Robinson: Time to Take Game to NBA

It didn’t take a Purdue rocket scientist to figure out what Glenn Robinson planned to say Monday in a Gary, Ind., high school gym.

Making good on a season-long vow to hold a news conference if he changed his mind about returning to Purdue for his senior year, Robinson announced he is a Boilermaker no more. In what amounted to one of the great career no-brainers, Robinson declared himself available for the June 29 NBA draft--and the likely No. 1 pick and possible $100 million price tag that will come with it.

Actually, the news conference was nothing more than a nostalgic formality. Sitting in the same gym where he helped lead Roosevelt High to a state championship and where a life-size photo cutout of Robinson hangs from a wall, the now-former Purdue All-American forward merely confirmed what had been predicted for weeks.

As recently as last month’s NCAA Final Four, Robinson had told at least one other All-American player that he was forgoing his final season of eligibility for the NBA. It became official the moment Robinson called a Monday news conference in his hometown.

“I want everyone to know in the city of Gary that I’m leaving because I’m in a unique situation,” Robinson told reporters and an audience of about 300 friends and well-wishers. “A lot of people don’t have the opportunity to go into the lottery or maybe even be the No. 1 pick.”

Maybe? Laker General Manager Jerry West has said that Robinson, whose 30.3-point scoring average led the nation, might have been the No. 1 selection last year and, in his mind, is the No. 1 selection this year.

Grant Hill, the Duke star who is expected to be picked shortly after Robinson, said there was no better college player in the country this year. And this was after Hill, considered the game’s best defender, held Robinson to a season-low 13 points.

Purdue Coach Gene Keady has said that Robinson “is one of those guys you probably have once in a lifetime.” Still, Keady was hopeful that Robinson, who led the Boilermakers to a 29-5 record, a Big Ten Conference championship and a place in the Southeast Regional final, might return for another championship run.

No such luck. Robinson had as much chance of coming back as Keady had of going an entire game scowl free.

“He has an opportunity of a lifetime,” Keady said. “I would like to coach him another year, but the opportunity was just too good to pass up.”

The 6-8 Robinson, who missed his freshman season because of academic restrictions, completes a list of underclassmen that now includes California’s Jason Kidd and Lamond Murray, Connecticut’s Donyell Marshall, Michigan’s Juwan Howard and Jalen Rose and Louisville’s Clifford Rozier. But only Robinson is considered the consensus No. 1 choice and the player most likely to break the $100-million contract barrier.

Last year, in an unprecedented deal, No. 1 pick Chris Webber received a 15- year, $74.4-million deal from the Golden State Warriors. Anfernee Hardaway got a 13-year, $65-million package from the Orlando Magic.

“Anything is realistic nowadays,” said Robinson’s agent, Dr. Charles Tucker. “I would certainly say he is worth that because he brings more than basketball to the game. He brings a personality.”

For the moment, NBA lottery teams will settle for the basketball part. Not only did Robinson average 30-plus points, but he was good for 10.2 rebounds per game, capable ball handling, toughness, a work ethic to die for and the ability to carry a team (and the Boilermakers needed carrying) whenever necessary.

According to a new NCAA rule, underclassmen can return to school and regain their eligibility--with strings attached--up to 30 days after the draft. Of course, this doesn’t do Keady and Purdue any good for two reasons: Robinson has an agent, which is an NCAA no-no; Robinson promised weeks ago not to look back.

“If I say I’m leaving, I’m leaving,” he said. “I’m not going to play around.”

So Robinson is gone. For Purdue and college basketball, it was nice while it lasted.