La Salle coach Topex Robinson lost to UP in the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Basketball Final. –Marlo Cueto/INQUIRER.net
Shortly after La Salle was ousted from the UAAP Men’s Basketball Tournament crown, coach Topex Robinson is already looking forward to seeing how the Green Archers will bounce back in Season 88.
“The next two weeks will be a preparation for Season 88 for us,” Robinson said after La Salle lost the championship with a 66-62 win over the University of the Philippines (UP) on Sunday night. .
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“We’re excited about this and there’s nothing to be ashamed of as long as we know in our hearts that we did our best. We’re going to play it until the final buzzer and play it true La. “Sarian played the way he should. We just kept fighting,” he added.
And even a day after program cornerstone Kevin Quiambao announced he would not be returning to the Archers for a fourth year, the excitement for what’s next hasn’t diminished one bit.
“I just wanted to thank you. [Quiambao] for his service. that’s reality. this is not surprising [is] “This is his last season and we have prepared well for this season,” Robinson said.
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Part of that preparation is lining up a player to replace Kiambao, the hard-hitting forward who spearheaded La Salle’s 86 championship season.
At the top of the list of talents to be activated is former Ateneo forward Mason Amos. Kiambao’s teammate at Gilas Pilipinas, he ended his tenure in season 87 after abandoning his speech in the Katipunan.
Former National University guard Kean Baklan, a close friend of Quiambao who helped the Bulldogs win back-to-back bronze medals, will also be in attendance, along with former San Beda star Jacob Cortez and Diliman native Luis Pablo. The three redshirted for this season’s residency.
exciting future
“We have some players coming in and it’s good to see the future of the program is still exciting,” Robinson said. “Season 88 is going to be fun and exciting because they’re going to be on board.”
Quiambao had previously postponed announcing his decision, saying he needed to rest first after the heartbreaking loss to UP in Game 3 of the men’s basketball finals. However, less than 24 hours later, he confirmed via a social media post that he had played his final game with the Taft-based team.
“Thank you for three great seasons, so much sweat, tears and sacrifice,” Quiambao wrote. “Coach Topex” [Robinson] And Coach Migs Aitona, I love you and thank you for unlocking and unleashing KQ. ”
“Thank you for believing in me and pushing me to reach my potential. I am so grateful and blessed to have you all. With that said, I am grateful that my college career is coming to an end. , I plan to start my journey by pursuing my NBA dream and further developing my game by playing professional baseball for the Goyang Sono Sky Gunners (of the Korean Basketball League),” he added.
Robinson said he valued Quiambao’s time at La Salle.
“He just powered us until the final buzzer and never gave up,” the second-year UAAP coach said. “He will forever be remembered as one of the great La Sallians, probably one of the greatest players to ever wear that jersey.”
Leanne Ramiro and Joshua David are also retiring from La Salle.
And as he left the Archers’ stronghold, Quiambao bid farewell and was full of praise for his teammates’ efforts right up until the final game.
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“I’m proud of my teammates. Their hard work from day one has been huge and we’ve been through a lot throughout the season. I love all of them,” he said of the rest of the league’s teams. said before informing him. “I’m excited about the future and [the arriving players]. He’s definitely going to be terrifying next season. ”INQ
