DLSU Rewards Topex Robinson With Long-Term Coaching Extension

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers just locked decorated mentor Topex Robinson to a three-year contract extension ahead of the upcoming UAAP Men’s Basketball season.

After steering the green and white to a UAAP championship title and two consecutive grand finals appearances, DLSU didn’t think twice, entrusting Robinson with the winning culture and system he built until 2028.

Robinson arrived in Taft during the build-up of the UAAP Season 86. Right from the bat, the former PBA head coach buckled down to work in the off-season and maximized the talent he had in his roster.

Led by the duo of Kevin Quiambao and Evan Nelle, Robinson’s coaching wizardry propelled the Green Archers to a UAAP golden trophy in just his first year where they prevailed over the tough UP Fighting Maroons in three grueling games.

However, Robinson failed to repeat in the next UAAP season, receiving a painful revenge from the Fighting Maroons in yet another three-game finals series drama.

Despite the loss, the Green Archers remained optimistic with Robinson’s coaching philosophy, but a huge challenge is on the way after Quiambao, their superstar MVP, decided to leave the school to pursue his professional hoops aspirations.

Robinson still had a hefty amount of talent left with the activation of the backcourt duo of Kean Baclaan and Jacob Cortez, their past season acquisitions who had to sit out one full UAAP year due to the residency rule.

Before agreeing to coach the Green Archers, Robinson was the head of the helm at the Phoenix Fuel Masters coaching staff in the PBA.

His vast experience in the big boys’ league became a deciding factor for DLSU to sign him, marking a new era in the Green Archers after Robinson replaced Derrick Pumaren.

Robinson was already one of the best coaches in the NCAA after handling the San Sebastian Golden Stags and the Lyceum Pirates basketball programs.

He was responsible for the growth and maturity of Calvin Abueva and Ian Sangalang when he helped them earn their stripes in San Sebastian while leading the team to a championship qualification as a rookie tactician.

Meanwhile, Robinson led CJ Perez and Lyceum to an undefeated elimination round sweep but lost at the hands of the San Beda Red Lions during the finals of Season 93.

Can Robinson and the retooled DLSU reclaim their throne once the UAAP Season 88 kicks off later this year?