Saturday, October 11, 2008

KU lands 2009 recruit Robinson

Brewster Academy senior cites feeling of 'home' as primary factor

By Gary Bedore

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Thomas Robinson was sold on Kansas University after attending the Jayhawks' national championship ring ceremony Sept. 19 in Allen Fieldhouse.

"To meet all the pros who came back for that ceremony was big. I felt it was home for me, seeing all the special players there," Robinson, a 6-foot-8, 220-pound senior forward from Brewster Academy in Wolfeboro, N.H., said Friday morning.

He was referring to Jayhawks Jacque Vaughn, Nick Collison, Kirk Hinrich, Wayne Simien, Darnell Jackson, Mario Chalmers and Brandon Rush, as well as assistant coach Danny Manning, who all have NBA experience.

Robinson on Thursday night - several weeks after the ceremony - orally committed to play basketball at KU. He chose Bill Self's Jayhawks over runner-up Memphis, a school he visited Oct. 3-4.

"He was excited, happy, amazed what he saw there (at KU)," said Robinson's mother, Lisa, who lives in Washington, D.C. "I had him make the trip to Memphis to get a second opinion. He really felt he wanted to attend Kansas, so last night we said, 'For peace of mind, let's get it over with.' He's happy so I am happy."

Robinson, Rivals.com's No. 18-rated player nationally, said he liked what he saw at Memphis, but "I didn't have the sense of 'home' like I did (at KU)," he said. "The players do everything together. They have a strong bond. The relationship between players and coaches is very strong."

Robinson - he said he's followed KU closely since "Brandon Rush's sophomore year" - committed to Self Thursday night, then made his decision public after a good night's sleep.

"Coach Self was excited. He was happy to get it over with, too, and said, 'Just get started for the upcoming season,''' Robinson said.

Robinson played his junior season at Riverdale Baptist High in Upper Marlboro, Md., where he averaged 16 points, 13 rebounds and five blocks per game.

"I hope to bring energy and hard work on defense, rebounding," said Robinson, known as one of the best rebounders in the Class of 2009. "I work hard and do what it takes to win."

Brewster Academy coach Jason Smith said Robinson was an energetic player who reminded him of former Brewster players Jeff Adrien (UConn) and Emmanuel Negedu (Tennessee).

"It's because of his motor, energy and passion for the game," Smith said. "His strength is rebounding, but he also does other things. (His shooting range) is probably 10 to 15 feet. He does a lot of scoring around the basket. He understands what it means to play hard."

Robinson's major collect stock rose last summer when playing for Dwight Redd's Squash All Beef AAU team of Virginia. Several teams in the Big East as well as KU, Southern California and Texas took great notice as he dominated the summer circuit.

"Thomas is actually just beginning. He's growing up, more a man now," Lisa said of her son, who first started playing at age 5. "He's tough. He goes for every one (rebound)."

Robinson will sign his letter of intent during the early November signing period. Smith said his pupil would be taking standardized tests, which coupled with work his senior year at Brewster, should qualify him academically.

"I really want to go to Kansas. I'm relaxed now. It's like a truck has been lifted off my shoulders," Robinson said.

"I am proud of him," Lisa said. "That's the main thing. I'm very proud of my child."

KU has two scholarships to give in the Class of 2009. Self may award three or four because of the possibility of losing players early to the NBA.

Several top prospects will be attending next Friday's Late Night in the Phog on official visits, including shooting guards Xavier Henry, Dominic Cheek, Michael Snaer and Lance Stephenson and point guard Elijah Johnson. Center Daniel Orton, who visited KU on Sept. 19, will visit Kentucky this weekend.

Comments

actorman (anonymous) says...

Not to quibble or anything, but technically, how can DJ, Mario and Brandon have NBA experience when their rookie season hasn't started yet? Or do exhibition games count as experience? (Yeah, I know it's trivial, but I'm just curious.)

Nice to see the Self recruiting magic continue.

October 11, 2008 at 4:56 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Solomon (anonymous) says...

I imagine that going through training camp, summer league, and exhibition games qualifies as experience.

October 11, 2008 at 5:04 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

crooner (anonymous) says...

Go Thomas! Go Self! Go KU!!!

October 11, 2008 at 7:29 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

KGphoto (anonymous) says...

"Smith said his pupil would be taking standardized tests, which coupled with work his senior year at Brewster, should qualify him academically."

Sounds like Robinson is a good kid. But seriously, WHAT... is UP?! Where have all the academic all americans gone? And don't say "Back to Russia"

October 11, 2008 at 7:33 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

KGphoto (anonymous) says...

Sorry. Don't mean to sound negative. I'm glad we got him. Anytime you can get a player like that, it's worth a little extra effort to make it work. But with the Arthur thing, and the twins. Ya know?

I really like his comments about KU feeling like home. I'm sure he'll be fine.

October 11, 2008 at 7:38 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

jbrownjib (anonymous) says...

I am excited that a top big man signed. Self's recruiting is very specific and he targets certain player qualities and characteristics that fit the team. With the Defensive style that is played in Self's system, a top rebounder will be huge plus. I look forward to what Wall and Orton do since they came to campus with Robinson. I hope they got the same feel for the environment and appreciation of the school's basketball history? It is great that the qualities that recruited the current class to play here are perpetually translated to the next recruiting class.

October 11, 2008 at 7:51 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

jross1972 (Johann Ross) says...

I guarantee Self is still pursuing the recruitment of Orton. He had a four-headed beast last year in the front court. I know he has the Morris twins, Quintrell Thomas, and Mario Little, but all of those guys are forwards. Even Thomas Robinson is a forward (and YES, Im glad we got him).

Kansas' lone center at this point is Aldrich. Daniel Orton would nail Kansas' frontcourt down to the best in the country, and his coming here would add another true center.

Dominic Cheek may be on the bubble if he doesnt commit soon because Bill Self needs another forward like a submarine needs a screen door. We are in the running for the following among guards...

1PG- John Wall (both Kansas and Memphis)
5PG- Elijah Johnson (not considering Memphis)
1SG- Xavier Henry (both Kansas and Memphis)
4SG- Lance Stephenson (both Kansas and Memphis)

Now here's where you get into a gray area with one and doners. If you recruit and land a couple of these, which theoretically Kansas has enough scholarships to give even after landing Robinson, you have to expect that you will have them for two years MAX, and all of them have the potential to turn pro after one year based on talent alone (do any of you remember that last years NBA draft saw the most freshman entries in the draft ever? Thats a by-product of the age mandate). The problem is if you GET two of these guards and they turn pro immediately. Then youre in the lurch as your backcourt goes from stud to dud in one draft night.

You have to be careful about one-and-doners! Listen to this now because it makes sense: if Kansas gets either Xavier Henry or John Wall, I think you have to shut the recruitment down on the rest of the players in this list of four (because their "jump potential" is so high), and go after a guard who will be around for a while. If you get Lance Stephenson or Elijah Johnson, I think you can expect those guys to "maybe" stay at least a couple of years so the picture may be different. We have Tyrone Appleton but hes a junior already. In other words, you have to recruit with an eye to the future of your program. Coach Self is already thinking about building continuity in the backcourt I can assure you.

I can tell you this: its great to have this kind of problem. Landing Robinson is just a taste of things to come.

October 11, 2008 at 7:57 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

10point8 (anonymous) says...

"I hope to bring energy and hard work on defense, rebounding," said Robinson, known as one of the best rebounders in the Class of 2009.

Got to love that.

October 11, 2008 at 8:01 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

CBaller13 (anonymous) says...

jross - I wouldnt say center is a must. Markieff Morris is a center. Also, last year we played our best with no center on the floor (DA, Darnell). Also, Cheek is a 2 guard, not a forward. You are also missing Snaer from your list of perspective guards. Another thing, Royce Woolridge is coming in 2010 so that is another guard that we have locked up in case of any early departures. Would I take Orton? yes. Do I think we need him? No. I want Henry and Johnson or Wall and Snaer. I don't think I want Wall and Henry because there are only so many shots on a team and both of these guys are going to want to light it up.

October 11, 2008 at 8:55 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

ku98 (anonymous) says...

Look at all of us, fighting over which of these top 10 recruits we would or would not take. Man it feels good to be National Champions!

October 11, 2008 at 10:18 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

ccolby33 (anonymous) says...

"If you get Lance Stephenson or Elijah Johnson, I think you can expect those guys to "maybe" stay at least a couple of years so the picture may be different."

not sure about Johnson but I'm pretty sure Stephenson is the most likely to jump out of everyone that you mentioned based on what he has said. I think he could even end up in Europe if the Brandon Jennings thing works out.

Also, I hope we get Wall and Cheek to compliment Robinson.

October 11, 2008 at 10:42 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

NH_JHawk (anonymous) says...

Just enjoying the NH-Kansas connection! Welcome aboard Thomas.

October 11, 2008 at 10:45 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

AverageCitizen (anonymous) says...

"Smith said his pupil would be taking standardized tests, which coupled with work his senior year at Brewster, should qualify him academically."

Sounds like Robinson is a good kid. But seriously, WHAT... is UP?! Where have all the academic all americans gone? And don't say "Back to Russia"

KG- Just what in that sentence caused you to assume Thomas has school trouble? This is a stright forward statement. He's just a senior in high school. Why is it you jump to trouble? Do you have info about his academics that lead you to think that? Is it fear speaking? One day he's been a Jayhawk and all speculation starts! Can't you just be happy?

October 11, 2008 at 10:58 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

BoulderHawk (anonymous) says...

Hey actorman,
They probably have more NBA experience than you.

October 11, 2008 at 11:17 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

lrahardja (anonymous) says...

This is great news for KU and Thomas Robinson, with the limited scholarships KU has, it's wise to secure a spot in the roster. This will make it more appealing for X and W to join the blue chippers rosters.

October 11, 2008 at 11:55 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

afilmer (anonymous) says...

HCBS does not value orton above wall and X.

we just won the national championship with a team much like HCBS put together at illinois that went to the national championship game, and much like the teams he put together at tulsa -

great guards and quality forwards -

aldrich is an anomaly that will only make us stronger.

we need wall and X, or wall and stephenson, or cheek.

October 11, 2008 at 1:26 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

kutravis (anonymous) says...

I think this may have been posted before, nonetheless I'm always game for someone telling me how awesome Allen Fieldhouse is....

http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.co...

October 11, 2008 at 3:48 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

kvskubball (anonymous) says...

ku98,

Great comment, straight to the point. I'm pretty sure we're not going to turn any of these guys away unless it's because they wait until we've used up our allotment of schollies! If we get two backcourt players, next year Coach will make getting another Big a priority, especially as someone noted before that Woolridge has verballed for 2010!

October 11, 2008 at 4:01 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jaybate (anonymous) says...

What KU needs are two guys at the 4 and two at the 5 that allow KU to go big or small.

KU absolutely needs two big 5s every year (Kaun and Aldrich).

KU also needs two big, but mobile fours (e.g., DA and Arthur).

Regardless of which are the best two, or which play together best, two of each are needed to allow KU to meet any form of front court challenge.

20 fouls are necessary, also, to prevent other teams from trying to immerse you in war-of-attrition butcher ball.

Sooner, or later, we're going to miss one of those two bigs we missed out on last year. Rectify for next year.

Land Orton!

October 11, 2008 at 5:25 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jaybate (anonymous) says...

Post Script to the Need for Post Men...

I would like to see Self go after another project like Kaun. Waiting for projects to develop used to be a pain in the kazoo. But now with so much turn over, 4 years with a project 5 may be the best bargain (and luxury) in basketball.

Quick, are there any more projects in Russia?

October 11, 2008 at 5:33 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

kvskubball (anonymous) says...

Jaybate,

There are lots of building projects but don't know about basketball player-projects!

October 11, 2008 at 7:12 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

flipborder02 (anonymous) says...

jaybate we arent going to go after Orton anymore.

October 11, 2008 at 8:17 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Hawklin (anonymous) says...

Correct. Self is done recruiting big men for 2009.

October 11, 2008 at 8:53 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

fihsch (anonymous) says...

If Cole leaves after the 08-09 season, KU can use another 5...in case one of the twins leave after two seasons.
The concept of a project 5 is intriguing. Sometimes too much talents on one team may creat problems, too. A great team can use role players who are dedicated to perform their roles just as well as a star.

October 11, 2008 at 10:39 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

kvskubball (anonymous) says...

fihsch,

I would change your statement a little, and say a great team can use role players WHO CAN GROW THEIR ROLES! DJ did a great job of doing that and this year, in his senior year, he was a stud!

I'm not saying that he was exactly a project, but he improved a great deal from his freshman season. He first waited his turn and then progressed each year. I think his spiral up happened because he first grew in confidence and then he played looser and became more confident, etc. and he was able to do this while working through all the personal tragedy with his mom and grandma!

(My opinion) ~It's hard to get more than two stars to work on one team, so you do need role players. If they have talent, so much the better. I think the perfect example happened to be the heart and soul of our team over the last four years. RusRob sacrificed some of his game for the good of the team. I don't think he gets enough credit, in two ways. First, I think he did his job of running the offense and playing tough D at a very high level. Second, he sometimes would only take one shot in a game because even though he was good, others were better scorers.

I like a comment that Billy Packer made during the NC game, he said something like, and it's amazing that not one of KU's players was voted to the post season Big XII First Team. This year, our players put TEAM first and the results were pretty super, like NC super!

October 11, 2008 at 11:10 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

rockchalk80 (anonymous) says...

I listened to a few Robinson interviews... Regardless of his talent (which is top flight)... this kid has the right attitude and work ethic... As a fan, I wanted us to land this kid as much as anyone.

Congrats to HCBS!
A hearty Kansas "welcome" to Thomas Robinson!

October 12, 2008 at 8:57 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

kvskubball (anonymous) says...

Hey all,

Parrish has just reported that Orton has verballed to Kentucky!

October 12, 2008 at 9:15 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jordan07n (anonymous) says...

that's a hit yes but it was a given when Robinson commited. He saw the future of all the good posts. Some say we needed another center but not necessarily due to markieff being able to play 4 and 5 to give Aldrich a break. we played at our best last year some with the electrifying athleticism of D.A. and D.J. What we do need is more players who can find their molds of the kind of team we had last year.

we need another Chalmers and i see him in Johnson and a little cheek. Cheek is more of a shooter than Chalmers but still has some of the same molds. I watched Taylor play a pick up game this summer and he was a young R. Robinson on that court and took charge automatically. Aldrich of course is going to be better than Kaun and i think he will stick around 4 years ( like Collision). Robinson has that drive and athleticism of Arthur he just needs so bulk and more post move variety. I believe markieff is in the same boat at least post wise we all know he likes to go out and shoot and i love that in a big man. i believe those two can be like our Darnell and Darrell combo in a few years. Mario Little is a stud already and when i watched him play in that pick up game in the volleyball courts he looked like a stronger rush ( the way rush played before his injury) he took the ball to the hoop more than he shoot but i shoot around with him after and saw he had amazing range as well as touch by the basket. I think he has every bit of potential rush had. I just am not sure about his defense being like his but it was only a pick up game. from what i have seen of Henry he would push little hard and definitely play over him. now that leaves Collins who i believe is gone after this year. I heard from a couple of the players and it seems this years is going to be a lot of on ball picks for him to get to the hole easier. I don't think we have another recruit like that for the '09 season. Maybe with a little luck Collins will stay.

Heres my predictions for what happens to those final 8 recruits from my inside sources.
-Henry goes to Memphis but it wont be as easy as he thought after late night
-Wall is the only one i am not sure about he is very quiet about his recruiting but its a toss up from what i hear.
-Cheek has ties with Taylor and it sounds like hes a late night away from committing. He will probably wait till after his other visit later in the month.
-Stephenson will wait till late signing period and will probably go euro for a year unless Jennings fails.
-Snaer depends on the visit this weekend i think its a tossup of Kansas and UCLA. Mizzou might be a sleeper. If Cheek commits hes done but if cheek doesn't it might be interesting.
-Johnson is KU all the way i heard today he is heavily favoring us and cant wait till late night.

P.S. keep an eye on morningstar; he has been working his butt off and don't be surprised when he sees good minutes.

October 13, 2008 at 11:03 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

fihsch (anonymous) says...

IAW Jordan07's predition, KU would end our 09 recruiting with
Robinson (#18)
Johnson (#27)
maybe Cheek (#16)
This would be a terrific recruiting class. KU will be assured of our continuing dominance in the nation.

KU sounds like we are still in the running with Wall (#1). If we can get him we will lose Johnson (#27). I am good with either. Wall is a one-n-done and Johnson would stick around for a few years. It's a toss up between instant result vs. continuous benefit.

I do, thought, want X Henry more than anyone eles for no other reason than he is a legacy to one of my favor KU player. I was in school when Carl Henry played. He worked hard and played smart. Those are characters that made KU alums feel proud. I infer that an apple won't fall far from the tree. So, comm'on X, come here and help carry on the tradition. I have not given up on X Henry coming to Kansas no unless he says the word "Memphis."

We as fans have to do our part. Show up and help our team bring home the prize.

October 13, 2008 at 10:51 p.m. ( | suggest removal )