The 48-year-old tactician took a leap of faith.
One of the hottest UAAP news we’ve had this year is De La Salle’s hiring of former Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters head coach Topex Robinson. The Green Archers will now lean on their new chief strategist to guide them back to prominence in Season 86. Robinson’s transition from the PBA back to the collegiate ranks, however, wasn’t as smooth as you might’ve expected.
On the sports program Power and Play hosted by Noli Eala, the acclaimed coach disclosed the stressful process he underwent as he decided not to renew with Phoenix in pursuit of an unguaranteed coaching gig with DLSU.
“I’ve had sleepless nights po for two weeks, Comm [Noli]. Dalawang bagay po ‘yung inisip ko lang. Ano po ba ‘yung pagsisihan ko: I took the offer [of Phoenix], and I found out that they [DLSU] were really interested in me, or I will not take the offer, and ended up La Salle not picking me?”
After weighing the pros and cons, coach Topex believed that the reward was worth the risk he would take.
“Mas pagsisisihan ko po siguro ‘yung nag-stay ako, and then nalaman ko na ako po pala talaga ‘yung gusto nila. So, Comm I’ve never thought I’m going to put myself in this [situation]. That’s really a leap of faith coming from me.”
In essence, Robinson gambled a potential longer PBA career to chase what he considers an ideal opportunity for him. Well, as they say - fortune favors the bold. And yes, the new Green Archers head coach’s bold decision paid off.
At the beginning of the interview, Robinson also revealed that he aspired to play for La Salle, even as he was suiting up for San Sebastian back in the 90s. Now, he gets a shot at realizing a piece of that dream.