Kansas University junior point guard Russell Robinson, who is known for his defense more than his offense, has quietly put up some impressive offensive stats in Big 12 Conference play.
Robinson, who along with Brandon Rush helped hold high-scoring Richard Roby to just seven points in 23 minutes in KU’s 75-46 rout of Colorado on Wednesday in Boulder, Colo., scored 14 points off 6-of-9 shooting, including two of four threes.
He has made 33 of 60 shots in 11 league games for a sizzling 55 percent. The 6-foot-1, 200-pound New Yorker is shooting 43.4 percent (56 of 129) in all games.
He has made 10 of 23 threes in Big 12 play for 43.5 percent. Overall, he’s made 17 of 52 threes for 32.7 percent.
“I think he is starting to believe in his shot,” Rush said of Robinson, who has 121 assists against 52 turnovers – 50 assists to 22 turnovers in Big 12 games.
“During practices, we make him make the last shot sometimes, and he makes it a lot,” Rush added.
Robinson is not surprised by his accuracy in league games.
“I hit some open shots (against CU),” Robinson said. “I’ve been shooting with confidence. Tonight, it came to me. I’ve got to continue to keep doing it to help the team. Today was my day.”
Robinson had five of KU’s six steals versus the Buffs.
For the year, the ballhawking guard has 50 steals, 24 in league play.
“He gave us energy,” Rush said. “He was there at the right time, getting steals and helping us get easy transition baskets.”
Of Robinson, KU coach Bill Self said: “He plays to his strengths. He is a guy who creates havoc on defense, is a very good on-the-ball defender, loose-ball guy and forces help offensively. He’s not worried about making shots. He’s shooting it better.”
Memories of ’57?
Were you at the 1957 national championship game to watch KU and North Carolina in Kansas City, Mo.? If so, we want to hear your stories.
Also, if you have mementos of any kind from that game, let us know, so we can make it part of our 50th-anniversary special coming next month in the Lawrence Journal-World and on KUSports.com.
If so, call Ryan Greene at (785) 832-6357 or e-mail to editor@kusports.com