By MARK REY MONTEJO
La Salle coach Topex Robinson is making sure that no stones would be left unturned as the Green Archers expects a more challenging and exciting year when the the UAAP Season 87 which kicks off this weekend.
For the youthful coach, the mentality for his wards is that they are no longer the champion team from last season and they have to be ready to prove it all over again.
But that is not to say that La Salle is not ready. In fact, they are expecting it and have been preparing for it all offseason long.
“We’re not the champions anymore, and what we want to focus on is how to be champions again and it was something that we’re prepared for,” said Robinson.
“And it’s something na excited kaming lahat, because it’s going to be an exciting season gaya ng mga nakaraang seasons, we’re really excited to face the season with really a solid front,” he added.
La Salle capped off its championship run in Season 86 by beating the UP Fighting Maroon in three games. It also outlasted NU Bulldogs in the semifinal after finishing the eliminations with an impressive 11-3 record.
The Green Archers also got key additions to the team and it’s certainly a good problem that they have an abundance of talents to choose from. The Taft-based squad has yet to finalize its lineup and it has only two days left to do so.
While key figures from the last season’s run in Evan Nelle, Francis Escandor, Joaqui Manuel and Mark Nonoy have all departed the team, Robinson was far from being bothered knowing full well that his players would take the opportunity to step up and shine.
“Well if you’re going to represent DLSU, there’s always a reason you’re a part of us. We recruit players that we’ll be integral in what we’re building,” he continued.
“So, the fact you make it to our lineup means you have a purpose to serve and to fill in the gaps that we had when we lost our veterans last season.”
La Salle, though, will have mainstays in MVP Kevin Quiambao and Mike Phillips to take on the leadership role as the team tries to rediscover its identity with its new pieces.
“You’ll see a lot of innovation in our program and a lot of experiments along the way and everybody’s ready for that. Because that’s how we build this environment, those guys who try new things is welcome and make our program really grow,” said Robinson
The Green Archers open their campaign against NU at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 8, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
