The Monmouth Hawks took the country by storm last year with their crazy bench celebrations and at-large bid potential. This year, while the Hawks might have to win the MAAC tournament for a bid to the “Big Dance”, one critical piece for Monmouth has remained the same: the dominant play of Justin Robinson.
P.S. When I say dominate, I mean dominate. This kid can ball.
The Hawks have had a season every program wishes for thus far, earning themselves a 26-5 overall record while only suffering two losses in the Metro American Athletic Conference. Robinson has Monmouth to 16 straight wins, earning the Hawks the number one overall seed in the MAAC tournament. The future is bright for the Hawks, as they come into the MAAC tournament as favorites to win it all.
The future is even brighter for MU star player, Justin Robinson. While he may be a small guard who came out of the small city of Kingston, NY., Robinson plays HUGE. Averaging 19.7 points per game and just under 5 assists, the speedy guard has dropped 25 or more points in nine different games, including a 40 point performance against Siena (sorry Saints fans, I had to do it).
If I were an NBA GM, I would take Robinson on my NBA roster in a heartbeat, unfortunately, he might need a little help to get onto an NBA roster. Robinson will likely go play overseas in a professional league, develop his talents more, and hopefully get another shot at an NBA spot. Like many of us fans, Erica Schaeffer, an 11-year-old season ticket holder of the Monmouth Hawks, thinks Robinson deserves a chance immediately in the National Basketball Association.
“My dad was telling me that Justin may go overseas,” Erica told the Asbury Park Press, “so that made me think that I would try to help Justin stay here because I want to see him play again. And just meeting him and how he’s so nice, I wanted to see him play here and become an NBA player.”
For most 11-year-olds, helping any player get to the next level might include cheering them on louder, but Erica isn’t your typical 11-year-old fan.
(Photo: courtesy Eric Schaeffer)
Erica took her passion for Robinson to the next level, sending a letter to each and every NBA team, stating why they should draft Robinson. Better yet, some even responded. The Rockets and Rockets emailed her a response and Jeff Bower, the general manager of the Detroit Pistons, took the time to write a handwritten response.
Great lesson in fandom, as Point Pleasant girl touts Monmouth's Justin Robinson to NBA GMs. And they're listening! https://t.co/03T1xQ3nzw pic.twitter.com/mSZ676VwTY
— Steve Edelson (@steveedelsonapp) March 1, 2017
Maybe… Just maybe, Erica’s extra help could land the talented guard an NBA contract. For now, we will just have to wait and see.
Robinson and the #1 seeded Hawks return to action Friday, when they meet the winner of #8 Quinnipiac and #9 Niagara at 7:00 in the MAAC Tournament.
-Connor Hall (@518SportsChall)
