By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
A new era has begun for the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers.
After several failed attempts in helping the storied UAAP school to another championship title under coach Derrick Pumaren, the Green Archers made a crucial decision and hired PBA mentor Topex Robinson as their newest chief tactician for the upcoming season.
Rumors already spread that Robinson will be taking over the DLSU head coaching post after refusing to renew his contract with the Phoenix Super LPG in the PBA.
A week after Robinson didn’t re-sign with Phoenix, the Green Archers made everything official when they posted an official statement regarding his arrival.
“De La Salle University is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Christopher “Topex” Robinson as head coach of the Men’s Basketball Team effective today January 19, 2023,” wrote DLSU in their statement.
Robinson already left his mark as one of the best coaches to ever set foot in the NCAA men’s basketball after handling the San Sebastian Golden Stags and the Lyceum Pirates.
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.
Robinson’s coaching prowess was still evident in the PBA after steering Phoenix to a consistent playoff outing in his three-year stint as a head coach.
Now that he will be coaching in a whole new environment in the UAAP, Robinson will be tasked to lead a talented DLSU squad that failed to make the Final Four last season.
The Green Archers last clinched a championship during the UAAP Season 79 last 2016-2017 playing season when they still had former Most Valuable Player (MVP) Ben Mbala.
It was also that year when Aldin Ayo was hailed as the green and white’s newest head coach, making his jump from the Letran Knights to the UAAP.
