Coach Will Robinson 1911-2008

[Marquette Mama]

I wanted to bring the (life and) death of Will Robinson to the attention of fellow basketball fans. 

Mr. Robinson was a legendary coach, mentor and role model to generations of young athletes. Although perhaps not widely known outside of the Michigan area, his impact on the game was far-reaching. His career spanned positions in high school, college and professional leagues.

Mr. Robinson was the first African American to coach Division 1 men's basketball (Illinois State, 1970-75).   He helped Spencer Haywood's successful challenge to the NBA's ban on underclassmen. (I believe college basketball's first hardship case.)  While a number of his players enjoyed NBA careers, he also took pride in those who became doctors and lawyers.

If you have a few minutes to spare, check out obit articles in the Sporting News, or on the sports pages of today's Detroit Free Press www.freep.com or Detroit news www.detnews.com.