The Northern Kentucky University signee averaged 11.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.5 blocks per game as a well-rounded junior. He will lead the Big Blue when they tip of Friday against Northwest, seeking to improve on a 13-10 finish last year.
»RELATED: Wednesday’s high school roundup
“Last year, I didn’t have to do as much of the scoring because we had my brother and D’Marco,” Robinson said. “I’m probably going to need to increase that, but I just want to do whatever I can to help my team, whether it’s getting assists or scoring myself or getting stops on defense.”
His brother and Howard were among the top five scorers in the Greater Miami Conference last year, while he was one the best passers, blockers and rebounders.
Robinson said he’s “never been the kind of player looking to score first,” but if that is what Hamilton needs from him, he is up to that challenge. He scored 15 points or more six times last year, including a career-high 25 points in a win over Harrison.
Hamilton coach Kevin Higgins said Robinson has been more aggressive shooting so far this year – partly because there are more opportunities – but he still knows when to pass and when to take it himself.
“He’s going to be a big part of what we’re doing,” Higgins said. “He’s our best player, so he’s got to take the stage for us.”
The Big Blue will be putting Robinson in a better position to succeed this year, too. At 6-foot-7, he was one of the taller guys on the team last season, so instead of playing on the perimeter where he is more comfortable, he spent most of the time inside at the No. 5 position.
This year, he will move to more of his natural position in a four-guard offense, sometimes even running the point. Higgins said he was able to move Robinson back to the perimeter because the team has more depth inside this year, and Robinson said it’s a better fit for everyone.
“I do a lot of things,” Robinson said. “I’m playing a guard spot so I can be off the ball but bring the ball up a lot too. Last year, I was one of the taller guys, so they needed me to play as more of a big guy. I could go out (on the perimeter), but this year I’ve got to do everything. It’s better for the team if I’m on the perimeter.”
Robinson’s versatility makes him one of the top players in the area, and he set the personal goal of becoming the GMC Player of the Year. He said that’s not his focus but if he ends up being the playmaker his team needs, he believes he will at least be in the conversation for the honor.
Aside from that, Robinson wants to be more of a leader for his team regardless of stats.
“I need to lead by example and be vocal,” Robinson said. “We don’t really have that guy that’s going to help you out all the time and tell you where to go, so I feel like I need to do that and lead by my actions.”
Robinson learned some of that from his brother, who was a two-time captain and now is playing at Northern State University in South Dakota.
“He was more of a leader last year, so I picked up some of that from him,” Robinson said. “He sometimes had a chip on his shoulder because he felt he was a little bit of an underdog, and I liked that too. But, I feel like I need to step up as a leader like he did because the team needs that from me.”
It helps that he can play freely without the worry of trying to impress college recruiters.
“If I wasn’t committed already — having all those schools looking at you can be a lot, something you constantly have to think about so it’s exciting to be done with it,” Robinson said. “The stress is off my back knowing where I’m going to go. I can focus on my season and what my team is doing and do my best to get us where we want to be.”
OTHER PLAYERS TO WATCH
Zach Switzer, Badin senior forward
A.J. Braun, Fenwick junior center
Alex Mangold, Lakota East senior forward
Carter Combs, Lakota West senior guard
Julian Mackey, Lakota West senior guard
Javian Ricks, Fairfield senior guard
Cole Gronas, Ross senior guard
Craig James, Talawanda junior guard
Grant Whisman, Madison senior guard/forward
Zack Minton, Franklin senior guard
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