If you’re around this Pitt basketball team frequently, then you likely have a high appreciation for exactly what Panthers’ point guard James Robinson brings to Jamie Dixon’s team.
If not, you probably just see a guy averaging only 8.3 points and 4.0 assists per game and don’t have a full appreciation for exactly how good of a season Robinson is having.
If that’s the case you are not alone as Robinson could be the most under-appreciated players in all of college basketball.
But make no mistake about it, Robinson has been every bit as important to Pitt’s 20-4 start to the season as Lamar Patterson’s stellar play or any other Panther has been.
Robinson is the key that makes the Pitt offense go.
He has the rare knack of controlling the pace of the game, which not all college point guards are capable of doing. With Robinson at the helm, Pitt can beat you in a high scoring game, or a low one as we saw the past two weeks when teams have zoned the Panthers more often.
“I think we can play in the 40’s and 50’s, but can also have success playing in the 70’s and 80’s,” said Robinson. “You’re not going to have tremendous success every game and the coaches do a great job of preparing us for every situation.”
The biggest part of Robinson’s success of the season has been the way he takes care of the basketball, a valuable asset for Jamie Dixon’s team.
Robinson continues to put up outstanding assist-to-turnover numbers, leading the ACC and all of college basketball with a 4.5 assist/turnover ratio (95 assists/21 turnovers). In his two years at Pitt, Robinson also owns a 3.4 assist/turnover ratio, which is the top number in program history.
He also has the opportunity to become one of the best closers in Pitt history as he owns a career 81 percent free-throw percentage. The ball is in Robinson’s hands late in games and he more than often steps up and makes positive things happen in crunch time.
“The kid is a winner,” said Virginia Tech head coach James Johnston. “Plain and simple. He’s just as steady as they come.”
However when they need it, Robinson is also scoring more. That was evident by his 16 point performance Saturday against the Hokies in a hard fought double overtime victory.
While Robinson doesn’t look for his shot all the time as he looks to put his teammates in better spots to have success, that doesn’t mean he isn’t capable of scoring.
The sophomore is shooting a respectable 44.4 percent from the floor and has knocked down 35 percent of his attempts from behind the arc.
“He has been knocking down shots the entire season,” said Pitt guard Cameron Wright. “We have tremendous faith in him to hit big shots.”
With Patterson struggling Saturday because of a thumb injury, Robinson had to step up and play a major role scoring the ball. That’s something he may have to do Wednesday night as well when No. 1 Syracuse visits the Petersen Events Center.
Whether he has to score the ball or play a big role passing it, Robinson will have to be good for the Panthers to knock off the undefeated Orange.
One thing is for sure though and that is whether or not he gets the credit around the nation for being one of the best point guards in the country, Robinson does everything his coaches and teammates could want from a point guard.
“I just do what makes us a better team,” said Robinson. “I shoot the ball when I think I’m open, but I still try and make plays when I think other people are more open. Whatever it takes to win, whether it is getting a rebound or a late stop, I am just going to keep doing what I can to help us win games.”
Photo Credit: J Pat Carter/AP
