It wasn't actually part of the La Salle game plan, but coach Topex Robinson said the Green Archers decided to give Doi Dungo his time to shine on Wednesday's UAAP Season 87 matchup against the Soaring Falcons.
Strike the term “magic bunot” from the DLSU Green Archers’ dictionary, as head coach Topex Robinson says they don’t subscribe to the idea.
Following big games from role players Doi Dungo and Henry Agunnane in their 30-point victory over the Adamson Soaring Falcons during UAAP Season 87 on Wednesday, Robinson said that anyone in the Green Archers’ lineup can step up to the plate.
“I think we don't really have, I would say a ‘magic bunot’. Everybody on this team knows they will have the opportunity. And when it's gonna happen, we don't know. But sinasabi ko nga sa kanila, that opportunity will always come by you, but it depends kung ready ka,” Robinson said.
[ALSO READ: UAAP: DLSU Green Archers shoot down Adamson Soaring Falcons for 2-0 start in Season 87]
The tactician gave Dungo as an example. Even as he struggled in their opening game, scoring only two points in 11 minutes of action, he was able to find his groove.
Though it wasn’t actually part of their game plan, Robinson said the players are able to decide what’s best on the floor on their own. Going up against Adamson, that option seemed to be this: pass it to Dungo.
“Doi struggled in our first game. But the opportunity came for him to shine this time, so we also have to give credit to the guys who play with him. When they know Doi was having his game, they were really looking for him,” said Robinson.
“It wasn't really an instruction from the coaching staff, but it's them,” he added.
Dungo ended up with 15 points built off of a 5-of-5 shooting night from the rainbow stripe.
As Robinson trusts in his players from end to end of the bench, he just encourages the Green Archers to find motivation within themselves.
“We always tell [them] that we always play for each other. It just so happened Doi and Henry were having a good game, so guys just gave them the opportunity,” the coach said.
With 12 games remaining in the elimination round, it will do good for Robinson and the Green Archers if each and every player will be given the opportunity to shine.
La Salle will need the support of everyone in the roster more than ever in their next game, as the Green Archers face perennial rivals Ateneo Blue Eagles in the final match of weekend action on Sunday, September 15, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
La Salle is targeting win no. 3 in the anticipated rivalry game, which will air live on One Sports, the UAAP Varsity Channel, and the Pilipinas Live app.