Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Ahead of Season 91 of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), newly appointed Lyceum University of the Philippines (LPU) Pirates coach Topex Robinson plans to build a winning culture.
“Hopefully we could really be as competitive as we can,” said Robinson.
Robinson, who inherits a young squad from former coach Bonnie Tan, hopes to improve on their 7-11 record last season.
“Most of these guys have been through a lot of battles already with coach Bonnie Tan,” said Robinson. “Hopefully trying to at least mimic or even hopefully better our performance last season, is really the short goal of this team.”
As they progress, the former PBA cager looks to instill his own brand on the team.
“Looking ahead, building a culture of winning and doing it the right way is the ultimate goal of this program that we have now,” said Robinson.
Related: Red Lions still the team to beat in NCAA
Robinson is under no illusions of winning it big in his first year with the Pirates.
“We have a pretty good bunch of guys here,” said Robinson. “Adjusting to that new system is going to be important and that’s going to include a lot of struggle, a lot of lost games.”
But what is most important for Robinson is that he is able to let his players shine and teach them how to improve in the right ways.
“I just want to give these guys an opportunity to showcase their talents,” said Robinson.
Robinson hopes that he is able to develop his players to emulate some of the more famous Pirates who have worn the school colors.
“My goal is to produce a lot of Gary Davids on this team, a lot of Chico Lanetes,” said Robinson.
