Mike Robinson
High School Peoria Richwoods, IL
Height and Weight 6'6 205lbs
Position Shooting Forward
Ratings #20 (G), #15 (HS)(VC), #7 (RR)
#2 (among quick forwards by FS)
Academically Eligible Yes
Status Signed
Player Summary ·
Player News ·
Game Stats ·
Season Stats ·
Honors
Michael Robinson is a 6'6" senior from Peoria (Illinois)
Richwoods High School. Robinson is considered by many to have a complete
game, excelling in scoring and rebounding. He is a three-point threat
way beyond the three-point arc, and was named the most outstanding
outside shooter at the ABCD camp last summer. Recruiters say he is very
difficult to defend one-on-one. Some suggest Robinson may be a little
selfish offensively, something that was not evident in his AAU play
last summer.
In 1994 in the King Cotton Classic in Pine Bluff Arkansas,
Robinson was named MVP after scoring 40 points in two games. His single
game total of 42 points surpassed the tournament record previously set
by All-American Corliss Williamson.
In the 1994-95 season, Robinson (forward) averaged 30.2 points and
10.6 rebounds for the season, shooting 55 percent from the field and
68 percent from the line for an 18-10 team that lost three times to
Illinois Class AA state champion Peoria Manual. He also averaged 3
assists per game. Robinson is Richwoods' career scoring leader (2115 points)
through his junior year, and was named honorable mention player-of-the-year
in Illinois.
Robinson was named first-team All-State his junior year and has
played varsity since he was a freshman. He continues to improve his
point totals every year. As a freshman he averaged 18.1 points and 10.6
rebounds, and as a sophmore improved to 27.8 points and 14 rebounds per
game.
Robinson chose Purdue over Illinois, North Carolina, Arkansas,
Kentucky, and hometown Bradley. Almost every high-profile Division I school
has corresponded with Robinson, and he is considered a concensus top 20 player
nationally.
Keady on Robinson: "I consider Mike on of the best three-point
shooters and one of the best scorers in the nation. Hopefully he can take
the place of Cuonzo and fill the three spot. He's big so he's a good
rebounder and loves to play. He's going to be alot of fun to watch."
Kendrick on Robinson: "Mike is a complete player. He has all the
ingredients it takes to be a great player. He can score from anyplace at
anytime. He can score when he needs to and wants to."
4-14-96...Robinson played in this weekend's Magic Johnson
Roundball Classic and started for the West squad. Robinson finished
with 17 points in a much better outing than the McDonalds All-Star
game. Detroit's Winfred Walton led the West team with 26 points.
Robinson roomed with a potential Purdue recruit over the weekend,
Jamaal Magloire. (See stats below)
4-7-96...With 1,290 votes, Farragut's Ronnie Fields ran off with
the 1996 Illinois Mr. Basketball award. Robinson finished a strong
second with 859, followed by Sergio McClain of Peoria Manual (460), Jeff
Walker of Lanphier (181), and Marcus Griffin also of Peoria Manual (149).
Coaches and members of the media were eligible to vote for 3 players,
with first place receiving 5 points, second 3 points, and third 1 point.
A total of 432 ballots were counted. Fields finished the season with
32ppg, 12 rpg, and 4 blocks and steals per game. Robinson finished
with 30ppg and 10 rpg.
4-3-96...Robinson had some insights into his recent performance in
the McDonalds All-Star game. The nervousness didn't come from performing
around the top players in the nation (he's used to that), but rather the
national exposure. "It was my first time on national television," said
Mike. "I had never played on national television before, so I was a little
shocked." As one of the best outside shooters in the game, he was
disappointed he didn't make the finals of the three-point shooting
contest. "I didn't get a chance to warm up like the other guys did. If
they would have let me do that, I would have won it easily." Robinson
missed making the finals by a single three-pointer.
3-31-96...In a game that was geared towards the many unsigned
recruits attempting to make big impressions, Robinson played a solid game.
The McDonalds All-Star game featured an amazing 27 dunks, and an
unbelievable 65 turnovers, no defense, and a freeform offense. The scoring
leaders were all still unsigned, with the exception of Mike Bibby
(Arizona). Robinson was cold from the perimeter, as were most of the
players, shooting 0-4. Robinson finished with 11 points. (Stats below)
3-25-96...Robinson was named 1st team all-state this weekend by
the Chicago Tribune.
03-09-96...In a lengthy article in the Indy Star, Robinson
commented on goals, expectations, and attitudes surrounding his
placement as one of the concensus top20 players in America. Called
"Mikey" by friends and family, Robinson has inherited a new nickname
from Purdue assistant Frank Kendrick..."Small Dog". "It's an honor to
be called that because I'm going to the university (Glenn Robinson)
once attended and by coincidence I have his last name," said Robinson.
"I want to take the name and play with it with pride."
But Glenn is not the only Robinson Michael admires. Michael
surpassed his father's scoring records as a junior and became Peoria's
all-time leading scorer. Mike Robinson Sr. played at Peoria Woodruff
and went on to a collegiate career at Detroit (where he played under
then coach Dick Vitale) and Southwest Missouri State. Mike Sr. went
on to a professional career overseas, playing in Finland and the
Carribean. Robinson credits his father for his natural knack for
scoring and rebounding. "If my dad had a left hand, he would have played
in the NBA for a long time," Michael said. The Jr. Robinson can
score with either hand from any spot on the floor. "I know I'm not the
fastest one on the court," added Michael. "I know I can't jump as high
as some other players. But I feel my knowledge of the game is a lot
greater than other players." Robinson believes this knowledge came
from his early exposure to the game through his father.
At the beginning of Michael's senior season, if you had to
point to weaknesses in his game, it would have been defense. Scoring
has not been the problem, especially from the perimeter. "Mike has got
NBA range," Coach Hammerton said. "He probably shoots better six feet
beyond the regular 3-point high school arc. He follows through better."
But Mike's defense has also shown great improvement in his final season.
"He's become a much more complete player this season than he's been in
the past," Hammerton said. "He's an excellent defensive player and he
can handle the ball."
So, what is next for the Illinois Mr. Basketball candidate?
"I've got to get to the state finals to end everything just right, like
a fairy tale," he said. Richwoods has failed to advance past rival
Manual the past two seasons. "I hate to lose," Robinson said. " Sometimes
I show frustration too much. That's my love for the game. I don't want to
half-step. I want to go out there with all my heart. If I have a bad game
and we win, I still grade myself on my performance. I may not be upset,
but if we lose and I didn't do so well, that's when I kind of get
frustrated at myself." Robinson hopes to be an immediate impact at
Purdue. "I feel I'm ready to play at the college level right now," he
said. "My main goal is to help the team win. I don't care if I have to
come off the bench my freshman or sophomore year as long as I help Purdue
win another Big Ten title."
01-13-96...Visiting Peoria Central put a scare into Richwoods,
but it was Robinson's 45 points that led all scorers to a 72-69
Richwoods victory. It was the 10th 40+ point game of Robinson's career,
but ranked third among his career scoring bests. The only higher outputs
were 49 (vs Decatur MacArthur) and 48 (vs Morton) last year. A key to
the victory was Robinson's 2nd half defense on 6-1 AJ Guyton, who scored
17 of his 25 points in the first half to go into the lockeroom up 34-33.
It was the shooting from the charity stripe that eventually won the game
for Richwoods.
12-30-95...Robinson was named tournament MVP for the second
consecutive year at this years King Cotton Basketball Classic in Pine Bluff,
Arkansas. He was the MVP of the Foods division, with the MVP of the Entergy
division going to Arizona recruit Stephen Jackson. Robinson became the
first repeat winner since Corliss Williamson in 1990 and 1991. Dennis Scott
won back-to-back MVP's in 1986 and 1987.
The final game consisted of two teams from Illinois, Robinson's
Richwoods Knights and Springfield Lanphier rated #7 in the country by USA
Today. "Friday I was rooting for Lanphier," said Robinson about the Friday
semifinal game. "I wanted to be able to beat Lanphier and have everyone
back in Peoria pick up the paper and know we're serious. What I was thinking
about all the way here was winning. My first three years I've been a scorer.
Now I want to be a winner." Lanphier set the tone early, jumping out to an
11-5 lead that included a slam over Robinson by Lanphier guard Jeff Walker.
Robinson then went on to score the last 14 points in the half and had 20 by
halftime. Richwoods went on to win the game 63-55 behind Robinson's 36
points (See stats below). When asked of his motivation for the 36 point
effort in the final game, Robinson replied "Anger. I got dunked on. I don't
want to be on the other end of a play like that. If he's going to make a
great play, I'll take the win." Richwoods' record now stands at 9-2.
10-18-95...Contained in the "Big Ten Basketball Handbook" was
observations from Jon Reidel and Rich Allen (of Reidel's Roundball) on the
play of Michael Robinson. They rank Robinson at #7 and describe him as "A
smooth wing forward with unlimited shooting range. One of only a handful of
players at ABCD able to consistently hit trifectas. He will be extremely
difficult to defend as a college big guard because he'll burn you from
deep or blow by you on his way to a swooping dunk."
Frank Burlison and Garth Franklin of Recruiting Plus lists Robinson
at #11 and adds, "Certainly not the bashful type, judging by the way he was
launching long, long jumpers in the ABCD Camp and the Big Time Tournaments.
He may have to ice his right elbow after games, but there's no disputing
he's a very skilled offensive player."
7-13-95...At the ABCD All-Star Camp in Teaneck, N.J., Robinson
impressed enough to be voted the best outside scorer at the camp. There
was something in USA Today about a blood clot in his right thigh that
forced him to play heavily taped. However, it said it did not prevent him
from making several NBA range three-pointers.
6-5-95...Micheal Robinson has verbally committed to Purdue for
enrollment in 1996. Citing Purdue's close location to his home, Robinson
made the announcement today (June 5). Robinson was named honorable mention
player-of-the-year in Illinois in his junior season. According to Van
Coleman's Future Stars Report, Robinson is rated as the 14th best player in
the country. Bob Gibbons has him rated at #9 and Reidel's Roundball has
him at #8 among seniors, and #11 overall.
The Peoria Richwoods, Ill., High School standout has said for
several months that when he was sure of his college choice, he would end the
suspense and put to rest any rumors or false hopes among other recruiters.
Robinson plans to sign a national letter of intent during the November
signing period. He has told his mother that his decision is final.
Robinson said he decided to attend Purdue after participating in the
Run 'N Slam All-Star Classic Amateur Athletic Union tournament, which was
staged May 5-7 on the Boilermaker campus. "That's where I'm going to go,"
Robinson said. "I made my decision right after I came back from that
tourney at Purdue. I liked the campus a lot and came back and decided that that
was where I wanted to go.'' Robinson giggled when admitting that his affection
for Mackey Arena's rims may have been the final factor in his choice. "I'm
picky,'' Robinson said. "There's certain rims that I like, and there's
certain rims that I don't like. When I got into Mackey, the rims and I got
along really well. It's kind of funny, but I made my decision after playing
on that court.''
Robinson commented on Purdue's Final Four chances. "This should
be a good team for him,'' Robinson said of Keady. "Everyone wants to play
in a Final Four. I'm looking forward to making a run for it. I want to
win one now.''
5-7-95...The high point of my weekend was the opportunity to see
Robinson play in person on Sunday. This guy is the real deal. On a team
full of stars, he stuck out like Bill Clinton at a College Republicans
rally. The guy honestly can do it all and he is a joy to watch. Very
athletic, to the point where I can see the Jordan comparison. He hits
from the inside, he hits from the outside, he steals, he rebounds, and he
plays defense. Seems to enjoy playing around with his opponents. I
really hope we get him. He played on the same team as fellow Purdue
recruit Lee Lampley. Houston Hoops defeated Robinson's Illinois Warriors
61-60 in overtime of the Run 'N Slam All-Star Classic's championship game
in Mackey Arena.
5-5-95...Playing in the Run & Slam AAU tournament, Robinson
declared that he will verbally commit to a school by July. Purdue
remains at the top of the list. According to Larry Butler, Robinson's
AAU coach for the past four years, "I think it is pretty much locked up
for Purdue."
Robinson spoke on his idols Glenn Robinson, Michael Jordan, and Nick
Van Exel. He tries to combine Robinson's scoring, Jordan's charisma and
attitude, and Van Exel's "loose" style of play. "I like to bring a bit of
everything. I like to have the defensive player wondering what I'm going to
do on the court," Robinson said grinning. "I want him to wonder if I'm
going to sit back and shoot the 3-pointer or take it in and dunk on him."
Butler comments, "He's always ready to play, he's got a great
attitude and he's a fabulous talent. He never tells someone that he
wants the ball. He's a genuine treat to be around. All the other kids
like him."
On Robinson's game, Butler says, "The biggest thing with Mikey is
that he can shoot the 3-pointer, he can put it on the floor, he can slash,
he's an excellent finisher, and he's a hell of a defender. He's probably
one of the better defenders."
"He's a hard working man, I'll tell you that," Robinson said of
Gene Keady. "You see him on TV, and when you look at him. it's like, 'Man,
he's a mean man.' But once you get to know him, he's a real nice person."
4-29-95...Robinson has narrowed his college choices to four
schools. "I like Purdue alot, they are definitely up there. Right now they
are one of the top two teams. The other schools in the hunt are Kentucky,
Arkansas, and Kansas," says Robinson. Robinson, who has already passed the
ACT, has made two official visits to see the Boilers in action and will
be at Mackey the weekend of May 5-7 to play in Purdue's AAU
tournament. The first visit was for Midnight Madness in October, turning
down invitations to go to Arkansas' and Kentucky's opening practices.
Since that visit, Robinson has taken a liking to the players and coaches.
His impression of Gene Keady is "down to earth and honest".
"I like the basketball atmosphere. I like the support that the
students give to the team," he said. "Purdue always has good players with
good work ethics. That is where I feel I would fit in well, because I
have a very good work ethic."
Another advantage Purdue has is location to Robinson's hometown.
He said besides being able to see a number of games on TV, his family
would be able to attend games at Mackey. "It is close to home and my
family would be able to see me play. That is very important to me."
DATE FG FGA FT FTA 3PM 3PA RB AS ST PTS
----------------------------------------------------
05-05-95 10 0 2 26 Won 135-71
05-06-95 7 2 2 22 Won 79-58
05-06-95 8 0 1 19 Won 67-53
05-06-95 5 0 4 22 Won 79-55
05-07-95 4 8 4 28 Won 78-75
12-23-95 17 29 0 3 2 36
12-30-95 14 25 7 8 1 11 4 2 36 Won 63- Lanphier 55
01-06-96 32 Won 68- Ste. Decatur 66
01-13-96 45 Won 72- Peoria Cent. 69
02-02-96 10 25 4 7 7 4 24 Lost 40- Peoria Man. 60
03-05-96 10 25 Won 51- Peoria East 44
03-31-96 5 11 1 2 0 4 11 Lost 105- East 120
04-14-96 8 14 1 2 8 17 Won 127- West 117
06-12-96 8 15 1 2 1 6 5 5 2 18 Won 103- Spiece 62
06-15-96 13 26 Won 132- Indiana 117
Season thru PPG FG% FT% 3P% RPG APG BPG RECORD RANK
----------------------------------------------------------------
92-93 season 18.1 10.6
93-94 season 27.8 14.0
94-95 season 30.2 .550 .680 10.6 3.0 18-10
12-15-95 32.0 .520 .840 .480 5-0 8th (IL)
01-05-95 35.7 14.0 9-2 7th (IL)
02-25-96 30.8 .513 11.3 18-6
03-07-96 30.0 10.1 2.1 21-6 14th (IL)
95-96 season 30.0 10.0 2.1 22-7
95-96 season McDonalds All-American
Parade All-American Third Team
Illinois First Team All-State
King Cotton Basketball Classic MVP
ABCD Camp Best Outsider Shooter Award
Illinois Mr. Basketball Candidate (finished 2nd)
94-95 season Illinois First Team All-State
Honorable Mention Illinois Player of the Year
Peoria Richwood HS Career Scoring Leader
King Cotton Basketball Classic MVP
93-94 season Illinois First Team All-State
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