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What if we drafted....Stanley Robinson? (Featuring Andrew Porter of The UConn Blog)

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By Marina Mangiaracina
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This is a feature that we'll roll out as often as possible leading up to the draft. Basically, we'll be taking an in depth look at some of the potential draftees for the Thunder, and asking questions of the people who know them best, the college blogs that cover them. Up now is Stanley Robinson of the University of Connecticut, and Andrew Porter of The UConn Blog. Scott Schroeder of Ridiculous Upside has him available at #21, but NBADraft.net has him being available as late as #32. Regardless, he is a potential future Thunder player, so here's the 411 on Stanley Robinson....

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Stanley Robinson, Small Forward, #21, The University of Connecticut


Highlights against Chattanooga in the NCAA Tournament


Q&A, Andrew Porter, The UConn Blog

1. What type of player is Stanley Robinson?
Robinson, affectionately known as Sticks, is an athletic freak. He has immense physical talents and can jump out of the building, and has a decent shooting touch (he shot 34% from 3 as a senior). However, Robinson is also maddeningly inconsistent, with a tendency to disappear in close games. He'll put up 15 points and grab as many rebounds in one game, and then only score 6 points the next.
Below: What will Stanley Robinson's Career look like? Is he the next Rudy Gay?
2. Based on what you know, do you think he'll be an NBA caliber player? If so, who would you compare him to?
Robinson has the physical tools to be a valuable asset in the NBA, but he needs to find a way to play consistently. The closest comparison might be UConn alum Rudy Gay. Robinson is not as talented as Gay, but both had careers at UConn that featured remarkable physical gifts and incredibly frustrating consistency issues. Gay has blossomed in the NBA, and I wonder if the league's environment will be a better fit for Sticks as well.

3. Based on what you know, do you think he would be a good fit for the Thunder?
Its hard to say. Again, it all comes down to him playing at a consistent level. He has physical tools to be a big asset for anyone, he just has to figure out how to use them.

4. Do you think Robinson will drop to pick #26, or do you think he'll go before that?
I don't know enough to say definitively, but being picked somewhere in the mid-20's would not surprise me.

5. The Thunder are a very disciplined squad with a team mentality. Do you think Stanley Robinson would fit into that type of environment, or would he be too wild or selfish?
I think the team mentality would be a great fit. Robinson was always a team player at UConn, and was often too deferential. Having a nice comfortable role (instead of needing to be a leader) might be just what he needs. The disciplined part is a bit of a dicier proposition though. Robinson never showed that he had all that high of a basketball IQ. He's got tremendous physical skills, but his tendency to disappear on the court will be frustrating if he can't shake it.

6. Do you want to see him play for the Thunder, unite with other former UConn players, or go somewhere else?
I'd like to see Sticks wind up in an environment that will allow his talent to grow. I think he'll do well in the NBA. He probably won't be an all-star, but he'll be a valuable piece for someone. If he does wind up with the Thunder, he might get the chance to play with UConn alum Kevin Ollie, assuming Ollie is back with the team next year.

7. What is your favorite Stanley Robinson moment? (YouTube link if possible/applicable?)
When I say Robinson is an athletic freak, I mean it. Search for him on YouTube and you'll find dozens of spectacular dunks. You can check out this alley-oop over Texas as an example.

8. In your opinion, what would be a best case scenario and a worst case scenario for Stanley Robinson's NBA Career?
Best case: Robinson thrives in the NBA environment and is able to put physical skill set to use while overcoming some of his mental blocks. It is unlikely he will be a team's star, but he could be a valuable second or third option.
Worst case: Robinson never gets over his inconsistency issues and still disappears on the court. His physical talents will keep him in the league a few years, but then it might be off to Europe.

Many thanks to Andrew Sharp for the in-depth analysis. So, what do you think? Is Stanley Robinson a good pick or a bad pick? Will he be worth the risk in the first round? Even in the second round? Let us know by dropping a comment!

See Also: Larry Sanders Profile, Solomon Alabi Profile.

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