NBA Draft 2013: Michigan’s Glenn Robinson III Player Profile

Here we continue our in-depth look into the top prospect for the 2013 NBA Draft. Today we examine:

Glenn Robinson III has been terrific for the University of Michigan. Photo Credit: TonyTheTiger, Wikimedia Commons

Glenn Robinson III, SF/PF, Michigan 6’6” 210 lbs

2012-13 Collegiate Stat Line: (all stats courtesy of ESPN.com)  

11.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, 57% field goals, 35% 3-point field goals, 67% free throws

The Skinny:

Glenn Robinson III is not your typical high-profile freshman sensation like Kansas’ Ben McLemore or Oklahoma State’s Marcus Smart are. Unlike those two, Robinson hasn’t had to be a star player for his team. In fact, Robinson is the third option on offense for the Wolverines, behind fellow NBA prospects Trey Burke and Tim Hardaway Jr. If Robinson comes out of school after one season, he could be drafted in the lottery. However, there isn’t a lot to go off of based on his freshman performance.

Strengths:

Robinson’s physical attributes are impressive. At 6’6” and 210 pounds, Robinson still has room to grow. He uses his body well, has speed to run in transition (something Michigan loves to do) and has the explosiveness to finish at the rim. He also has nimble hands to finish contested layups.

Still growing as a shooter, Robinson’s 35 percent shooting from 3 doesn’t show how good of a shooter he could turn into if given some time to develop. His stroke is pure and he has started to get comfortable in his own skin within the Michigan offense.

When it comes to drafting players, you will see the word “upside” pop up so many times the word will lose all meaning. Except when talking about Robinson; that is the only way to really describe him. Because of his minimal impact on a loaded Michigan roster, he is just now making himself a force on both sides of the ball. It’s hard not to use the word upside with Robinson. His potential is enormous as well.

Weaknesses:

The biggest knock against Robinson right now is that he is unproven. Actually, unproven isn’t the right word. Robinson is an enigma. Nobody really knows what to expect out of him at the next level because they don’t know what to expect from him in college. He’ll have these standout games (examined below) and games that he can completely disappear. This can be slightly attributed to him being the third scoring option for Michigan, but he will need to fix this in the NBA.

His free-throw numbers also need to improve. Shooting below 70 percent from the free-throw line is not going to cut it for a man with his athleticism and developing skill set. He has the ability to get to the free-throw line and must convert those easy points.

Highlight Game:

March 21 vs. South Dakota State (NCAA Tournament 2nd Round: W 71-56) 21 points, 8-for-9 field goals, 3-for-3 3-pointers, 6 rebounds

South Dakota State’s defensive strategy was to close out short on Robinson and dare him to shoot from beyond the arc. This allowed Robinson to feel comfortable in his shot and knock down three huge baskets in the Michigan win.

Once SDSU figured out Robinson was hot from 3, the floor opened up for him for pull-up jumpers and cuts to the basket. This is the game Robinson needed to have in order for Michigan to win and he delivered in a big way.

Lowlight Game:

Feb. 12 at Michigan State (L 75-52) 2 points, 1-for-4 field goals, 0-for-1 3-pointers, 2 rebounds

The most embarrassing game for Michigan all season was also the game where the Wolverines needed Robinson to step up the most. Unfortunately for him, he shied away from the spotlight. Michigan got hammered on the inside by Adrian Payne and Derrick Nix and Robinson did not put up much of a fight, offensively or defensively.

Even for a third scoring option, Robinson absolutely failed to show up for one of the biggest games of the year on the road at their rival Michigan State. This was easily the most disappointing game for Robinson’s draft stock.

Potential Landing Spots:

Glenn Robinson III, if he decides to leave school after just one season, could go anywhere from the middle of the lottery to end of the first round. His pure skill alone should land him in the former, but if teams look at his overall body of the work and get worried, don’t be surprised to see him slip in the first round.

Teams That Make Sense:

Milwaukee Bucks:

With the expiring contracts of Brandon Jennings and Monta Ellis, the Bucks may have to make a decision whether to keep the duo together (Jennings is a restricted free agent and Ellis is unrestricted with a player option). Considering Milwaukee’s current potential draft position lands them right in the potential frame Robinson could be drafted, the Bucks might have a difficult time passing up his potential.

Atlanta Hawks:

If the Hawks can keep Josh Smith, and that’s a big if, Robinson would fit well in Atlanta. Pairing Robinson with Smith, Al Horford and the emerging Jeff Teague (who is a restricted free agent this summer) would be ideal for a talent player trying to find himself as a superstar. Glen wouldn’t be asked to star right away and would be able to develope while those three pick up most of the slack for Atlanta.

Overall Synopsis: 

Since Robinson is a freshman, it’s not a given that he comes out of school to enter the NBA Draft. However, the only way I see Robinson returning to school is if Burke and Hardaway Jr. also return for one final run at a national championship. Get ready to hear ‘upside’ and ‘potential’ plenty when Robinson III is discussed. He’s unproven right now but his talent will help him land a spot in the NBA.