MANILA, Philippines – Thomas Robinson knows there are lofty expectations that come with being a former top five pick in the NBA, but none higher than the ones he has for himself.

Robinson aims to bring NLEX to the next level as he reinforces the Road Warriors in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup that will tip off on November 5.

“I have expectations for myself that are very high, they consist of winning big for my team,” said Robinson during the PBA Media Day at the One Esplanade in Pasay on Wednesday, October 25. “I hold myself at a high standard.”

Picked fifth overall in the 2012 NBA Draft, Robinson went on to play for the Sacramento Kings, Houston Rockets, Portland Trail Blazers, Philadelphia 76ers, Brooklyn Nets, and Los Angeles Lakers.

The 32-year-old then took his act overseas as he saw action in Russia, China, Turkey, Puerto Rico, South Korea, and Nicaragua.

He was supposed to debut in the Commissioner’s Cup last season for San Miguel, but a back injury prevented him from suiting up for the Beermen.

“It was something that I wanted to happen. I wanted it to happen last year,” Robinson said of his PBA stint. “Figured I’d give it another shot.”

“The situation with San Miguel last year was just unfortunate. Just unfortunate that I got hurt before the season.”

NLEX has yet to reach the PBA finals even as it consistently tapped former NBA talents as reinforcements in past years.

Last season, the Road Warriors paraded Earl Clark in the Commissioner’s Cup and Jonathon Simmons and Wayne Selden for the Governors’ Cup.

With Robinson on board, there is hope that NLEX can break through.

“I want to win big. I want to be able to lead my team to a successful season. I want to be able to take some of the other players and be able to push them up to another level in this league,” said Robinson. – Rappler.com