Robinson Gives IU Recruiter Along With Strong Playing Potential

Let’s introduce Stanford Robinson, Indiana recruiter.

The newest future Hoosier, a 6-4 shooting guard out of Virginia who is rated as the nation’s No. 88 player in the Class of 2013 courtesy of Rivals.com is ready to pitch the Cream ‘n Crimson benefits to his Team Takeover teammate BeeJay Anya.

That’s big because Anya is rated as the nation’s No. 20 player and No. 2 center. He’s 6-8 and 250, and could provide plenty of inside muscle. It also would mean IU would, for the second straight year, have a powerhouse recruiting class.

Even without Anya, this group is very good. Also committed are forwards Devin Davis out of Indianapolis Warren Central, Collin Hartman out of Indianapolis Cathedral and Luke Fischer out of Wisconsin. The 6-7 Davis is rated No. 107. The 6-6 Hartman is at No. 110. The 6-11 Fischer is No. 134.

Robinson, who verbally committed Wednesday night, was sold on IU after Monday’s unofficial visit, when he made the campus rounds with coach Tom Crean on a golf cart, then played in an open gym with current Hoosiers.

In fact, don’t underestimate the value of that golf cart ride. It helps showcase Indiana’s many physical advantages that range from impressive facilities to overall campus beauty.

Robinson wanted to play for a national contender and that certainly fits the Hoosiers. They are a preseason No. 1 team, and have the foundation in place to be a national contender for a long time.

This will be an impressive follow-up to this season’s top-5 class of Yogi Ferrell, Jeremy Hollowell, Hanner Perea, Ron Patterson and Peter Jurkin.

Crean is thriving in recruiting without following Kentucky’s one-and-done approach. The only such player he’s signed at Indiana is Cody Zeller, who would have been a lottery pick if he’d come out after this past season.

Zeller wasn’t ready to end his college career, so he’s back for at least one more season. Given the fact he’s on pace to graduate in three years, and the amount of money he’ll get by being a lottery pick, it’s unlikely he’ll be in Bloomington for four years.

Three years is probably the most IU can expect.

Anyway, Robinson has the feel of a four-year guy. If he can develop the way Victor Oladipo, another former Team Takeover player, has for the Hoosiers, look out.

Robinson was the catalyst this past season for Paul VI High School in Fairfax, Va. He averaged 14 points, six rebounds, four assists and three steals for a 35-3 team that was ranked No. 12 nationally. He’s a strong rebounder and a strong defender.

Robinson, by the way, was recruited to Paul VI by Kenny Johnson, then a Paul VI assistant coach. That’s the same Johnson who was just hired as IU’s new assistant coach.

For the record, recruiting by Catholic schools is allowed in the Washington D.C. area.

And, yes, it seems Crean made a very good hire.


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For those wanting to make early NCAA tourney travel plans, Washington D.C., Arlington, Texas, Indianapolis and Los Angeles will host Sweet 16 and Elite 8 games.

If IU meets its preseason No. 1 hype, and then plays to its postseason seed, it very well could play in Indianapolis for a shot at making the Final Four in Atlanta.

As far as early round games, Dayton is a possibility, especially if the Hoosiers earn a No. 1 seed. So are Lexington, Ky., and Auburn Hills, Mich.

Those sites are close enough to provide a significant crowd advantage from Indiana fans.

Yes, we know. It’s ridiculously early to speculate about stuff like that.

But then, given next season’s prospects, you can’t be early enough.

If you’re interested, the other early round sites are at Austin, Texas; Kansas City, Mo.; Philadelphia; Salt Lake City and San Jose.