Detroit ? It would be difficult to find two situations much more different from Russell Robinson as a freshman at Kansas University and Russell Robinson as a senior.
If things stay that way through tonight, Robinson will be flashing that trademark smile.
Robinson spent most of his freshman year on the bench, sometimes sulking. As a senior, he’s a third-year starter praised for his consistent team-first attitude.
The Villanova game, a 83-62 loss in blizzard-bombarded Philadelphia, typified his freshman season.
Robinson hopes tonight’s Midwest regional semifinal game in Ford Field typifies his senior season.
“It wasn’t a great experience,” Robinson said, looking back on the Villanova game of three seasons ago. “If I remember correctly, that game sent my freshman year down into a spiral. … We lost by 21. That was the first time getting back to the East Coast, playing in front of my mom and dad. I didn’t feel I played as much as I should have played, and when I did play, I didn’t play well. So I had a little attitude about that game. I was close to home and didn’t play well, and to top everything off we got snowed in.”
Robinson played five minutes and had three turnovers in that last meeting.
The college experience is all about growing up.
Why should it be any different for basketball players? It isn’t.
The maturation process is full of highs and lows, and for Robinson, the Villanova game was a low point.
“Everything happens for a reason,” Robinson said. “That freshman year made me a better player and a better person off the court, and I’m really grateful for that.”
Robinson said his parents, Russell and Theresa Robinson, who were in attendance for Senior Day, will not make the trip to Detroit.
“I don’t know why,” Robinson said. “I guess that will be motivation for me to make sure they are able to see me play again.”
It’s motivation to get to San Antonio for the Final Four.
As is common for a freshman, Robinson was open to the idea of transferring for a time and decided to stay at Kansas.
“I didn’t want to be known as a quitter,” he said. “It’s been everything I thought it would be times 10. It’s been a great college experience. I’m able to do something special now and make the most out of it.”