Dec. 5, 2005

The Wayne State University Department of Athletics will recognize longtime Detroit basketball legend Will Robinson during halftime of its basketball contest this Wednesday against West Virginia State, Mr. Robinson's alma mater.

Robinson, a native of Steubenville, Ohio, graduated from WVSC in 1937 after earning 15 letters in four sports and serving as a team captain in football, baseball and gymnastics.

It was, however, as a basketball coach that Robinson made a name for himself. His 1967 and 1970 Detroit Pershing squads were Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) Class A state champions. His 1967 team included Spencer Haywood. He also coached at Detroit Miller High before moving to Pershing.

"Coach Robinson is synonymous with Detroit basketball and has amassed a remarkable career helping countless young people not only on the court, but more importantly, develop into men," remarked WSU Director of Athletics Rob Fournier. "His legacy has touched people across generations - some of whom may never have met Coach Robinson but would not have had the opportunities they have today but for his leadership. He is one of Detroit's treasures."

During the 1970 season, after 28 years in the Detroit Public Schools, Robinson was selected to be the head coach at Illinois State University becoming the first black head coach of a Division I school. He compiled a 78-51 mark in five seasons with the Redbirds without a losing season.

He then joined the Detroit Pistons as a scout and later moved into the front office. He discovered several players including Dennis Rodman and Joe Dumars during his 28 years with the Pistons.

A 1982 inductee into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame, Robinson worked with the Pistons until retiring in the spring of 2003.

The Wayne State University vs. West Virginia State College game has a 7:30 p.m. tip-off on Wednesday at the WSU Matthaei Athletic Complex.