Topex Robinson-coached Archers test mettle in new PBA D-League conference

MANILA, Philippines – Defending champion La Salle-EcoOil ushers in a new era with Topex Robinson as head coach in the eight-team PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup firing off on April 27 at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

The Green Archers, who appointed Robinson earlier this year in lieu of Derrick Pumaren, march into the battlefield with the largest target on its back in a bid to capture a second straight title before they rev up for a redemption bid in the UAAP. 

La Salle, then still under Pumaren, ruled the last D-League Aspirants’ Cup following a 2-1 win over Marinerong Pilipino, led by Conference MVP Juan Gomez de Liaño, in the finals.

Marinero is back on board anew, teaming up this time with San Beda to finally get the job done as three-time reigning NCAA champion Letran also joins the fray.

Completing the D-League cast are AMA Online Education, Centro Escolar University-Cafe France, St. Clare, University of Perpetual Help System Dalta, and the new team Philippine Sports Performance Fitness Gym.

All eight teams battle in single-round robin eliminations with the top two squads earning automatic semifinals tickets. The No. 3 and No. 4 squads then will enjoy twice-to-beat incentives against fifth and sixth-ranked teams in the quarterfinals.

The finale is to be played in a best-of-three series.

Representatives of each squad met with PBA officials on Thursday led by Commissioner Willie Marcial to iron out the D-League’s full-swing return with the full roster and schedule still to follow.

The PBA D-League, following a long pause due to the pandemic, only managed to stage one conference last season.