Robinson to coach Stags in 87th NCAA season

Michael "Topex" Robinson, a member San Sebastian College's historic five-peat champion team in the 90s, will be taking over the coaching chores for the Golden Stags this NCAA season. Robinson, who won two titles in that San Sebastian dynasty, is now the new head coach of the Stags replacing his former coach Arturo Valenzona, who will be the team's consultant. The hiring of the 36-year-old former playmaker came days before the 87th NCAA opening on Saturday at the Araneta Coliseum where they will be facing Jose Rizal University at 4 p.m. Robinson presided over the Stags' practice for the first time on Wednesday but has been with the team since Monday. "We are still in the adjusting period but it's a good thing that I have a veteran team to work on for this season," said Robinson, who remains as an assistant coach with the Alaska Aces in the PBA and guided RnW Pacific Pipes in the PBA D-League. Robinson was part of the 1997 team that won San Sebastian's fifth straight NCAA title. Other notable members of that Arturo "Bai" Cristobal-mentored squad are Rommel Adducul, Brixter Encarnacion, Jasper Ocampo and Banjo Calpito. Valenzona coached Robinson when the Stags won the 1996 crown in his rookie year. Robinson also had stints in the defunct Metropolitan Basketball Association (MBA) with the San Juan Knights and the Olongapo Volunteers before making moving to the PBA where he played for Red Bull, Purefoods and Alaska. - Reuben Terrado/JVP, GMA News