Phoenix parts ways with Topex

Phoenix Super LPG is set to take a different direction as it parted ways with head coach Topex Robinson following the expiration of his contract last December.

In a statement, the Fuel Masters said they will no longer be bringing back Robinson with his assistant, Jamike Jarin, serving in an interim capacity when the Philippine Basketball Association unveils its Governors' Cup on 22 January.

"The Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters announces that it will part ways today with its head coach, Topex Robinson," the Fuel Masters said.

"We thank coach Topex for his five years of service with Phoenix and wish him the very best as he pursues other endeavors."

Meanwhile, the league formally approved the trade that sent sophomore Joshua Munzon from Terrafirma to NorthPort in exchange for veteran Kevin Ferrer.

It is the second time for the Dyip to trade their No. 1 pick after they moved CJ Perez to San Miguel Beer in 2021.

Phoenix added that Jarin will play a key role in the coming season-ending conference.

"With the third conference less than two weeks away, the Fuel Masters will appoint assistant coach Jamike Jarin as its interim head coach," the Fuel Masters said.

"Coach Jamike has been with the team since 2020 and has played significant role in the team's building and development process."

Daily Tribune sources confirmed Robinson's looming departure as early as Tuesday. In fact, he already informed the Fuel Masters that he will be leaving after practice last Monday.

Phoenix team manager Paolo Bugia, however, denied the source's claim.

"He thanked the team right after practice and bid goodbye," the source said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

A pesky guard during his playing years, Robinson embarked into coaching as soon as his retirement.

He became a part of Alaska's coaching staff when Alex Compton became head coach and likewise led the CJ Perez-powered Lyceum of the Philippines University squad to an 18-game sweep.

When Louie Alas became the head coach of Phoenix, he brought in Robinson as one of his assistant coaches.

Robinson got a big break when he was promoted to head coach after Alas had a falling out with the Phoenix management prior the start of the league's first bubble tournament three years ago.

Under Robinson, Phoenix made a good run in the bubble but fell short after losing to the Mark Dickel-mentored TNT Tropang Giga in five games in the semifinals.

Since then, it has been an up and down campaign for the Fuel Masters, who also lost their previous franchise player, Matthew Wright.