Archers hang hat on humility

MANILA, Philippines — De La Salle University men’s basketball head coach Topex Robinson never wavered in reminding his players to be humble throughout the UAAP season so when the final buzzer sounded to end the Finals that brought the Archers back to the throne after a seven-year wait before 25,192 fans at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last Wednesday, there were no stare-downs, no chest-thumps only the shaking of hands in the spirit of sportsmanship.

Robinson walked into the UAAP as a first-time coach with eyes wide open. He applied for the job when it became open after coach Derick Pumaren’s contract wasn’t renewed last December. Robinson took a leap of faith in leaving Phoenix in the PBA without a sure offer from La Salle but wanted to make himself available in case something landed on his table. It was never about money when the offer came and Robinson readily agreed to wear the Green and White.

From Day One, Robinson preached humility, knowing the temptation of college players to stand proudly in the face of popularity and adulation. The initials FSC. which are written after every La Salle Christian Brother’s name. stands for Frates Scholarum Christianarum (Brothers of the Christian Schools in Latin). But for Robinson, FSC means Faith, Service and Communion. The Archers welcomed Robinson’s principles as warmly as he embraced La Salle’s values. He enrolled in the school to finish his undergrad studies and some of his players were even classmates. His commitment to education was something he wanted to impart to the Archers by example.

La Salle’s journey was far from smooth sailing. The Archers lost to Ateneo in their second game and before the first round closed, they added two more setbacks. But against UE before the second round started, Robinson did the unthinkable. After UE opened a 48-37 lead at the half, Robinson felt the Archers weren’t responding to his instructions and yielded the coaching reins to assistant Caloy Garcia. In the second half, the Archers were determined to win it for Robinson and they did, 83-75. Robinson’s ultimate sacrifice of watching from the sidelines the entire second half awakened the Archers to realize they had a special coach