Topex, San Sebastian near deal

MANILA, Philippines – With the Letran Knights finally ending their search for a new coach, their Final Four nemesis San Sebastian Golden Stags look cinch to lure back an old hand.

Topex Robinson and the Stags are nearing a deal to finally bring him back for an “unfinished business.”

Robinson told Philstar.com that they are just ironing out few more kinks to make it official.

“Maayos naman ang mga naging past meetings namin (Our past meetings have been good). Actually, they want to start na next week but until I signed a contract, it’s not yet official,” Robinson told Philstar.com.

Robinson, who left the squad in the middle of last season for personal reasons, wants to bring the Stags back in the Finals.

With assistant coach Allan Trinidad replacing him after he left, the Stags squandered a twice-to-beat advantage to the Knights in the Final Four.

“I am hoping that the other players will return. Intact pa rin naman ang team saved for Calvin (Abueva), Ronald (Pascual) and (Lyle) Antipuesto kaya I think malakas pa rin kami next season kung sakali,” Robinson added.

Robinson, who is also one of the Alaska Aces’ assistant coaches in the PBA, went through the process to get his job back.

“There is a four-man selection committee. Dumaan ulit ako dun (I went through that). And so far, so good naman. Minor details na lang ang pinag-uusapan namin. Gusto nila mabuo muna ang coaching staff,” Robinson added.

The Stags want alumni to comprise the coaching staff and Robinson is welcoming that idea.

“Ok nga yun. Kasi mas maganda naman kung kilala talaga ng (San Sebastian) community ang hahawak sa team. I’ll be happy to work with them especially if former teammates ko pa,” said Robinson, who played for the Stags’ five-peat team in the 90s.