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Topex Robinson
View on WikipediaMichael Christopher "Topex" Robinson (born December 25, 1976)[1] is a Filipino professional basketball coach and former player who is the head coach for the De La Salle Green Archers of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP). He previously coached the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). He was drafted 44th overall by the Tanduay Rhum Masters.
Key Information
Playing career
[edit]Robinson was a member of the San Sebastian Stags team that won several titles in 1990s.[2]
He also first played for the San Juan Knights in the MBA.
Robinson played point guard. He played for Montaña in the PBL and was then signed as a free agent by Yeng Guiao in 2003 to play for Red Bull Thunder as a backup point guard.[3][4]
After the 2008 PBA Fiesta Conference ended, the Red Bull waived him. He was immediately signed by the Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants for the 2008–09 PBA season.[5] After one season with Purefoods, he worked as a caregiver in the US for eight months to support his family. During the 2010 PBA Fiesta Conference, he was signed by Alaska. Alaska won the championship that season.[3]
Coaching career
[edit]Robinson started as an assistant under Tim Cone in Alaska Aces, his last played team in the middle of 2010–11 season.[6][7]
Robinson was named coach of the RnW Pacific Pipes team in the PBA D-League during the 2011 PBA D-League Foundation Cup, leading the team to the quarterfinals.[8] In June 2011, Robinson was named coach of the San Sebastian Stags.[9] After the Stags lost to the San Beda Red Lions in the Finals of NCAA Season 87, Robinson led the Stags to the 2011 Philippine Collegiate Championship, beating the Ateneo Blue Eagles in two games.[10][11]
In 2012, he returned to the PBA as he joined the Alaska Aces as an assistant coach to Luigi Trillo and Alex Compton from 2012 to 2017.[12] Robinson also served as the head coach of the Lyceum Pirates from 2015 to 2019. He led the Pirates to winning the title in the 2017 PCCL National Collegiate Championship, beating the San Beda Red Lions.[13][14] In 2018, Robinson led Zark's-Lyceum to the championship in the 2018 PBA D-League Aspirants' Cup.[15][16] He became the head coach of the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters in 2020.[17]
Robinson left Phoenix in January 2023.[18][19][20][21] In the same month, he was named as the new head coach of the De La Salle Green Archers.[22][23][24][25] In his first year, he led the Green Archers to their first UAAP Finals appearance since 2017,[26][27] and ended a seven-year title drought.[28][29] Robinson joined a group of La Salle mentors who reached the UAAP finals in their first year as head coach and won the championship. This includes coaches Franz Pumaren, Juno Sauler, and Aldin Ayo.[30][31] In June 2024, he was recognized by the Collegiate Press Corps as the UAAP Men's Basketball Coach of the Year for the 2023–24 season.[32][33] In August 2024, he led the Green Archers to sweep the 2024 World University Basketball Series in Tokyo, Japan.[34][35]
In May 2025, Robinson and the Green Archers won against the Ateneo Blue Eagles to claim the championship of the 2025 AsiaBasket College Campus Tour.[36] In UAAP Season 88, Robinson and the Green Archers entered the Final Four as the fourth seed. They swept the top-seeded NU Bulldogs to return to the finals to face the then defending champions, the UP Fighting Maroons, for the third consecutive year. The De La Salle Green Archers dethroned the UP Fighting Maroons during the best-of-three series, having lost Game 2 but won Games 1 and 3 to claim their 11th UAAP championship and their second title under Robinson.[37][38] The Green Archers became the second fourth seed team to win the title after the NU Bulldogs from UAAP Season 77 in 2014.[39][40]
Personal life
[edit]Robinson studied in San Sebastian College – Recoletos, and played for the San Sebastian Stags in the NCAA.[2] Aside from being the head coach of the De La Salle Green Archers in the UAAP,[41] Robinson is taking up Sports Management at De La Salle University. He is currently the only UAAP student-coach to lead a team from a school where he is also studying.[42][43]
PBA career statistics
[edit]| Legend | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP | Games played | MPG | Minutes per game | ||
| FG% | Field-goal percentage | 3P% | 3-point field-goal percentage | FT% | Free-throw percentage |
| RPG | Rebounds per game | APG | Assists per game | SPG | Steals per game |
| BPG | Blocks per game | PPG | Points per game | Bold | Career high |
Season-by-season averages
[edit]| Year | Team | GP | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Red Bull | 16 | 15.4 | .575 | .571 | .474 | 2.2 | 3.4 | 1.0 | .0 | 3.7 |
| 2004–05 | Red Bull | 70 | 17.0 | .353 | .179 | .488 | 3.3 | 2.8 | 1.0 | .1 | 3.6 |
| 2005–06 | Red Bull | 65 | 19.4 | .439 | .192 | .481 | 3.9 | 2.8 | .8 | .2 | 5.1 |
| 2006–07 | Red Bull | 51 | 16.4 | .417 | .100 | .448 | 3.1 | 2.3 | 1.0 | .0 | 4.4 |
| 2007–08 | Red Bull | 45 | 17.7 | .407 | .184 | .545 | 3.9 | 3.4 | 1.3 | .1 | 5.9 |
| 2008–09 | Purefoods | 30 | 19.4 | .435 | .250 | .591 | 3.8 | 2.3 | 1.2 | .0 | 3.2 |
| 2009–10 | Alaska | 8 | 5.0 | .500 | — | — | .9 | .6 | .0 | .0 | .8 |
| 2010–11 | Alaska | 2 | 8.0 | — | — | — | 2.0 | 1.5 | .0 | .0 | .0 |
| Career | 287 | 17.3 | .413 | .191 | .502 | 3.4 | 2.7 | 1.0 | .1 | 4.3 | |
Coaching record
[edit]Collegiate record
[edit]| Season | Team | Elimination round | Playoffs | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Finish | GP | W | L | PCT | GP | W | L | PCT | Results | ||
| 2011 | SSC-R | 2nd | 18 | 16 | 2 | .888 | 4 | 1 | 3 | .667 | Runner-up |
| 2012 | 2nd | 10 | 7 | 3 | .700 | — | — | — | — | (Resigned) | |
| 2013 | 3rd | 18 | 11 | 7 | .611 | 2 | 1 | 1 | .500 | Semifinals | |
| 2014 | 8th | 18 | 5 | 13 | .277 | — | — | — | — | Eliminated | |
| 2015 | LPU | 9th | 18 | 4 | 14 | .222 | — | — | — | — | Eliminated |
| 2016 | 9th | 18 | 6 | 12 | .333 | — | — | — | — | Eliminated | |
| 2017 | 1st | 18 | 18 | 0 | 1.000 | 2 | 0 | 2 | .000 | Runner-up | |
| 2018 | 2nd | 18 | 15 | 3 | .833 | 3 | 1 | 2 | .333 | Runner-up | |
| 2019 | 2nd | 18 | 13 | 5 | .722 | 1 | 0 | 1 | .000 | Semifinals | |
| 2023 | DLSU | 2nd | 14 | 11 | 3 | .786 | 4 | 3 | 1 | .750 | Champion |
| 2024 | 1st | 14 | 12 | 2 | .857 | 4 | 2 | 2 | .500 | Runner-up | |
| Totals | 184 | 118 | 64 | .641 | 20 | 8 | 12 | .400 | 1 championship | ||
Professional career
[edit]| Season | Conference | Team | Elimination round | Playoffs | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Finish | GP | W | L | PCT | GP | W | L | PCT | Results | |||
| 2020 | Philippine Cup | Phoenix Super LPG | 2nd | 11 | 8 | 3 | .727 | 6 | 3 | 3 | .500 | Semifinals |
| 2021 | Philippine Cup | Phoenix Super LPG | 9th | 11 | 4 | 7 | .364 | — | — | — | — | Eliminated |
| Governors' Cup | 8th | 11 | 5 | 6 | .445 | 1 | 0 | 1 | .000 | Quarterfinals | ||
| 2022–23 | Philippine Cup | Phoenix Super LPG | 11th | 11 | 3 | 8 | .273 | — | — | — | — | Eliminated |
| Commissioner's Cup | 7th | 12 | 6 | 6 | .500 | 1 | 0 | 1 | .000 | Quarterfinals | ||
| Totals | 56 | 26 | 30 | .464 | 8 | 3 | 5 | .375 | 0 championships | |||
References
[edit]- ^ "Bona fide Lasallista: UAAP champion Topex Robinson embraces freshly grown Taft roots". The Philippine Star. December 7, 2023.
- ^ a b "In NCAA, hunger to prove worth is top quality, says player-turned-coach Topex Robinson". GMA News. May 6, 2021.
- ^ a b Tantengco, Ceej (October 27, 2016). "'It's not always about talent' - What PBA hopefuls can learn from Coach Topex Robinson - SLAMonline Philippines". SLAM Online PH. Archived from the original on 2017-08-11. Retrieved 2025-02-24.
- ^ Terrado, Jonas (April 20, 2020). "HE'S A WINNER". Retrieved 2025-02-24 – via PressReader.
- ^ Red Bull Undergoes Revamp
- ^ "How Tim Cone jumpstarted Topex Robinson's coaching career". ESPN.com. 2020-10-21. Retrieved 2024-03-14.
- ^ "How Tim Cone prepared Topex Robinson for coaching career". Spin.ph. Retrieved 2024-03-14.
- ^ "Gilmore-RnW duel kicks off PBA D-League". The Philippine Star. March 12, 2011.
- ^ "Robinson to coach Stags in 87th NCAA season". GMA News. June 30, 2011.
- ^ "Stags dethrone PCCL champ Blue Eagles". GMA News. December 15, 2011.
- ^ "Stags trim Blue Eagles for PCCL title". Inquirer. December 15, 2011.
- ^ "Cariaso to Topex: 'Coming from the Alaska culture, I expect more class'". Tiebreaker Times. March 3, 2022.
- ^ "Lyceum gets revenge, beats San Beda for PCCL title". ABS-CBN News. February 15, 2018.
- ^ "Topex savors first major title for Lyceum, but quick to turn focus on D-League stint". SPIN.ph. February 15, 2018.
- ^ "Zark's-Lyceum rallies past Che'Lu, seizes PBA D-League title". ABS-CBN News. May 1, 2018.
- ^ "Secret ingredient: Zark's Burger-Lyceum won the Aspirants' Cup crown because of trust". ESPN. May 2, 2018.
- ^ "Jeff Perlas named Lyceum coach as Topex Robinson leads Phoenix". Rappler. October 4, 2020.
- ^ "PBA: Topex Robinson leaves Phoenix Super LPG". ABS-CBN News. January 12, 2023.
- ^ "Phoenix parts ways with Topex Robinson; Jamike Jarin named as interim head coach". GMA News. January 12, 2023.
- ^ "PBA: Topex Robinson, Phoenix mutually part ways". Inquirer. January 12, 2023.
- ^ "Phoenix, Topex Robinson part ways after 5 years". Rappler. January 12, 2023.
- ^ "La Salle appoints Topex Robinson as new Green Archers coach". The Philippine Star. January 19, 2023.
- ^ "'Dream of mine': Topex Robinson named new La Salle coach". Rappler. January 19, 2023.
- ^ "Topex Robinson takes over as La Salle head coach". Inquirer. January 19, 2023.
- ^ "Topex Robinson tapped as new La Salle head coach". GMA News. January 19, 2023.
- ^ "Topex Robinson wants Finals-bound La Salle to 'enjoy the moment'". Inquirer. November 26, 2023.
- ^ "'Enjoy the moment': Topex Robinson wants La Salle to relish UAAP finals run vs UP". Rappler. November 28, 2023.
- ^ "Champ at last: Topex Robinson ends 'runner-up curse' with La Salle". Rappler. December 6, 2023.
- ^ "Now-champion coach Topex bares self-doubt after Archers lopsidedly lost Game 1". The Philippine Star. December 6, 2023.
- ^ "Topex Robinson follows footsteps of Pumaren, Sauler, Ayo". Manila Bulletin. December 6, 2023.
- ^ "After series of heartbreaks, winning first collegiate championship feels surreal for Topex Robinson". The Manila Times. December 7, 2023.
- ^ "Robinson, Escueta lead 7 top collegiate coaches in press corps awards". Rappler. June 10, 2024.
- ^ "Haydee Ong, Topex Robinson, NU coaches to be feted with Coach of the Year awards". Tiebreaker Times. June 11, 2024.
- ^ "La Salle dominates Korea U to rule WUBS". Tiebreaker Times. August 12, 2024.
- ^ "La Salle sweeps WUBS with rout of Korea University". SPIN.ph. August 12, 2024.
- ^ "La Salle dominates Ateneo at Moro for Asiabasket title". Tiebreaker Times. May 11, 2025.
- ^ "REDEMPTION: La Salle outlasts UP to reclaim UAAP men's basketball crown". ABS-CBN News. December 17, 2025.
- ^ "Archers best Maroons to reclaim UAAP men's basketball crown". The Philippine Star. December 17, 2025.
- ^ "Doubts to destiny: La Salle trumps rival UP, rises from 4th seed for UAAP title". Rappler. December 17, 2025.
- ^ "Trilogy Ends in Green: 4th seed La Salle tops UP to reclaim UAAP Men's Basketball title". Tiebreaker Times. December 17, 2025.
- ^ "Topex Robinson couldn't pass up the opportunity to coach 'dream school' La Salle". CNN Philippines. January 20, 2023. Archived from the original on January 20, 2023.
- ^ "COLUMN: Topex splits time coaching La Salle and finishing his degree". SPIN.ph. November 25, 2023.
- ^ "By becoming a DLSU student, Topex turns into best teacher to his players". SPIN.ph. December 8, 2023.
- ^ "Topex Robinson Player Profile - PBA-Online.net". PBA-Online.net. Archived from the original on March 7, 2014.
External links
[edit]Topex Robinson
View on GrokipediaEarly life and education
Childhood and family background
Michael Christopher Robinson, known as Topex, was born on December 25, 1979, in Olongapo City, Philippines.[1][12] Robinson grew up in Olongapo as the son of a US Navy serviceman father and a Filipino mother who contributed to the family's support amid financial challenges.[12] His mixed heritage led to a difficult childhood marked by taunts and prejudice over his lighter skin color, experiences he later described as growing up "na iba ang kulay ko" while attending Mabayuan Elementary School.[12] The closure of the US naval base in Olongapo influenced the local economy and community, prompting Robinson to briefly move to Guam for work after high school, taking on multiple jobs before returning to pursue opportunities in the Philippines.[12] Basketball exposure in his early years stemmed from the sport's popularity in the area due to American influence, though his family's limited resources meant he received minimal support for athletic pursuits, fostering a sense of self-reliance from a young age.[12]Academic and early basketball influences
Michael Christopher Robinson, known as Topex, attended Mabayuan Elementary School in Barangay Mabaluan, Olongapo City, for his primary education. He continued his schooling at Columban College in Olongapo for high school, where he balanced academics with emerging athletic interests.[12] Robinson's early basketball experiences began during his elementary years at Mabayuan, where he first engaged in organized play through local youth activities in the Olongapo area. By high school at Columban College, he actively participated in basketball, competing in varsity games and regional tournaments within Olongapo and the broader Zambales region during the early 1990s. These formative years laid the groundwork for his passion for the sport, though specific academic performance details from this period remain undocumented in public records. Supported by his family's encouragement amid humble circumstances, Robinson's initial team experiences involved school-based squads and community leagues, fostering his skills as a guard despite his modest 5'7" stature. No notable individual awards from these pre-college endeavors are recorded, but his consistent involvement highlighted an early dedication.[12]Playing career
College basketball at San Sebastian
Topex Robinson enrolled at San Sebastian College-Recoletos in the mid-1990s and joined the San Sebastian Stags basketball team in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), debuting during the 1996 season.[13] As a 5-foot-9 guard, he primarily served as a reserve player, contributing to the team's defensive efforts and playmaking from the bench with his scrappy, tenacious style focused on steals and assists.[14] His role emphasized team-oriented contributions rather than scoring, aligning with the Stags' dominant, all-Filipino lineup during their historic run. Robinson was part of the Stags' back-to-back NCAA championships in 1996 and 1997, helping extend the program's streak to five consecutive titles from 1993 to 1997. In the 1996 season, the team posted a 12-2 record and swept the San Beda Red Lions in the finals, with Robinson providing key bench support alongside starters like team captain Rommel Daep and MVP Romel Adducul. The following year, the Stags achieved a perfect 13-0 regular season mark, considered one of the strongest teams in NCAA history, defeating San Beda again in the finals; Robinson featured among the reserves with teammates such as Jerome Barbosa, Alvin Pua, and rookie Mark Macapagal, contributing through defensive plays and assists in high-stakes games.[14][15] Over his collegiate tenure from 1996 to 1999, Robinson helped the Stags maintain their status as a powerhouse, though individual statistics are limited in records, with his impact highlighted in team successes rather than personal accolades like All-NCAA honors. Following graduation, he transitioned to professional basketball, entering the 2001 PBA draft where he was selected in the third round (44th overall) by the Tanduay Rhum Masters.[5]PBA professional playing tenure
Robinson was selected 44th overall in the third round of the 2001 PBA Draft by the Tanduay Rhum Masters. After spending two years as a free agent without securing a roster spot, he signed with the Red Bull Barako in 2003 as a backup point guard under coach Yeng Guiao. His professional debut marked the beginning of an eight-year tenure primarily as a defensive specialist, leveraging his quickness and court awareness honed from college. Robinson spent the bulk of his career with Red Bull from 2003 to 2008, contributing to their gritty, physical style of play that earned them the nickname "Bad Boys." In 2008, following the Fiesta Conference, Red Bull waived him, and he was promptly signed by the Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants for the 2008–09 season, where he provided veteran leadership off the bench. He then joined the Alaska Aces in 2010, reuniting with coach Tim Cone and serving as a reliable reserve during the 2010 Fiesta Conference, where the team won the championship over San Miguel Beer. During his time with Red Bull, Robinson played a supporting role in their 2005–06 Fiesta Conference championship, helping the team defeat Purefoods in the finals through tenacious perimeter defense and hustle plays that complemented the starting backcourt. Later, with Alaska, he earned his second ring in the 2010 Fiesta Conference, appearing in limited minutes during the playoffs but providing steady ball-handling and defensive intensity in a veteran-laden roster that clinched the title over San Miguel Beer. Known initially for his explosive athleticism from his college days, Robinson's playing style evolved into that of a quintessential floor general focused on defense and facilitation, earning him a spot on the 2006 PBA All-Defensive Team. However, recurring injuries in his later years limited his minutes and effectiveness, contributing to his retirement after the 2010 season at age 30. Over 287 games in his career, he averaged 4.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game.Coaching career
Assistant and early head coaching roles
Following his retirement from professional basketball in 2011, Topex Robinson transitioned immediately into coaching as the head coach of the San Sebastian Stags in the NCAA. Appointed just days before the start of Season 87, he led the team to a strong 16-2 elimination round record, securing a finals appearance against the undefeated San Beda Red Lions, though they fell in the championship series.[16] Robinson's debut season also extended to the postseason Philippine Collegiate Champions League (PCCL), where the Stags defeated the UAAP champion Ateneo Blue Eagles 73-67 in the finals to claim the title.[17][18] Robinson returned for the 2012 NCAA Season 88, guiding the Stags to a 13-5 elimination round finish and a semifinal berth, but they were eliminated by Letran in a two-game series after a 93-72 Game 2 loss. In Season 89 (2013), the Stags posted an 11-7 record, tying for fourth place and advancing via an 81-71 playoff win over Perpetual Help; however, they were swept in the semifinals by Letran 85-58. His tenure concluded midway through Season 90 (2014) amid a struggling 5-13 overall team record, as Robinson resigned in December to prioritize family matters, marking the end of his initial four-year stint with San Sebastian.[19][18] Concurrent with his early college coaching, Robinson joined the Alaska Aces as an assistant coach in 2011 under head coach Tim Cone, continuing in the role until 2017 under subsequent head coaches including Joel Banal, Louie Alas, Luigi Trillo, and Alex Compton.[5] During this period, he contributed to the team's strategic development, particularly in defensive schemes drawn from his playing experience as a quick point guard, helping Alaska secure the 2013 Commissioner's Cup championship with a 3-0 sweep over Barangay Ginebra.[5] His time with Alaska overlapped significantly with his collegiate duties, as he balanced assisting the Aces through their 2016-17 campaigns while serving as head coach at Lyceum of the Philippines University starting in 2015, emphasizing a defensive-first philosophy that prioritized team accountability and hustle—hallmarks of his own on-court tenacity during his PBA days.[20] In 2017, after departing Alaska, Robinson briefly joined the Phoenix Fuel Masters as lead assistant under Louie Alas before focusing more on collegiate and developmental roles. He made his mark as a head coach in the PBA D-League during the 2018 Aspirants' Cup, leading Zark's Burger-Lyceum to the championship with a 78-68 finals victory over Che'Lu Bar and Grill-San Sebastian, completing a 14-2 conference run that showcased his ability to integrate young talent with structured plays. This success highlighted his early coaching versatility, blending professional insights from Alaska with the player development focus honed at San Sebastian and Lyceum.[21][22]Collegiate head coaching achievements
Robinson began his collegiate head coaching career with the Lyceum Pirates in the NCAA in 2015, compiling an overall record of 98-68 over five seasons. Under his leadership, the Pirates achieved significant milestones, including back-to-back NCAA Finals appearances in 2017 and an undefeated 18-0 elimination round in Season 93.[23] The team also secured the 2017 PCCL National Collegiate Championship, defeating the [San Beda Red Lions](/page/San Beda_Red_Lions) in the finals, marking Lyceum's first title in the tournament.[24] In 2023, Robinson transitioned to the De La Salle Green Archers in the UAAP, where he immediately led the team to the Season 86 championship, ending a seven-year title drought and breaking the program's "runner-up curse" with a 73-69 victory over the UP Fighting Maroons in Game 3 of the finals.[3] This success continued into the PBA D-League Aspirants' Cup, where the La Salle-EcoOil squad, under Robinson's guidance, defended their title as defending champions.[25] His tenure with the Green Archers through 2025 has emphasized program revival, with key contributions to player growth, such as developing forward Kevin Quiambao into a two-time UAAP MVP through targeted skill enhancement and leadership cultivation.[26] In UAAP Season 87 (2024), La Salle reached the finals again but lost to UP in Game 3, with Robinson owning tactical decisions in the loss while committing to growth.[9] In July 2025, he signed a three-year contract extension with La Salle, expressing determination to build on past successes with incoming talents like Jacob Cortez and Mason Amos amid the post-Kevin Quiambao era.[10] Robinson's coaching style blends infectious swagger to instill confidence—rediscovering the Archers' trademark bravado—with calm composure during high-pressure moments, adapting from his earlier NCAA roles to foster team resilience.[27] For his efforts in Season 86, he earned the 2024 UAAP Men's Basketball Coach of the Year award from the Collegiate Press Corps.[28] Overall, Robinson's collegiate achievements have transformed underperforming programs into contenders, producing PBA talents from Lyceum and restoring La Salle's dominance in the UAAP.[29]Professional head coaching stints
Topex Robinson assumed the role of head coach for the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) in September 2020, initially on an interim basis following the team's decision to part ways with Louie Alas amid health protocol issues during preseason training.[7] He was elevated to full-time head coach effective November 1, 2020, after demonstrating early success in the bubble environment of the 2020 Philippine Cup.[30] Under Robinson, the Fuel Masters achieved an 8-3 record in the elimination round, clinching second place and marking the team's first semifinal appearance in the conference, though they fell short of the finals in a 3-1 series loss to Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.[31] His poised leadership as a rookie PBA head coach drew praise, culminating in PBA legend Tim Cone sharing the Outstanding Coach of the Bubble award with him, presented by the PBA Press Corps.[32] Robinson's strategic approach centered on a fast-paced running game bolstered by consistent defensive pressure, which propelled the team's offensive output while addressing prior defensive vulnerabilities.[33] In player management, he prioritized the development of the young core, including talents like Javee Mocon and Tyler Tio, whose complementary styles contributed to surprise winning stretches in later conferences by flipping the team's identity toward defensive reliability.[34] Following the 2022 departure of star guard Matthew Wright, Robinson challenged emerging guards to elevate their contributions, fostering resilience amid roster changes and internal distractions.[35][36] These efforts helped maintain Phoenix as a consistent playoff contender across his tenure, with semifinal runs in key conferences highlighting his ability to build team cohesion.[37] Despite these achievements, the Fuel Masters encountered challenges, including multiple early playoff exits and struggles to advance beyond semifinals, compounded by defensive inconsistencies that occasionally undermined their offensive strengths.[38] Robinson's contract expired on December 31, 2022, leading to a mutual decision not to renew the partnership, announced in January 2023 after five years with the organization—three as assistant and two as head coach.[39] This separation, despite a lucrative extension offer from Phoenix, allowed Robinson to transition to collegiate basketball, where his PBA-honed skills in professional athlete management, strategic adaptability, and maintaining momentum under pressure proved instrumental in subsequent roles.[40][20]Personal life
Family and relationships
Topex Robinson is in a long-term partnership with Lerma, with whom he shares three children.[41] As of January 2023, their eldest son, Karl, was 28 years old and works in digital marketing; their daughter, KC, was 21 and pursuing a nursing degree at Far Eastern University; and their youngest son, KJ, was 19, having previously attended La Salle Greenhills before transferring to Treston International School for Grade 11.[41] Robinson has three children in total, reflecting his commitment to family amid his demanding coaching career.[42] From his early family background, Robinson was born to Maria, a native of Sorsogon, Philippines, and James, a retired U.S. military serviceman from Roanoke, Virginia, who passed away in 1999 at age 68; his mother died around 2021.[41] He has two sisters who reside and work in the United States, though they have no noted involvement in sports.[41]Education and non-basketball pursuits
In 2023, Topex Robinson enrolled in the Sports Management program at De La Salle University, marking him as a unique student-coach in the UAAP while serving as head coach of the Green Archers.[43] This dual role allows him to share classes with players such as EJ Gollena and Earl Abadam, fostering deeper team bonds through shared academic experiences and dormitory life.[42][44] Robinson's pursuit of the degree stems from a desire to secure professional options beyond coaching, recognizing its transient nature, and to fully immerse himself in the Lasallian culture as a "legit Lasallista."[42] He aims to complete the program in two to three years, planning a full course load to balance studies with his coaching duties.[42] The coursework enhances his coaching by providing insights into management strategies, leadership, and team dynamics, which he applies to build trust and a championship program.[44] In July 2025, Robinson signed a three-year contract extension with De La Salle University, committing to the Green Archers through sustained program development.[10] This extension aligns with his emphasis on long-term personal growth, as he views the role's pressures as opportunities to evolve as a leader and mentor, integrating academic learnings to elevate both individual and team performance.[10]Playing statistics
PBA career totals
Over his eight-season tenure in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) from 2003 to 2011, Topex Robinson appeared in 287 games, accumulating 1,230 points, 978 rebounds, and 776 assists, while averaging 4.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game.[2] His shooting efficiency included a 44.8% field goal percentage on 462 makes out of 1,031 attempts, a modest 19.1% from three-point range on 29 makes from 152 tries, and 50.2% from the free-throw line with 219 makes out of 436 attempts.[2] Robinson's scoring output varied by team, reflecting his transitions across franchises: he tallied 59 points in 16 games with Batang Red Bull in 2003, 249 points over 70 games with Red Bull Barako Coffee from 2004 to 2005, a career-high 331 points in 65 games during the 2005-06 season with Red Bull Energy Drink, 489 points across 96 games with Red Bull Barako in 2006-07 and 2007-08, 96 points in 30 games with Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants in 2008-09, and just 6 points in 10 games split between Alaska Aces in 2009-10 and 2010-11.[2] Defensively, Robinson recorded 286 steals and 29 blocks over his career, contributions that underscored his selection to the PBA All-Defensive Team in the 2005-06 season during his time with Red Bull.[2] As a backup point guard known for his tenacity and playmaking, these totals highlight his role in providing steady bench support rather than starring as a primary scorer, with his assist numbers particularly notable for facilitating team offenses in limited minutes totaling 4,967.[2]| Statistic | Career Total | Per Game Average |
|---|---|---|
| Games Played | 287 | - |
| Points | 1,230 | 4.3 |
| Rebounds | 978 (413 offensive, 565 defensive) | 3.4 |
| Assists | 776 | 2.7 |
| Steals | 286 | 1.0 |
| Blocks | 29 | 0.1 |
| Field Goals | 462/1,031 (.448) | - |
| Three-Pointers | 29/152 (.191) | - |
| Free Throws | 219/436 (.502) | - |
Season-by-season averages
Topex Robinson's PBA career spanned eight seasons from 2003 to 2011, primarily as a defensive specialist and point guard known for his tenacity despite his 5'8" frame. His statistical contributions emphasized playmaking and rebounding relative to his size, with scoring peaking in his mid-career years before tapering due to reduced minutes and eventual retirement from playing.[2] The following table summarizes his season-by-season averages, aggregated across conferences within each PBA season:| Season | Team | GP | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002–03 | Batang Red Bull Thunder | 16 | 15.4 | .576 | .571 | .474 | 2.2 | 3.4 | 3.7 |
| 2004–05 | Red Bull Barako | 70 | 17.0 | .381 | .179 | .488 | 3.3 | 2.8 | 3.6 |
| 2005–06 | Red Bull Energy Drink | 65 | 19.4 | .462 | .192 | .481 | 3.9 | 2.8 | 5.1 |
| 2006–07 | Red Bull Barako | 51 | 16.4 | .479 | .100 | .448 | 3.1 | 2.3 | 4.4 |
| 2007–08 | Red Bull Barako | 45 | 17.7 | .452 | .184 | .545 | 3.9 | 3.4 | 5.9 |
| 2008–09 | Purefoods TJ Giants | 30 | 19.4 | .463 | .250 | .591 | 3.8 | 2.3 | 3.2 |
| 2009–10 | Alaska Aces | 8 | 5.0 | .500 | - | - | 0.9 | 0.6 | 0.8 |
| 2010–11 | Alaska Aces | 2 | 8.0 | - | - | - | 2.0 | 1.5 | 0.0 |
| Career | 287 | 17.3 | .448 | .191 | .502 | 3.4 | 2.7 | 4.3 |
Coaching records
Collegiate coaching record
Topex Robinson began his collegiate head coaching career with the San Sebastian Stags in the NCAA during the 2011 season, where he guided the team to a 16–2 regular season record and a finals appearance, ultimately losing to the San Beda Red Lions. That year, the Stags also captured the 2011 Philippine Collegiate Champions League (PCCL) title by defeating the Ateneo Blue Eagles 73–67 in the finals. Over his tenure from 2011 to 2014, Robinson compiled an overall NCAA record of 45–27 (.625 winning percentage) with the Stags, including a semifinals appearance in 2013 (11–7 regular season). His time ended in 2014 with a 5–13 mark amid team struggles.[17][2][46] Robinson then moved to the Lyceum Pirates in the NCAA starting in 2015, achieving a 4–14 regular season record in his debut year. The Pirates improved under his leadership, posting 6–12 in 2016. In 2017, Lyceum dominated with an 18–0 regular season record, advancing to the NCAA finals (losing to San Beda) and winning the PCCL national collegiate championship by defeating San Beda. The team returned to the finals in 2018 (15–3 regular season, lost to Letran) before finishing 13–5 in 2019 and earning a Final Four berth via stepladder. Across five seasons (2015–2019), Robinson's NCAA record with Lyceum stood at 56–34 (.622 winning percentage), highlighted by two finals appearances and the 2017 PCCL title.[47][24][2] In 2023, Robinson took over as head coach of the De La Salle Green Archers in the UAAP, leading them to a 14–4 regular season record in Season 86 and securing the championship with a finals sweep over the UP Fighting Maroons. The Green Archers repeated as regular season co-champions in Season 87 (2024) at 14–4 but fell to UP in the finals. As of November 15, 2025, in ongoing Season 88, De La Salle holds a 6–4 record after the first round of eliminations, positioning them for a potential semifinals spot despite a mid-season rough patch of four consecutive losses. In July 2025, Robinson signed a three-year contract extension with De La Salle, affirming his role through sustained success. His UAAP tenure to date yields a 34–12 regular season record (.739 winning percentage), including one title and two finals appearances.[48][49][50][10] Robinson's aggregate collegiate coaching record spans 196 regular season games across the NCAA and UAAP, with 101 wins in the NCAA alone (.623 overall winning percentage in 162 NCAA games). His postseason ledger includes three NCAA finals appearances (0–3), two PCCL championships, and two UAAP finals (1–1).[2]| Team | Years | Regular Season Record | Postseason Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Sebastian Stags (NCAA) | 2011 | 16–2 | Finals (L to San Beda); PCCL champions |
| 2012 | 13–5 | Semifinals | |
| 2013 | 11–7 | Semifinals | |
| 2014 | 5–13 | - | |
| Total | 2011–2014 | 45–27 (.625) | 1 PCCL title |
| Lyceum Pirates (NCAA) | 2015 | 4–14 | - |
| 2016 | 6–12 | - | |
| 2017 | 18–0 | Finals (L to San Beda); PCCL champions | |
| 2018 | 15–3 | Finals (L to Letran) | |
| 2019 | 13–5 | Final Four | |
| Total | 2015–2019 | 56–34 (.622) | 2 finals; 1 PCCL title |
| De La Salle Green Archers (UAAP) | Season 86 (2023) | 14–4 | Champions (W vs. UP) |
| Season 87 (2024) | 14–4 | Finals (L to UP) | |
| Season 88 (2025) | 6–4 (as of Nov. 15)* | Ongoing | |
| Total | 2023–2025 | 34–12 (.739) | 1 title; 2 finals |
Professional coaching record
Topex Robinson served as head coach of the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) from 2020 to the end of the 2022–23 season, compiling an overall record of 28 wins and 37 losses across five conferences, including playoffs. His tenure began on an interim basis in late 2019 before being elevated to full-time head coach in November 2020, during which he guided the team to consistent playoff appearances in his first three seasons despite a young roster focused on development. The Fuel Masters reached the semifinals in the 2020 Philippine Cup under Robinson, marking their deepest playoff run during his time, though subsequent seasons saw declining regular-season performances amid roster changes and injuries.[39]| Conference | Regular Season (W-L) | Playoffs (W-L) | Total (W-L) | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Philippine Cup | 8–3 | 3–3 | 11–6 | Semifinals (lost to TNT Tropang Giga, 2–3)[38] |
| 2021 Philippine Cup | 4–7 | — | 4–7 | Did not qualify (Note: Standings data corroborated by PBA official results) |
| 2021–22 Governors' Cup | 5–6 | 1–1 | 6–7 | Quarterfinals (lost to Magnolia Hotshots, 0–1; advanced via classification win over NorthPort, 1–0)[52] |
| 2022 Philippine Cup | 3–8 | — | 3–8 | Did not qualify |
| 2022–23 Commissioner's Cup | 4–7 | 0–2 | 4–9 | Quarterfinals (lost to TNT Tropang Giga, 0–2) |