Topex Robinsons is the new La Salle Green Archers head coach. –PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines — Topex Robinson will call the shots for the De La Salle Green Archers starting in the UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball tournament.
The school on Wednesday announced that Robinson has taken over the coaching reins, replacing Derick Pumaren, who handled the team in the past two seasons.
“De La Salle University is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Christopher “Topex” Robinson as head coach of the Men’s Basketball Team effective today January 19, 2023,” read La Salle’s statement.
The 48-year-old Robinson is making his first UAAP stint with the Green Archers after leaving a mark in the PBA and NCAA — both as a player and coach.
— DLSU Sports (@dlsusports) January 19, 2023
Robinson addressed his appointment with a tweet.
“FAITH.SERVICE.COMMUNION #Animo,” Robinson posted.
FAITH.SERVICE.COMMUNION #Animo
— Topex Robinson (@coachtopex) January 19, 2023
The former PBA guard opted not to renew with the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters after three years with three playoff appearances out of five conferences.
Robinson called the shots for San Sebastian College from NCAA Seasons 87 to 90 with a runner-up finish in his first year as a coach of the team led by the ‘Pinatubo Trio’ Calvin Abueva, Ian Sangalang, and Ronald Pascual.
The ex-Stag took his act to Intramuros and steered the CJ Perez-led Lyceum to a historic 18-game elimination round sweep for an outright Finals appearance in Season 93 only to lose the series to San Beda.
Robinson will inherit a talented La Salle roster bannered by UAAP Season 85 top rookie Kevin Quiambao, former Mythical team member Michael Phillips, Evan Nelle, and Mark Nonoy, who missed the Final Four with a 7-7 record after losing to Adamson in the playoff for No.4, 80-76.
La Salle thanked Pumaren after two seasons as it didn’t renew the veteran coach when his contract expired last December 31.
“DLSU extends its appreciation to former head coach Derrick Pumaren for his dedicated service to the Green Archers,” the team said of Pumaren, who returned to the school in 2020 and ended the Green Archers’ five-year Final Four drought in Season 84.