The Lyceum of the Philippines University’s Jayvee and Jaycee Marcelino displayed impeccable defense in their last game against the Arellano Chiefs, and against ace Kent Salado no less.
And who is the twins’ defensive peg? None other than their head coach, Topex Robinson.
Robinson, who played 12 years in the PBA, is known for being a solid defensive point guard, and he has made it a point to impart his wisdom to his players, specifically the Marcelino brothers.
The 21-year-olds from Olongapo City apparently weren’t able to watch Robinson in PBA when they were young. That is why they rely on their coach’s stories.
“Nagyayabang siya sa amin. Sabi niya, magaling daw siya e,” said Jayvee, who was just 11 years old when Robinson was named to the PBA’s All-Defensive team.
But the twins would have none of it, especially when their coach playfully taunts them on their game.
“Nag-aasaran kami ni coach. Kasi dati, di ba defensive player din siya. Sabi niya, ‘Di naman kayo marunong dumepensa e. Kung naabutan niyo ako, di kayo mananalo sa akin e.’
“So pinapakita namin sa kanya na, ‘Kaya namin ang ginagawa mo.’ Pagkatapos ng laro, magyayabangan kami ng konti. Enjoy lang,” Jaycee shared with a laugh.
The identical twins shared that they always do this kind of trash talking within the team to motivate themselves, and more importantly, to prove their mentor wrong.
“Tina-trash talk namin siya, ‘Wala ka namang shooting e. Kami meron e.’ Kaya sinasabi ko, ‘Mas magaling ako sa’yo coach. Ako, may shooting. Ikaw, depensa ka lang e,'” Jaycee quipped.
Whatever this kind of motivational trash talking going on with the three is, it sure is getting great results for Lyceum.
By: Danine Cruz
