De La Salle University guard Jacob Cortez against University of the East in UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball. UAAP Media.MANILA — De La Salle University’s title defense in UAAP Season 89 has been far from ideal, to say the least, but such struggles are part of the process according to Green Archers head coach Topex Robinson.
“We’re well aware of how this season will look like for us. We’ve taken away the word ‘luck’ if teams will beat us because they really prepared well,” said Robinson, whose squad ended its two-game skid after decimating University of the East, 112-87.
Much like their title run in Season 88, La Salle has again won just twice in its first four games, with the Archers also suffering defeats to University of Santo Tomas and Far Eastern University prior to Sunday’s game.
For Robinson, these setbacks are unsurprising even for defending champions like La Salle, especially as they continue to find their identity early in the season.
“Every year is a different set of people. So we just have to go back to how it works, trying to find answers,” said the two-time UAAP champion coach. “We learn and grow together, and part of growth is getting out of our comfort zone.”
Maturity, accountability are keys
La Salle main gunner Jacob Cortez has also acknowledged how challenging the growing pains have been, but he said pointing fingers have no place in their squad.
“After a bad game, you can blame so much people, but those are people who you go to war with,” he said. “And we’re a lot older now, more mature, so I think that we know better.”
For Cortez, their struggles should instead be met with accountability, as competing and learning from their mistakes have already been a proven formula for La Salle in recent years.
“It’s just sticking together,” he stressed. “It’s just us, and enjoy playing with each other. We’re not perfect, we’re gonna make mistakes, so it’s all about bouncing back.”
Cortez leading by example leaves Robinson optimistic that they will eventually figure things out, with the approach also helping keep the coach in check for his own miscues as lead tactician.
“Jacob mentioned the word blame, and it’s not a part of our identity as a team,” said Robinson. “We call each other out if need be. It’s not always gonna be easy, being called out by these guys, but that is what makes this team a fortifiable team.”
And while Robinson is not under the impression that this approach will magically solve their issues, he is confident that having this foundation will help La Salle eventually find its footing amid its concerns.
“Trust will always be at the forefront of what we do,” he said. “Whether we like it or not, [struggles] are gonna be a part of our season, so we have to embrace it.”
“It’s not gonna get easier, but a lot of promise moving on, and it’s just gonna get exciting from here on,” added Robinson.
RELATED VIDEO: