THE struggling De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers — last season’s runners-up — are now facing growing skepticism around the league about whether they can truly live up to the high expectations set for them.
As the UAAP Season 88 Men’s Basketball Tournament nears the final week of the first round, the Taft-based squad currently finds itself in a highly challenging fifth place with a 2-3 win-loss record.
Adding to the challenge in navigating a highly competitive season, La Salle will now also be without key player Mason Amos, who suffered an MCL tear during their recent match against the NU Bulldogs.
With everything that has happened so far, it’s fair to ask: should the DLSU Green Archers be panicking now? Head coach Topex Robinson shares his honest thoughts on the team’s current situation.
Time to Panic?
For Robinson, the answer remains no. While the road back to the Finals — or even the Final Four — looks tough, giving up has never been part of the DLSU team’s character, no matter how rough things get.
“There’s no way for us but to keep on persevering and keep on fighting. We could have all the reasons to just die, but that’s the least of our priorities right now,” Robinson said after their 78-82 loss against NU.
That loss drops the Green Archers below .500 for the first time under Robinson’s tenure in Taft — their third defeat in four games. Even their last win, against the FEU Tamaraws, could’ve gone either way if not for Jorick Bautista’s missed open layup.
“Yes, we’re gonna be down but with so many games to come, you could never cut us out of this scenario. As much as we want to cry, there is nothing that’s gonna change the outcome of this game,” he added.
Mason Out
Meanwhile, Amos exited the match at the 7:03 mark of the fourth quarter following a hard collision with NU’s Gelo Santiago. The 6-foot-7 Filipino-Australian is now expected to be out for at least four to six weeks due to the injury.
According to La Salle head coach Robinson, Amos mentioned hearing something pop in his right knee, which prompted his immediate transport to the Makati Medical Center for further evaluation.
Expectations were high for Amos in his La Salle debut, as he was seen as a key piece in carrying the torch following the graduation of two-time UAAP MVP Kevin Quiambao. He’s averaging 8.2 points, 3.2 assists, and 2.8 rebounds through five games
Not New Here
As tough as things look, this isn’t and unfamiliar territory for La Salle. Back in Season 86, they sat at 3-3 before going on a winning streak to end the second round that eventually led to a championship run.
This time, the Green Archers simply need to adjust their game plan, tune out the outside noise, and stay locked in on bouncing back — with or without Amos at the end of the tunnel.
“As long as we have life, we have chance,” Robinson said. “It’s just gonna make us better. We’ll try to silence the outside noise because yan ang kapalit ng nire-represent namin.”
“When you go through these struggles, you’re gonna hear it and it’s my responsibility and I’ll always protect my players. So we just have to keep on quieting the outside noise and play better,” he added.
Now, the DLSU Green Archers have a chance to even their record at 3-3 when they go up against the still-winless UE Red Warriors tomorrow, October 15, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
