By MARK REY MONTEJO
La Salle head coach Topex Robinson has been named team consultant of College of St. Benilde men’s basketball team with hope that his collaboration with coach Charles Tiu would end the school’s title drought in the NCAA.
The 51-year-old tactician, who helped the Green Archers win two UAAP titles in the past three years, was tapped by the Blazers to strengthen their campaign for the upcoming NCAA Season 102.
“The Benildean Community welcomes: Coach Topex Robinson as Team Consultant of the Benilde Blazers’ Basketball Team. Fresh off a championship run, he brings a winning culture to this side of Taft,” the Benilde Sports wrote on its social media post.
This would not be the first time Robinson will work in the grand old league as he previously handled San Sebastian and the once CJ Perez-led Lyceum Pirates.
The two-time PBA guard also played in the NCAA during his collegiate days, helping the Stags clinch their back-to-back crowns in 1996 and 1997 editions.
His presence would be a big boost for the Blazers which fell short in their last two Finals appearances and several semis runs.
The last time the Taft-based squad ruled the NCAA was in 2000 where Sunday Salvacion and Finals MVP Mark Magsumbol, under the tutelage of late former national team head coach Dong Vergeire, spearheaded Benilde’s title series sweep over San Sebastian.
Apart from Robinson, coach Gilbert Lao has been named big man and defensive coach.
The Blazers, who held a 9-4 tally in the eliminations, finished as fourth place last season, yielding to Perpetual Altas in third-place playoff after they stumbled to eventual champion San Beda Red Lions in the semis.
