Behind every championship team is a coach who turns talent into trophies, and this year, three of collegiate basketball’s finest tacticians are set to be recognized.
De La Salle University’s Topex Robinson, University of Santo Tomas’ Haydee Ong, and San Beda University’s Yuri Escueta will be honored as Coach of the Year at the 2026 Collegiate Press Corps (CPC) Awards Night presented by Strong Group Athletics.
The annual celebration, scheduled for June 29 at Discovery Suites Manila in Ortigas, Pasig, will shine the spotlight on the coaches whose leadership helped define UAAP Season 88 and NCAA Season 101.
While championships are often remembered through memorable shots and standout performances, Robinson, Ong, and Escueta built their title runs through preparation, resilience, and strategic adjustments that guided their teams through the most crucial moments of the season.
Robinson’s recognition comes after orchestrating one of the most satisfying redemption stories in recent UAAP history. The De La Salle Green Archers reclaimed the men’s basketball crown after overcoming a difficult path to the championship.
Before reaching the Finals, La Salle had to survive a Final Four showdown against top-seeded National University despite facing a twice-to-beat disadvantage. The Green Archers then went on to defeat defending powerhouse University of the Philippines in a hard-fought three-game championship series, delivering Robinson his second UAAP title as head coach.
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In the NCAA, Escueta once again demonstrated why San Beda remains the gold standard of collegiate basketball.
The Red Lions strengthened their historic legacy by sweeping archrival Colegio de San Juan de Letran in the NCAA Season 101 Finals. Despite losing the services of star scorer Janti Miller in Game 2, Escueta successfully adjusted his rotation and game plan, helping San Beda secure its 24th men’s basketball championship.
Meanwhile, Ong continued to build a dynasty of her own in the women’s ranks.
The veteran coach guided the UST Growling Tigresses back to the summit of UAAP women’s basketball, ending National University’s reign and capturing the program’s 13th championship overall. The title also marked UST’s second crown in the last three seasons, a remarkable response after falling short against NU during Season 87 in 2024.
Together, the three coaches represent different journeys to success — a redemption campaign, a dynasty sustained, and a championship reclaimed. Yet all arrived at the same destination: the top of collegiate basketball.
The CPC Awards Night will bring together the brightest stars from both the UAAP and NCAA, with volleyball coaches from their respective leagues also set to receive recognition for their achievements during the past season.
For Robinson, Ong, and Escueta, the honor serves as acknowledgment that championships are won not only by the players on the court but also by the leaders drawing the blueprint from the sidelines.
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