THERE’S no feeling of sorrow or regret in Topex Robinson and Phoenix’s parting of ways but only optimism that new coach Jamike Jarin could succeed where Robinson fell short in the PBA.
“I’m super glad that Phoenix is taking a chance on coach Jamike, just like how they took a chance on me,” Robinson said. “It also helps that coach Jamike will give continuity to what we started.
“I only wish nothing but the best to my friend and the coaching staff and I’m confident that they can reach the goals that we were not able to achieve during my stay there,” he added.
The Fuel Masters announced yesterday they have let go of Robinson after his contract expired last Dec. 31 and named Jarin as interim tactician.
“The Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters announce that the team will part ways today with its head coach, Topex Robinson,” the team said in a statement. “We thank coach Topex for his five years of service with Phoenix and wish him the very best as he pursues other endeavors.
“With the Governors’ Cup less than two weeks away, the Fuel Masters will appoint assistant coach Jamike Jarin as its interim head coach. Coach Jamike has been with the team since 2020 and has played a significant role in the team’s building and development process.”
Robinson, 48, could not be any grateful for having the chance to call the shots for Phoenix.
“I’m forever grateful to boss Dennis (Uy, team owner), boss RTZ (Raymond Zorilla, team governor), and boss Bugs (Paolo Bugia, team manager) for helping me in achieving my dream of coaching in the PBA,” he said. “It’s every coach’s dream to coach in the PBA.
“Thank you to Phoenix, to all the players who we were able to handle, and to all the coaches who helped me in this journey. I’m blessed to have worked with all of you.”
Robinson has the inside track to be La Salle’s new coach after the Green Archers opted not to renew the contract of veteran tactician Derrick Pumaren that expired last Dec. 31.
Without gunner Matthew Wright, who chose to bring his acts to the Japan B. League, the Fuel Masters finished with a 6-6 card for seventh after the eliminations of the Commissioner’s Cup and bowed to No. 2 and twice-to-beat Magnolia in the quarterfinals.
Robinson previously called the shots for Lyceum in the NCAA before his nearly three-year stint with the Fuel Masters where he replaced Louie Alas in 2020.
A former pro league cager himself, Robinson also served as San Sebastian strategist and Alaska and Phoenix assistant coach.
Jarin, a former champion strategist with Ateneo in the UAAP juniors’ play and with San Beda University in the NCAA, is out to prove his worth.
“New challenge for me and there is pressure, but I’m blessed because it’s another opportunity given to me by the sport that we all love. Of course, I’ve been with this team for two years and I’m familiar with them already,” Jarin said yesterday in his first day hitting the ground running for Phoenix.
“We will improve on what coach Topex left for us. Again, this is a big challenge for me because it’s the PBA. Though the challenge is big, I’m confident… I’m confident that we will be very competitive.”
