Robinson takes over Pirates

MANILA, Philippines - Topex Robinson will move over to Lyceum starting next NCAA season with the former San Sebastian College mentor hoping to help the Intramuros-based squad make a championship run in Season 91.

“Not yet signed but in principle, it’s already agreed upon,” a source told The STAR yesterday.

With Robinson at the helm, the Stags made the NCAA finals three years ago but were swept by eventual champions the San Beda Lions.

But Robinson is confident that with right recruitment and motivation, the Pirates can make a big stride in coming season after failing to make the Final Four in their first three years in the league.

In 2012, Robinson resigned from SSC midway through the season to focus on an assistant coaching job at Alaska Milk in the PBA. He however returned the following year and steered San Sebastian to a surprise Final Four appearance despite losing his three stars – Calvin Abueva, Ian Sangalang and Ronald Pascual – to the pro league.

The Stags, however, turned in a disappointing eighth place finish this year on a mediocre 5-13 (win-loss) record.