Topex Robinson, the newly appointed head coach of the Phoenix Super LPG Fuelmasters, will stay on and continue helping Lyceum of the Philippines University’s basketball program.
Robinson confirmed this following talks with school officials, headed by university president Roberto P. Laurel.
“In any capacity. It’s all good,” said Robinson in an interview with the Manila Standard.
The status of Robinson’s position with the LPU program was discussed after he took on the head coaching job of the Fuelmasters last week.
While assistant coach Jeff Perlas would most likely be the interim coach of the Pirates, Robinson will remain as consultant and head of the basketball program for the time being.
Robinson is focused on the campaign of the Fuelmasters this October at the restart of the Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup on Oct. 9 in Clark City, in Angeles, Pampanga.
Robinson will return as head coach of the Pirates once his stint with the Fuelmasters is over.
League rules in the PBA prohibit head coaches from moonlighting as a coach for any other team out of the organization.
Perlas, who has been Robinson’s deputy since joining the Pirates five years ago, will help run the basketball program.
The other deputies in the Pirates’ squad include Rommel Adducul, Gilbert Malabanan, Ricky Reyes and Kevin Lacap.
Last week, Robinson took over the post held by Louie Alas, who was suspended from his job at the Phoenix Super LPG Fuelmasters. Robinson was initially named to take over in an interim capacity, but was eventually named head coach.
Alas was penalized by the team management when he violated health protocols implemented by the PBA for team practices.
When Robinson was head coach of the Pirates, they claimed back-to-back Finals’ appearances in Season 93 and 94, and reached the Final Four last year.
