Topex Robinson has shored up his coaching staff at De La Salle University.
Caloy Garcia has accepted Robinson’s offer to be his lead assistant with the Green Archers.
The 47-year-old coach, who is also an assistant in Rain or Shine, attended the team’s practice on Friday.
“Of course, grateful. When Topex called me about it, it was an honor already. Siyempre, it’s always good to be part of a good organization like La Salle,” Garcia told Tiebreaker Times.
“After our first practice and I was able to meet the players, I feel good about how the season will turn out.”
“His knowledge will be much appreciated sa team, especially his experience and leadership, He will also challenge me to be better. I’m sure the players will benefit from him,” added Robinson.
Garcia, of course, sought permission first from his bosses with Rain or Shine first before taking the offer.
“I first had to go to Boss Raymond (Yu) and Coach Yeng (Guiao). They told me… of course, they are happy about it but napagusapan lang yung conflict yung scheduling. But if there are games na magsasabay, I have to be with Rain or Shine,” said Garcia. Yu is an alumnus of La Salle.
“Okay naman for both sides.”
Robinson and Garcia have gone a long way.
The two used to be teammates in the Philippine Basketball League with Shark Energy Drink. Together, they were able to win the Challenge Cup in the early 2000s.
This will also be a redemption run for Garcia in Taft Avenue.
Garcia’s first-ever coaching stint was with College of Saint Benilde from NCAA Seasons 81 to 83.
During that time, the Blazers struggled, never making it to the Final Four and tallying a three-year record of 9-31.
Garcia would move to Colegio de San Juan de Letran, leading the Knights to the Finals of Season 89 before resigning after Season 90.
After his stint with Letran, Garcia has been a mainstay with the Elasto Painters, serving as head coach, deputy, and, even, head of basketball operations.
Now more experienced, Garcia looks to help Robinson in leading the Green Archers to the Promised Land.
“Everybody knows that if you work for La Salle, you have to be at your best,” said Garcia.
Besides Garcia, Robinson added decorated high school head coach JB Sison to the team that also has Mon Jose and Gian Nazario.
Sison, 47, is a three-time NCAA champion coach with San Beda-Taytay. He handled Evan Nelle during his time with the Red Cubs.
Sison is also an assistant in Gilas Youth where he was able to handle the likes of EJ Abadam and LA Andres — both of whom are also in La Salle.
“He will bridge the players he handled because they are the next in line in our team. He is also part of Gilas Youth, we have a lot of players who were under him,” said Robinson about the San Beda Hall of Famer.
“He will also help us a lot in scouting.”
