Topex Robinson couldn't pass up the opportunity to coach 'dream school' La Salle

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 20) — After weeks of searching, De La Salle University (DLSU) found its new men's basketball head coach in Topex Robinson.

The talented tactician, who has a knack for developing promising players to their full potential, was announced on Thursday as the new mentor of the DLSU Green Archers in the UAAP.

Robinson said he could not pass the chance of coaching La Salle which he said was his dream school.

Things did not go according to plan during his amateur career as he played for the San Sebastian College-Recoletos in the NCAA, but fate would bring him to Taft Avenue after almost three decades.

"The opportunity to coach the school that I dreamed of playing back in 1995, it's really something that I don't want to let go the opportunity with no guarantee that I'd land the job until yesterday when I was able to speak to Brother Bernie (Oca) and that's the only time I could say I'm part of the De La Salle right now," he told CNN Philippines' Sports Desk Friday.

"I've gone through a lot and I know it's worth it because it's something I dreamed of for the longest time," he added.

Expectations will be higher than ever for Robinson who is tasked with leading La Salle back to the UAAP Final Four following a fifth place finish in Season 85.

"I will serve La Salle to its purpose together with the team and players so it's a bigger responsibility. This is something that I guess every coach wants to have an opportunity, to represent the team with so much tradition and respect," the 48-year-old said.

Meanwhile, Robinson said it was a tough decision to leave the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters where he spent five years.

"It's hard because I've been part of the PBA for ages now as a player and coach. Phoenix was the team that first gave me the head coaching opportunity which I will forever be grateful."