Less than a month ago, the management of Phoenix Super LPG decided not to renew the contract of coach Louie Alas, giving then-associate head coach Topex Robinson the position on an interim basis.
Despite the short time to adapt to his new job as the main tactician for Phoenix, Robinson said he would have no problems.
Speaking on 2OT Friday night, the 45-year-old mentor bared his plans for the PBA bubble and how he would continue the system of Alas.
“We’re just picking up where he (Alas) left off. Lahat nga rito is part of his program,” the 45-year-old mentor said on the podcast hosted by Magoo Marjon and Carlo Pamintuan.
The two coaches go way back to 2012, when they were both assistants to Alex Compton at Alaska.
And with years of working together, Robinson learned a lot from the more experienced Alas. And he still speaks highly of the man.
“I really learned a lot from him because of the experiences he had. He’s won championships. He’s been successful,” said Robinson, himself a two-time PBA champion as a player.
“Being in a different position kasi is gonna post a lot of challenges for me, so I am still going back to all those things I learned from Coach Louie.”
Under Alas, the then-known Fuel Masters reached higher heights — including the top seed in the 2019 Philippine Cup, behind a franchise-best 9-2 card. However, they fell to eventual champion San Miguel in the semifinals.
With how Alas transformed Phoenix from a subpar team to a winning squad, Robinson knows the pressure has dropped on his shoulders.
“It’s a big responsibility. It’s gonna be a new experience. Kasi when you are an assistant, you suggest. Pagka naging head coach ka na, you decide. Whatever you decide on, the buck will always come on you.”
