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MANILA, Philippines — Topex Robinson and Calvin Abueva’s deep bond will remain no matter which side of the court they’re on.
Abueva was dealt to Magnolia in a shock trade that sent Chris Banchero to Phoenix and even though Robinson won’t have his former college star with him once again, he just wants what’s best for the person he treated like his own son.
“What goes around comes around. I mean, we might be separated on our work but the personal relationship has always been there and it’s not going to fade,” said Robinson in Filipino as per PBA.ph.
Robinson was Abueva’s coach in San Sebastian where the two enjoyed one of the school’s best spells in recent NCAA history with Abueva winning the MVP in 2011 and the Golden Stags taking home the title in 2009.
The two then arrived at Alaska in 2012 only for them to separate when Robinson moved to Phoenix in 2017 as an assistant coach to Louie Alas.
It took just one year for them to reunite as Abueva arrived at the Fuel Masters via trade and it was that team that took care of him during his brutal 16-month suspension with Robinson there for the polarizing forward every step of the way.
“If you have a child, then you will want everything that’s best for him and you’ll do it for him,” said Robinson. “Calvin knows this.”
Abueva’s trade to Magnolia was certainly a shock as he just returned to the Fuel Masters with a maniacal drive that saw him average 15.4 points, 11.3 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and 1.7 steals across 12 games.
His renewed drive earned him a nomination for the league’s Sportsmanship Award and a fresh three-year maximum extension with the Fuel Masters worth P420,000 a month.
Magnolia, however, will now be responsible for Abueva’s hefty salary.
Robinson said that even though he won’t be coaching Abueva, the opportunity presented to “The Beast” is something akin to winning championships.
And the trade may have been a surprise to the public, it wasn’t one for Robinson as he himself gave the transaction his immediate blessing.
“Prior to him entering the bubble I made a promise to him na if things will turn out well with him and if there’s an opportunity then I’ll help him, this is about the future, we had that kind of conversation,” said Robinson. “It happened now, he’ll have a great opportunity with Magnolia.”
“It wasn’t really a surprise between us and we know that Magnolia has always been a title contender ever since. I mean him playing there for the next three years, hopefully, will give him a better chance.”