Scott McClurg/Journal-World File PhotoWhen Russell Robinson is asked to reflect upon his freshman basketball season at Kansas University, not much comes out right away.
It’s not that the sophomore can’t come up with anything. It’s just that, after a long offseason, Robinson has a lot on his mind.
Following a whirlwind freshman year, with a strong start but a fading finish, Robinson has had time to reflect what was and what he hopes will be.
But, most of all, what he hopes won’t be.
“The main thing I’ve been thinking about is not having a season like that,” Robinson said. “Whatever I do, I’m just going to try to make people forget about last season.”
Scott McClurg/Journal-World File PhotoTo do that, Robinson knows he must forget about the past himself.
Not the easiest of tasks, especially considering the guard scored just one point in the final 17 games of the season after a promising start.
Robinson not only brought great defensive intensity to the squad early, he also created and scored on the offensive end, even in the clutch. He averaged 6.3 points through his first 13 games, and his driving layup and two free throws in the final minute were the difference in a 64-60 victory over South Carolina on Dec. 18.
But what followed definitely was unexpected. Robinson hit what he called “the freshman wall.” As his turnovers increased, he lost not only playing time but also faith in himself as a player.
“Last year I definitely lost a lot of confidence,” Robinson said. “Once I got down, I was never able to bounce back. Now I’m building my skills, not only basketball-wise but mentally, to help me bounce back from a tough situation.”
Teammate Aaron Miles continued to encourage Robinson, trying to keep his spirits up during the rough times. But the situation got so tough that Robinson even considered transferring from Kansas.
“I would lie if I said it didn’t cross my mind, but I never did anything to put it to action,” Robinson said. “I learned growing up that being loyal is one of the keys to success, so that’s what I try to do.”
The guard has shown his loyalty to the team and to himself in the offseason. He has gained some needed weight and also opened some eyes of the coaching staff in early drills.
“Russell has improved a ton since the end of March,” Kansas coach Bill Self said. “He has gotten a lot stronger over the course of the year. I think he’s more confident now than what he was.”
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Pickin’ up the pace KU coach Bill Self on what each player needs to do to enable the Jayhawks to play a more up-tempo style this season: “The game’s in slow motion to him right now. He’s our best-conditioned athlete. He’s strong, and getting up and down will benefit him more than anyone. He’s more prepared to play at a breakneck type speed than anybody.” |
Former Kansas assistant coach Norm Roberts, who helped recruit Robinson to Kansas, also believes the guard will be able to bounce back. The St. John’s coach said Robinson suffered from struggles that many players faced in their first year.
“I think what happened to Russell was a great learning experience for him,” Roberts said. “He’s going to be a lot better next year as a sophomore.”
Robinson has set his sights on landing a starting spot on this year’s young squad.
“I think there is some opening depending on how well I come in and do what I’m supposed to do and do what coach asks me,” Robinson said. “I think I could be a contributor in a lot of different ways.”
While incoming freshmen Micah Downs, Brandon Rush, Julian Wright and Mario Chalmers will no doubt help the Jayhawks, a return of the confident Robinson might be just as crucial to the Jayhawks’ success this season.
Especially if Robinson is able to leave his past behind him.
“I want to contribute as much as I can,” Robinson said, “and I think if I work hard, I’ll be able to do that.”
