Robinson gives young Pirates chance to shine

Lyceum coach Topex Robinson Photo by Tristan Rafael Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Lyceum of the Philippines University has dropped veteran guard Dexter Zamora from its roster in the 92nd NCAA basketball tournament unfolding this Saturday at The Arena in San Juan.

Pirates head coach Topex Robinson didn’t specify as to why Zamora, who played in the preseason Filoil Flying V Premier Cup a few weeks ago, was removed from the original lineup and cited only “disciplinary action.”

Instead, Paul Soliman and Mer Ayaay were named co-captains.

“We’ve decided to go to our younger players and give them a chance,” said Robinson.

The Pirates will also miss big man Joseph Gabayni for more than a month after he figured in a motorcycle accident.

“He (Gabayni) will be out until August and we will have to rely more on the other players,” said Robinson. “We’re just thankful his injury is not serious.”

Ayaay, sharpshooter Wilson Baltazar and Cameroonian rookie big man Mike Harry Nzeusseu were named into the starting unit while leaving the point guard and power forward spots open after losing Zamora and Gabyani.

Expected to get heavy minutes at the point are Shaq Alanes, Edcor Marata, Allyn Malabanan and neophyte Johann Rubite while Jebb Bulawan and Soliman should take turns in the No. 4 spot.

Robinson said he has no high expectations on this team and just wants an improvement of their performance last year when his Pirates wound up ninth and second to last with a 4-14  win-loss record.

“We will not shoot for the stars, we’ll just try to better our performance and win as many games as we can,” he said.