With millions of eyes on him and the Wolverines' national championship chances in his hands, he coolly sank both free throws to capture Michigan's first-ever NCAA championship.
An All-American during his senior season in 1989-90, Robinson was a three-year starter for the Wolverines from 1986-90.
He was a consensus 1990 All-Big Ten selection as well as a finalist for the 1990 Pete Maravich and John Wooden Awards. But in the hearts of Michigan fans, Robinson will always be remembered for the free throws he sank to bring the title to Ann Arbor.
Robinson was drafted 10th overall in the 1990 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks. He has spent time with six different NBA teams, as well as three teams in the CBA over the past seven seasons. Of those NBA teams, one was the Portland Trailblazers, where he was coached by P.J. Carlesimo, the coach of the Seton Hall team Robinson iced in the 1989 final. On Friday, Robinson was released again from an NBA team - this time by the Phoenix Suns.
Daily Sports Writer Jordan Field recently had the opportunity to speak with Robinson about his days at Michigan, and his experiences in both the NBA and CBA.
Daily: Have you followed Michigan basketball since graduating?
Robinson: Yes, somewhat. I try to catch some games here and there. Back when (Chris) Webber and those guys were there, I watched a bunch of games. Now they have all those big guys, so hopefully they can do something this year. I missed (the second) game with Michigan State because we were on the road in Toronto, but I catch a game whenever I can.
D: Have you been back to Ann Arbor since graduating? Have you had a chance to see a game while you've been in town?
R: No, well, because our seasons conflict, I'm kind of trapped if I wanted to see a game. But I've made it back since leaving. I still have a lot of friends up in Ann Arbor, so I try to keep in touch with them as well as I can.
D: How do you think the college game has changed since you left?
R: It's different. I think it's a much younger game that it was before. You don't have seniors as much anymore, and you have to play with what you have.
D: Aside from the championship in 1989, what are your best memories from your years at Michigan?
R: The best times were definitely hanging out with the team or hanging out with friends. We used to hang out at Rick's - we always had fun down there.
I guess just being with my friends down there, living the college life, are the best memories.
D: Looking back at the championship season in 1988-89, what was the team's reaction when coach Bill Frieder left and Steve Fisher took over?
R: I think it was sad. A lot of guys were close to Frieder, and they didn't want to see him leave.
But on the other hand, you had to understand what was best for him. I think it caused a lot of stress for some of the younger guys when he left, because they were used to him and wanted him to be their coach. But I think most people could understand where he was coming from in making the decision he did.
D: Can you remember what you were thinking as you stepped up to the free-throw line against Seton Hall in the final?
R: I was thinking to myself, "Just make the shots, just make the shots." And basically I was thinking, "This is it, we could win the national championship."
D: At that point in the game, going to shoot those free throws to win or lose the game, were you happy it was you up there, or were you wishing it was on someone else's shoulders?
R: At that point in the game I never thought about it that way. It was just during the course of the game, and I was the point guard.
At that time we had agreed that I would get the ball and if it got down to a crucial time, I would take the ball to the basket. So that was what I was trying to do that play.
D: Many of your teammates from that team moved on with you to play in the NBA. How are your relationships with those guys, as well as the ones who are not in the league?
R: I think we all respect each other at this level. We see each other on the court and whenever we have time we try to spend some time with each other off the floor. After spending four years with someone, friendships don't go away that easy. We still like being around each other. I'm sure we all root for one another to do well, but like tonight, as we played against (former teammate and current Piston) Terry (Mills), I want him to play well, but obviously I want to win.
D: Not only have you run into your old teammates at this level, but also former rival coach P.J. Carlesimo, who was your coach in Portland. How was your relationship with him while you were there?
R: It was different. But he was a real nice guy. I liked being around P.J.
Sometimes we would talk about the game, and his old assistant coaches from Seton Hall would come watch us play whenever we were in New Jersey, and they'd talk about (the championship game) too. We'd always joke about it. P.J. always asked me if I was really fouled.
D: Before playing in Portland, you spent nearly two full seasons playing in the CBA. How does that league compare to the NBA?
R: I take my hat off to the guys in the CBA. Those guys go out and play every night really trying to make it up to the NBA. I can't say there was ever a night when I was there when we didn't try our hardest.
The system they have there is set up for competition, and everyone competes hard. Anytime a guy comes up from the CBA, it means he's been through a struggle. And I really respect those guys.
D: We talked a little earlier about how the college game is now a younger game.
One of your teammates in Los Angeles was 18-year-old Kobe Bryant. How was he as a teammate, and what are your views on all the kids leaving college so early or not going at all, such as in Bryant's case?
R: I have to say, I don't necessarily agree that a kid has to go to college before going pro. I think Kobe may be an exceptional case because his dad really prepared him well.
He speaks Italian fluently and is probably the most mature 18-year-old I have ever met. I wish him the best and think he will be a very good basketball player in the league one day.
D: You have played with six different NBA teams and three different CBA teams in seven seasons. How has all the travel and change affected you on and off the court?
R: It's tough. You know, as they say - pack light. Some things work out, and some don't, you just have to stay strong and keep your game on.
D: What did you think Michigan's chances to win the Big Ten were this year?
R: I think they are a top-notch one or two team in the Big Ten. But I guess Michigan is always in contention for the top couple spots. In the couple games I've seen this year, they looked good. Things seem to work out well for Michigan, so hopefully they can get something together this year and win it.
MICHIGAN SPORTS INFORMATION
Robinson celebrates Michigan's 1989 championship with teammates, including Glen Rice (at right).