Robinson is La Salle’s new coach

MANILA, Philippines — From a list of eight top candidates, Topex Robinson emerged as the choice to be the next coach of the La Salle Green Archers.

In a lengthy search, Robinson was deemed the best man for the job with the kind of package he can bring over to the Taft-based school, topped by his experience and connectivity with the mentality of today’s college players.

La Salle made the announcement of the appointment yesterday shortly after Bro. Bernie Oca, the university president, introduced Robinson to the team in a meeting at the La Salle Gym.

At La Salle, Robinson is inheriting a team that now includes former US NCAA Division I player DJ Mitchell.

With a stint with University of Hartford, the 6-foot-1 guard is good for a one-and-done journey in the UAAP while taking Masters at La Salle.

Mitchell’s grandfather is New York-based Filipino billionaire Tony Alvarez whose dream is for his grandson to play for his school.

Now with Robinson at the helm, La Salle is hoping for a turnaround to end a seven-year title drought after losing to Adamson in the playoff for No. 4 this season.

Robinson, 48, boasts of an impressive resume as a player and a coach with his latest tenure being Phoenix’s chief tactician in the pro league until last week when he did not sign a contract extension.

The former San Sebastian stalwart played for a decade in the PBA.

before transitioning to coaching as mentor of his alma mater then Lyceum in the NCAA as well as assistant coach for Alaska and Phoenix in the PBA.