La Salle coach Topex Robinson and Former San Beda Red Lion Jacob Cortez during the Collegiate Press Corps awards night. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—La Salle coach Topex Robinson was given several reasons to smile from ear-to-ear at the 2024 Collegiate Press Corps Awards Night at Discovery Suites in Ortigas on Monday.
Robinson took home the UAAP Men’s Basketball Coach of the Year award while also gaining the recognition of Kevin Quiambao as the Men’s Basketball Player of the Year.
Former San Beda Red Lion Jacob Cortez was also awarded as one of the members of the Men’s Basketball Mythical Five and even that made Robinson ecstatic.
Just a year from now, Robinson and the Green Archers will enjoy the services of Cortez in the Green Archers’ lineup after he switched ships from Mendiola to Taft a few months ago.
READ: After moving ‘mountains,’ Topex brings Jacob Cortez home to La Salle
“It’s so exciting to have him. He’s really going to put our program on a higher note. Having him here, I’m excited especially for next year,” said Robinson.
La Salle, the defending champions of the UAAP, will not have the talents of Cortez right away for Season 87. The NCAA Season 99 champion will have to serve one residency year before suiting up in the UAAP.
So far, though, Cortez has been “easing in” with La Salle.
“I’ve been, I’d say, sort of easing in. It’s a new team, new set of coaches, new staff and teammates for me but so far it’s been really chill. It’s been easy so far but then again I’ll have more time with them [before playing],” said Cortez.
READ: Pressure is key for La Salle’s improvement, says Topex Robinson
In his final year with the Red Lions, Cortez posted norms of 15.39 points, 3.56 rebounds, 3.44 assists and 1.17 steals per game.
He was also instrumental in helping San Beda overcome all odds as the third seed with a 12-6 card.
Now, he can’t wait to do the same or even better in a school that he holds sentimental with the memory of his father Mike playing in the 2000s.
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“It feels good because even before high school, my dad would bring me to La Salle UAAP games and now I’ve won my first championship with them in PinoyLiga. After that I just felt the excitement to play in the UAAP,” bared Cortez.