JAVEE Mocon used to battle coach Topex Robinson in the past for the NCAA men's basketball championship.
Past forward to now, and the two are together in one team for that very same purpose.
Mocon welcomed the opportunity to play under Robinson at Phoenix following his trade by former team Rain or Shine to the Fuel Masters for sophomore big man Nick Demusis and a pair of future draft picks.
"Kami lagi magkalaban sa finals, so alam ko siya, kilala ko na siya," said the 27-year-old wingman, obviously referring to the days he was still playing for San Beda and battling Robinson and the Lyceum Pirates in the NCAA Finals.
"I saw him with other players, I saw him how he handles players. He's a very different kind of coach."
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Although he only practiced once with the Fuel Masters, Mocon was already utilized by Robinson in the team's PBA Philippine Cup debut game against San Miguel.
The new Fuel Master played for 19 minutes and finished with five points and seven rebounds in a 108-100 defeat to San Miguel.
While it may have ended in a loss, Mocon sees a lot of promise in his new-found team.
"It takes time. Like any team it takes time para mag-peak. It's a good start," he said.
And a good start too, for him playing under his former rival coach.
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"Very open, that's what I like in him very open (siya). Kung ano gusto mong sabihin, sabihin mo lang." (RG)
