Topex Robinson has always spoken about De La Salle University and the circle they’ve formed among themselves — and how that bond has protected them during trying times.
Right in the first round of the UAAP Season 88 Men’s Basketball Tournament, the Green Archers already faced challenges that fueled doubts from outside their circle.
Weeks later, La Salle secured its third straight Final Four appearance, catching the last bus with a gutsy 78-72 win over archrival Ateneo de Manila University on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“Well, you couldn’t ask for a better season than this, you know, because when we were struggling, we always preached about trust, joy, and fulfillment. And when we were really down and out, that was the time we really put everything into each other,” said Robinson after their win over Ateneo.
“You know, you might be doubting me. These guys were doubting me, and I said, I’m going to go to hell and back with you guys. And that’s just the way it goes,” he added.
“When you’re coaching this team, you know, it’s always going to be on your head. Your head will always be the first one to get cut off. But if you put everything, I always tell these players that they’re my boss.”
Two crucial injuries hit the Green Archers in the first round, with Mason Amos and Kean Baclaan sidelined by separate MCL injuries — sparking doubts outside the circle.
In the second round, Vhoris Marasigan and EJ Gollena received separate suspensions due to disqualifying fouls.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
But that circle kept La Salle together, ultimately earning a spot in the Final Four.
“You know, the players will take me wherever they want to. I might just happen to be the head coach here, but they’re the ones who are really going to lead me. You know, we always talk about managing players, but we always want to lead them,” Robinson said.
“And I just couldn’t ask for a better situation than this. We lost a lot of players from suspensions and injuries, but we always stuck together. The times that we always make sure that we’re going to remember this time.”
That circle will face its next test in the Final Four against top-ranked National University, which holds a twice-to-beat advantage.
The Bulldogs defeated the Green Archers twice in the elimination round, 82-78 and 75-67.
“I think NU is the only team that beat us twice in the regular season. So they’re really going to come in confident. You know, they’ve really been a solid team. They’ve matured,” said the one-time UAAP champion coach.
“Just like what we always tell, we’re just going to keep on battling and grinding. We’re just happy to be here. Everybody counted us out when we lost a lot of players. So we’re just going to keep on trusting each other, preparing for what’s going to be in front of us. And just enjoying the moment as well.”
