Topex Robinson may have experience coaching in big collegiate games throughout his career, but he is finally going to experience the biggest rivalry of all—De La Salle University vs. Ateneo de Manila University.
As the first-year tactician for the Green Archers, the former Red Bull Barako player knows that the pressure is on for him to ensure that La Salle gets more wins over Ateneo, aside from merely winning a championship.
The Green Archers have mostly played second fiddle to the Blue Eagles for the past 15 years, which has been a source of frustration for Lasallians.
“It will always be the same. It’s all about us,” said Robinson, who has taken part in two NCAA seniors basketball champions in his career. “Obviously, we know who we’re going to play against, but we just focus on what we have, and that’s us.
“Ang dami nga naming dapat i-improve right now, and whoever it is that we face is just an opportunity for us to get better. ‘Yun yung isang bagay that we always want to focus on,” continued the student-coach.
“Obviously, there’s a lot of hype, a lot of stories behind this, but at the end of the day, Ateneo is a worthy rival. That will never change. Coach Tab (Baldwin) is a worthy rival. We always compete against each other. It’s just an opportunity for me to get better, also learning from Coach Tab and Ateneo. One thing’s for sure, it’s going to be an exciting game that we’re going to play, and I’m just excited to be a part of it.”
Robinson took over a team deemed by many as one of the favorites to reach the finals. The Green Archers made a winning start to their campaign with an 87-76 win over Far Eastern University last Sunday.
Despite the positive start, this team knows that there is a lot of work to be done to win La Salle its first championship since Season 79.
“If you’re going to look at this, there’s a lot of room for improvement, but that’s where rule number one for us comes in—you always use your best judgment. Given these guys are talented, you just have to give them the floor,” said Robinson.
“Trust them that they’re going to make the right decision, and also what goes with that is the wrong decision, but that’s part of our growth. We learn from our mistakes. We try to get better every day,” the former Lyceum head of basketball operations continued.
“Just a reminder for everyone that this is a humbling experience for us. We also have to make sure that kumbaga if you want to go further, you want to grow together. This is part of our journey together.”
This Wednesday’s battle between the Green Archers and the Blue Eagles will only have pride on the line. The game is situated too early in the season for it to have any real effect on any postseason aspirations.
However, for the first time in a long time, La Salle is entering the contest as the favorites. The pressure is on for Robinson and his team, as a loss will be a very disappointing blow for their supporters.
“It’s an exciting feeling. I’m super excited about it. I hope, you know, this will be the start of that kind of rivalry that will fit the bill of the rivalry that’s been so exciting,” he said.
“When I was growing up way, way back, you know, I used to watch that rivalry (even) up to now, and I’m just so excited for that. Sabi ko nga, it just came in so early, but nonetheless, whether we like it or not, we’re going to face each other. It’s just going to happen on Wednesday, so it’s going to be an exciting matchup.”
