Topex starts his coaching career on winning track

Turing Valenzona, Bai Cristobal, Yeng Guiao and Tim Cone. These are some of the multi-titled coaches who handled Topex Robinson in his playing career, either as an amateur player or as a pro. But it was Cone, owner of 13 PBA championships and architect of one of the PBA’s only four Grand Slam titles, who convinced the 5-foot-7 guard to test his coaching skills. "Being a point guard, I see things when I'm on the bench, so I had already foreseen that I might have a crack at it," said Robinson, who played for Red Bull, Purefoods, and recently with Alaska. It was Cone who encouraged Robinson to take a shot at coaching. Robinson calls the American mentor his “source of knowledge." The spitfire guard has quickly turned the veteran mentor’s advice into a first win. "He really supported me. He said that this is going to be my chance," said Robinson, who still has a live contract with Alaska. Robinson made an emphatic debut as a coach by steering RnW Pacific Pipes to a 76-72 win over PC Gilmore in the PBA-D League Foundation Cup opener Saturday. At 36, Robinson considers it as the right age to finally coach a team. "It's good to try coaching now because I'm still young and I can learn more from the seniors," Robinson said. Robinson said that just like a player, he was nervous going into their game against the Wizards. "I had butterflies in my stomach. Parang college player sa una mong laro. But coaching is really a different ballgame," said Robinson. Jim Viray, a former San Sebastian Stag like Robinson, and former PBL MVP Vic Manuel led RnW Pacific Pipes in winning over PC Gilmore. "I'm 1-0. Puwede na akong mag-retire," said Robinson in jest. Coaching in the D-League, a tournament for players aged 17 to 26, seems to be just the right place for Robinson, one of the smallest players ever to play in the PBA. "I'm living proof for this young players that hard work pays off. You just have to work hard and follow your dreams of going into the PBA," added Robinson. - KY, RCJ, Reuben Terrado, GMA News