Topex quits as SSC coach for PBA job

MANILA, Philippines - Topex Robinson yesterday resigned as coach of San Sebastian to focus on his assistant coaching job in the PBA.

Robinson, 36, has informed San Sebastian athletic director Frank Gusi of his “irrevocable” resignation, saying he didn’t want to give a half-hearted effort to the Stags while serving as one of Alaska Milk coach Luigi Trillo’s assistants.

“With a sad heart, I have resigned as coach of San Sebastian to focus on being an assistant coach at Alaska Milk,” said Robinson. “As much as I wanted to stay and finish the season, I could not because it would be unfair to the team and to the school because I would not be giving my 100 percent.”

Robinson though said he will not leave the team completely, saying he would be more than willing to stay as consultant and help school officials find his replacement.

“I will still help the team but on a different capacity,” he said.

Gusi, San Sebastian’s representative to the league Management Committee, however, said school management hasn’t been informed of Robinson’s resignation.

“That is unofficial,” said Gusi. “As of now he’s still the coach and the management doesn’t know it yet. No replacement yet and he will not be replaced.”

Robinson steered the Stags to the finals last season where they lost to the San Beda Lions.

He also piloted the Stags to the 2011 Phl Collegiate title where they bested four-time titlist Ateneo twice.

In the current season, Robinson helped San Sebastian finish on top alongside San Beda and Jose Rizal on 7-2 marks after the first round. But the Stags absorbed a 67-77 defeat at the hands of the Emilio Aguinaldo Generals last week.

At Alaska, Robinson will join Letran coach Louie Alas, who was also tapped as one of Trillo’s assistants recently.