TOPEX Robinson had his coaching apprenticeship from no less than the best.
At the tail-end of his PBA career, Robinson decided to concentrate instead on learning the intricacies of coaching under the guidance of the master himself, Tim Cone.
The high-leaping guard was re-signed to a one-year contract extension by Alaska back in 2010 after winning a championship with the Aces during the Fiesta Conference. But aware he's not going to get the playing minutes anyway, he might as well spent the time on the bench doing other worthwhile matter.
And so he made a rather special compromise with Cone, the most accomplished coach in PBA history.
Nag-paalam ako kay coach Tim na masaya na ako that I was healthy, and sabi ko I want to take the next step. So nag-paalam ako kung puwede niya akong gawing staff, (kahit) taga-abot ng bola while still having a players' contract," said Robinson, now the top deputy of Louie Alas at Phoenix.
Sponsored content:
"I want to take it to the next journey, so kinalimutan ko na talaga yung basketball during that time, and I just focused on coaching."
Robinson felt he already accomplished enough as a player following an eight-year PBA stint that saw him play for Red Bull, Purefoods, and Alaska.
He won two championships and was a member of the league's All-Defensive team in 2006 despite just standing at 5-foot-11.
He was actually just signed to a three-month contract by the Aces as a back-up guard to LA Tenorio during the quarterfinals of the season-ending conference and ended up as part of the team's championship unit.
"I know I was just playing on borrowed time and yun, naka-tsamba ng championship. Sabi nga nila napa-daan lang ako, nag-champion pa kami," said the 45-year-old native of Olongapo City.
Sponsored content:
Since he was still in the league, Robinson thought to take advantage of the opportunity to jump start a career in coaching.
"Ang hirap lumabas sa PBA and then babalik ka as a coach. So habang nandito ako sa PBA might as well na kunin ko na yung coaching opportunity," he said.
The effort bore fruit.
Topex became head coach of San Sebastian and shortly after, joined Alaska as part of its coaching staff. Unfortunately, Cone was no longer with the Aces during that time.
Robinson went on and win another championship with the Aces during the 2013 Commissioner's Cup as among the deputies of coach Luigi Trillo.
He also became head coach of Lyceum Pirates and put on a program that steered the team to two NCAA Finals stint, before joining Alas as first assistant at Phoenix.
"Most of my career bangko ako, so nasa bench lang ako talaga," said Robinson. "So doon ko na napa-practice yung pagiging coach (ko)."
There was no turning back from there for coach Topex. (RG)
