La Salle tactician Topex Robinson looks forward to a new chapter of the DLSU Green Archers in the UAAP, following the exit of Kevin Quiambao.
When one chapter closes, another one opens for the DLSU Green Archers after the finals loss in UAAP Season 87 and the departure of two-time UAAP MVP Kevin Quiambao.
After foregoing his final two years of eligibility to pursue a professional career in South Korea, Quiambao leaves behind a capable La Salle squad who will be leaning on both familiar and new faces when Season 88 rolls around next year.
Head coach Topex Robinson, speaking after their Game Three loss against UP, said that he was excited for a lot of his players — like Doi Dungo, Vhoris Marasigan, and Henry Agunnane — who are now armed with more experience, despite falling short of the title.
As La Salle prepares for a life without Quiambao to bail them out, Robinson believes that the loss against the Fighting Maroons is just what they need to recover the next time around.
"Well, syempre ano, it's just nice to see… The guys that are gonna [be] moving on for Season 88, like Doi, si Vhoris, you know, even Henry, so those are the things that will kinda ignited the fire in them, you know. 'Yun 'yung [motivation] namin eh.” said Robinson.
“Obviously, the legacy that KQ brought with us, it's really something that we're so grateful sa kanya. But moving forward ano eh, sabi nga namin it's part of basketball, you don't always win but you'll learn from it. It's gonna keep our fire alive and it's just gonna keep on burning," he added.
Quiambao has been pivotal in the past three years for La Salle, which ended up with two finals appearances and one title in Season 86.
But the void that a two-time MVP leaves is not going to be recovered by just one person or two.
Rather, Robinson also hopes that his newcomers — those who fulfilled their residency requirement in 2024, including Mason Amos, Kean Baclaan, and Jacob Cortez — will work together to complete La Salle.
Though still feeling the sting of their three-game loss, Robinson said that they have a lot to be excited for come next year.
"There's those guys that are coming in and sabi ko nga, it's nice to see the future of the program is still gonna be exciting. You know, having those guys coming in so that's something to look forward to and be excited about Season 88," he said.