by Alex Schwartz

Not long ago, I had the opportunity to speak with Thomas Robinson '09 of Brewster Academy (NH), a power forward who has signed with Kansas. The 6'8 low post stud is regarded by many as the best rebounder in America. Many people didn't know about Thomas Robinson coming into the summer of 2008 though, and that includes college coaches. Robinson told me that entering the summer his biggest offer was from George Washington, a school that finished in second to last place in arguably the top mid-major conference in the NCAA, the Atlantic 10. Nonetheless, Robinson dominated throughout the summer with his AAU squad, Squash All Beef, and that led him to open the 2008-2009 school year with numerous high-major offers and a high ranking from many scouting services and websites. Thomas told me that his other finalists were Texas, Memphis, and Miami, but he ultimately decided on Kansas because he "and the coaching staff had a nice bond," adding that he "felt like it was the right fit on and off the court." So what went into the big man's big-time summer? "My AAU coach just pushing me hard in every game." Robinson has boosted his stock so much that he was considered a borderline pick for the 2009 McDonald's All-American Game, yet ended up on the outside looking in when the rosters were announced. I asked Thomas his thoughts on the situation, and he said that he felt it was "political," though he added, "It's just a game, but of course you want to make it. . . . The truth will come out next year." Thomas Robinson is clearly a man on a mission, and the next obstacle is the Big 12, and it seems like the big man just may well be up to the task.

Note- photo is from http://scouthoops.scout.com/