What started off as a disappointing season for Michigan’s Duncan Robinson turned into an award-winning year, as Robinson was able to flip the script. After beginning the season as a starter, Duncan Robinson probably had no plans of winning the Big Ten Sixth Man of Year Award. Well, the move to the bench proved to be beneficial for both Robinson and the Wolverines. The senior captain was able to find his stroke and gain his confidence as the season went on. Robinson went on to average 9.3 points on 39% shooting from three.
Although a demotion to the bench can be a bit demoralizing, Robinson did not let that stop him from contributing. If anything it speaks a lot to the character and toughness of the senior. Robinson has had his fair share of peaks and valleys throughout his basketball career. The story is well known by now that Robinson was under-recruited out of high school and forced to sign with Williams College. After a big season there, he became the first ever D-3 player to be offered a full scholarship to a Major-Five conference team. Robinson then earned a starting job as a junior at U of M only to be replaced by the blossoming D.J. Wilson last year. So none of this is new to Robinson and now he will get to take home some much-deserved hardware.
The three-point specialist was able to diversify his game as the season went on. Robinson’s defense improved dramatically during his career to the point where it was his defense that became so valuable. Robinson became a versatile defender and could guard multiple positions on the floor. Most impressively he was able to help contain Miles Bridges and Jaren Jackson Jr. in a big upset over Michigan State.
Robinson is now catching fire just in time for another tournament run. Scoring over 15 points in three of his last five games is great news for Michigan. Considering, if you’ve watched a Michigan game over the last couple weeks, you know that Michigan is undefeated when Duncan Robinson scores over 15 points.
Congrats to Duncan Robinson on the much-deserved recognition!
