Duke Basketball Player Review: Justin Robinson emerges late in final year

Justin Robinson came on very strong at the end of his final season for the Duke basketball team, only leading fans to question what could have been in prior seasons.

In the first installment of our Duke Basketball Player Reviews, we take a look at the red-shirt senior Justin Robinson who gave the Blue Devils a major boost in the final stretch of the season.

It was all set up for Robinson to be the Brian Zoubek of the 2020 season.

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Zoubek, like Robinson, barely played in his first three seasons at Duke.

Both players emerged late in their senior seasons, and as Zoubek helped the Blue Devils to win the 2010 National Championship, Robinson was primed to do the same.

It’s unfair to look at his season averages of 2.8 points and 1.5 rebounds per game or his career averages during his time at Duke, but rather look at his last four games played this season.

In a blowout win over Virginia Tech, Robinson was inserted for mop-up duty and recorded five points in three minutes.

As Duke was getting their business handed to them in the first half against Wake Forest, which ultimately ended up as a double-overtime loss, Robinson was used, and stepped up, to give Duke a spark it desperately needed.

Six points, two rebounds, and three blocks were just the beginning for one of the senior captains on 3-of-6 shooting in 15 minutes.

Mike Krzyzewski did not play Robinson in a loss against Virginia but then inserted his spark plug at home against North Carolina State, a team that curb-stomped Duke a few weeks prior.

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Robinson lit Cameron on fire with ten points on 4-of-5 shooting and made both of his 3-point attempts, in addition to grabbing six rebounds.

Coach K started Justin Robinson on his Senior Night against North Carolina, and he helped seal the victory for the Blue Devils with 13 points, six rebounds, three assists, four blocks, and a steal in an 89-76 victory, which would end up being the final game of the season for Duke.

In his finale, Robison was 4-of-7 from the field and all but one of those shot attempts came from 3-point range.

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Dating back to the February 22 win over the Hokies, Robinson was 13-of-21 from the field and 7-of-12 from 3-point range.

It’s unclear whether Robinson will try and pursue a professional basketball career, but do not be fooled, Justin Robinson will be successful in whatever he chooses to do in life, and a career in coaching could be awaiting the forward in Durham if he chooses.

FINAL GRADE: A-

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