For Topex Robinson, winning their opener is just the step in the right direction

With just a month before the PBA Bubble tips off, Phoenix Super LPG took a huge gamble by replacing veteran mentor Louie Alas and put his deputy Topex Robinson temporarily in charge of the Fuel Masters, who are still without their talisman Calvin Abueva.

Yet on Monday, the gamble paid off huge dividends as the Fuel Masters notched the win over Meralco even without The Beast around in Pampanga, as the former Lyceum tactician notched his first win in the big time.

However, winning their first game does not mean that they have won the entire thing, but it is a right step towards their drive to contention for the rookie coach.

"Winning game one doesn't make us bubble champions," he said in the post-game presser. "So winning our first game, just means that if we're gonna do it right the way we prepared it to be, we're gonna give ourselves a chance to win."

The opening game gave him a glimpse of what lies ahead of them, as they are still taking it one at a time to mold together as a unit and show their full game in display, hoping that they can peak at the right time.

"It doesn't really define who we are right now. That shows the promise we have, if we're gonna stick to our guns," Robinson added.

He added that with the team that he has right now, all eyes will be on their prized shooter Matthew Wright, for he believes that although his performance defines' Phoenix's season, Robinson stressed the importance of supporting the Gilas sniper.

"What's important here is the support that he has. He has a group of guys that believe in his capabilities."

Although his experience in the collegiate scene increased his stock as he moved up a notch, yet his philosophy still remains as he hopes that his players will take to their hearts whatever he imparts to them on and off the court.

"Whatever will it take us, it is gonna be good for us. But we always have to hold to what we really came here for: We want to be the best version of ourselves, don't matter what the result. So whether we won that or lost that, it's not who we are."

More importantly, the bubble is a great way for them to compete not just for Phoenix, but also a chance to learn from the ultimate test: having the separation anxiety from their loved ones.

"We just wanna keep on competing. We came here, sacrificing our time with our families. Might as well make it work for us."

Apart from his team, Robinson himself was glad to have his first head coaching job in the PBA, saying that he will enjoy the stint as he will take on his mentors that shaped him both on his playing days and now on his coaching career, including NLEX mentor Yeng Guiao which was his coach in Red Bull before.

"Akin lang dito, I just want to enjoy every opportunity that I get better. I'm sure I'm gonna learn a lot from the coaches that's gonna be here."

PHOTO: PBA