A week after the announcement of Topex Robinson’s commitment to the Phoenix Super LPG Fuelmasters as the squad’s new head coach, LPU Pirates remained its tie with their former head coach as the team’s consultant.

The status of Robinson’s position with the LPU program was discussed after he took over the head coaching job of the PBA team from former head coach Louie Alas last week.

University president Roberto P. Laurel said that wherever Robinson goes, LPU will be there for him, “Sir RPL even told me that the school will be there for me since coaching in the PBA is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

“I feel so blessed to have a boss like Sir RPL. I’m actually lost for words since when news broke out that I was named interim head coach of Phoenix, the Laurel family only had words of encouragement for me,” shared Robinson.

While the 45-year-old Robinson continued his service to the Intramuros-based squad as a consultant and head of the basketball program, assistant coach Jeff Perlas would most likely be the interim coach of the Pirates.

The former Tanduay Rhum Masters standout rest assured that he will return as head coach of the Pirates once his stint with the Fuelmasters is over. 

PBA rules prohibit head coaches from moonlighting as a coach for any other team out of the organization.

“Sila Sir RPL did not have to do this, but they still did so. I’m honored to continue being part of Lyceum. They have been there for me through the highs and the lows of my career,” he expressed.

After Robinson’s coaching post in San Sebastian Stags in 2014, Lyceum got the chance to secure his commitment to be the squad’s chief tactician.

His first presence with the Pirates went well after his first contract with Lyceum from 2015 through 2018, Robinson inked a new contract with the school promoting him as Director of Basketball Operations of the Lyceum system comprising the campuses in Manila, Batangas, Cavite, Davao, and Laguna.

Under Robinson’s supervision, the Pirates made two consecutive NCAA Seniors’ Basketball Finals appearances from Seasons 93 to 94.

“I would just like to thank Sir RPL for believing in me and giving me security. Actually, I would like to thank the entire Laurel family, from Mrs. Lorna Laurel to Boss Andro, for treating me like one of their own. It’s my honor and my privilege to continue working for them and for Lyceum.”