The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/653976
MICHIGAN BASKETBALL that. I just feel very blessed to have this opportunity to be here, to have the opportunity to play in the NCAA Tourna- ment, which is why I elected to come here in the first place. "We're very close across the board. Wins, losses — we've always got each other's backs. I think that bodes well for us, especially in the postseason. Those teams that band to- gether typically have more success." The Wolverine: How badly did you need that tourna- ment bid to really validate the season? Robinson: "It's big, and I think you could tell that, just with all the tension and emo- tion in the room. We're just really excited, I guess, to get back on track, so to speak — given that this is a program that's been in the NCAA Tour- nament for quite some time." The Wolverine: Were you still hearing how you wouldn't be able to make the jump from Division III Williams College to Michigan before the season? Robinson: "Yeah, I heard that countless times. Just fuel to the fire, I guess you could say." The Wolverine: What was the key to beating Indiana, 72-69, in the Big Ten Tournament — the win that actually secured the bid? Robinson: "Just staying connected and really believing. I think going back to that game in Ann Arbor [an 80-67 IU win], we were maybe a little overconfident coming off a little bit of a winning streak and they just kind of punched us in the mouth. "We were all disappointed and knew we had to play a lot better than that. … We came out and fought and played with a lot of energy." In the year's first 34 games, Robinson appeared in each and averaged 28.4 minutes, 11.2 points and 3.3 rebounds per contest. PHOTO BY PER KJELDSEN