this opportunity.”
The 45-year-old received the task to lead the franchise following the shock firing of veteran mentor Louie Alas last September.
It is a tough task to fulfill, but the former Lyceum bench tactician prefers to view this as a learning experience to cherish.
And part of the ride is facing some of the best coaches in the PBA — something he did after going up against Meralco mentor Norman Black.
“I’m playing against coaches that most of them shaped me when I used to play,” said Robinson, who played in the PBA from 2003-11. “Ang akin lang dito is I just wanna enjoy every opportunity that I’ll get better.
“I just played against coach Norman, I learned a lot from him. I’m sure I’m gonna learn a lot from the coaches that are gonna be here. I just wanna enjoy it and learn from it also.”
Robinson is happy to have won in his debut, but he didn’t hog the spotlight. Instead, he deflected credit to his fellow coaches.
His staff includes his rival in the college ranks and Jamike Jarin, as well as fellow former player in Willy Wilson.
“I’m just so blessed to have the support that I need,” he said. “It makes my job easier because I’m with people that are winners. And I just wanna surround myself with people who know my weakness.
“They know my weakness, and I just bring somebody who’s gonna fill that weakness. I don’t know if you noticed but in our timeouts, they run it more than I do. The first thing is I don’t have to know everything,” he continued.
“If I don’t know everything, I don’t have to pretend. I’m not gonna be somebody that’s just the head coach that knows everything. I’m just new to this, but I’m willing to learn and I’m willing to grow, and that’s what’s important.”
As happy as he is with the victory, though, Robinson wants to keep the Fuel Masters grounded.
“Winning game one doesn’t make us bubble champions,” said the well-spoken bench strategist. “Winning our first game means that if we’re gonna do it right the way we prepared it to be, we’re gonna give ourselves a chance to win.
“It doesn’t really define who we are right now, but that just shows the promise that we have if we’re gonna stick to our guns.”
