PBA: Topex Robinson, Phoenix mutually part ways

Topex Robinsons ends his tenure as Phoenix head coach. –PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines–Topex Robinson’s coaching tenure with the Phoenix Fuel Masters came to an end after the two sides agreed on a parting of ways.

The Fuel Masters made the announcement on Thursday while also confirming Robinson’s intention to take on a different challenge.

Phoenix didn’t provide further details, but Robinson, whose contract expired last Dec. 31, has been rumored as one of the candidates for the vacant coaching post at La Salle in the UAAP.

“We thank coach Topex for his [five] years of service with Phoenix, and wish him the very best as he pursues other endeavors,” Phoenix said as part of its statement.

Lead assistant Jamike Jarin will take over on an interim basis.

Robinson joined Phoenix in 2017 after being tapped by then-coach Louie Alas as part of his staff.

But Robinson was elevated as coach after Phoenix let go Alas weeks before the start of the 2020 Philippine Cup.

That maiden conference was also the high point of Robinson’s stint as he steered the Fuel Masters to the semifinals behind Matthew Wright and the returning Calvin Abueva, who were both named to the Mythical Five at season’s end.

Phoenix lost to TNT in the semis that reached a full five games before suffering quarterfinal defeats in three of the next four conferences, including this season’s Commissioner’s Cup.

Robinson received praise for steering Phoenix to the quarters despite losing Wright to the B.League and Jason Perkins missing a portion of the eliminations due to an injury, with rookies Tyler Tio and Encho Serrano emerging as his go-to-players.