Now that he is finally a champion, Topex Robinson paid tribute to the people who continue to cover his blindspots after De La Salle University emerged victorious in Game Three of the UAAP Season 86 Men’s Basketball Tournament finals at the expense of University of the Philippines.
It is always said that there is always a team behind a successful individual or group.
For Robinson, who was named as the Green Archers’ mentor earlier this year, it was important to recognize the efforts of the people behind the scenes such as those working in the DLSU Office of Sports Development as well as his team’s managers, logistics staff, physiotherapists, and strength and conditioning coaches.
“I’m just so fortunate and I’m blessed to have these people behind me.
“Since day one, I know what they could bring in. They really make my job fulfilling and easy because whatever happens, somebody’s behind me,” said the current AB Sports Management student.
One thing noticeable about how Robinson coaches on the sidelines was how he was not afraid to defer to his assistant coaches during the games.
The former San Sebastian and Lyceum mentor has the likes of Caloy Garcia, Mon Jose, Oliver Bunyi, Gian Nazario, and JB Sison to call upon for adjustments.
When things were not going so well this past season, this was used as criticism against Robinson especially when Garcia was seen to be calling the shots in certain games and moments.
However, he stated he felt no sense of insecurity whatsoever and it was, in fact, a privilege for him to work with some of the top local basketball minds.
“When I got the coaches, I didn’t get assistant coaches — I got head coaches.
“With that being said, it means they have all the freedom to do what they want because we know we’re on the same page and that’s to make sure we take care of our players and put them in a situation where they are going to succeed,” he said.
“When you lose games as a leader, you kinda doubt your capacity to lead but I guess winning this championship kinda solidified my position as a leader and also at the same time as a follower,” the former Lyceum head of basketball operations continued.
“There were times when I had to take the backseat and let the other guys lead. When I’m tired, I know I can rest because somebody else is behind me. So winning this championship is not only a personal achievement but also a team achievement for me and the rest of the coaches I have,” he expressed.
All of these people have chipped in different things to make Robinson what he is today — a UAAP champion with the Green Archers.
He is the fourth coach in La Salle history to lead the school to a UAAP championship in his first season, joining the likes of Franz Pumaren, Juno Sauler, and Aldin Ayo.
Robinson always said that pressure was and is a privilege. Now he can finally walk the talk and say it was all worth it in the end.
“Just like what Sir Terry Capistrano told me, coaching DLSU is a kingmaker. It’s either you make it or you don’t. It’s a challenge. There’s no in-between,” he said.
“When I get asked, I don’t say we’re a rebuilding team. You always have to believe in yourself and hear yourself out that it’s either you win a championship or die trying. I’m just so grateful,” he continued.
“Ang sarap talaga maging Lasalista.”
