Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Mitchell Robinson

Discover the career path of Mitchell Robinson, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Mitchell Robinson III is a professional basketball player currently playing center for the New York Knicks in the NBA. He was drafted 36th overall in 2018. Notably, before joining the NBA, Robinson garnered significant attention for his unconventional decision to forego college basketball at Western Kentucky University and dedicate a full year to individual training. This made him the first player to make such a decision, highlighting his unique approach to entering professional basketball.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

February 2017: Commitment to Western Kentucky

In February 2017, basketball writer Jason Frakes noted that Mitchell Robinson's commitment to Western Kentucky could "go down as the biggest recruiting coup in WKU basketball history."

July 2017: Suspension and Release from Western Kentucky

In July 2017, Mitchell Robinson enrolled at Western Kentucky University, practiced with the team for about two weeks, then left campus, was suspended for violating team rules, and was granted a release to transfer, potentially sitting out the 2017–18 season.

August 2017: Visits and Return to Western Kentucky

In August 2017, Mitchell Robinson visited Louisiana State University, the University of Kansas, and the University of New Orleans, hoping for an NCAA waiver. On August 27, 2017, he returned to Western Kentucky.

2017: McDonald's All-American and Jordan Brand Classic

In 2017, Mitchell Robinson played in the McDonald's All-American Boys Game, scoring 14 points, securing three rebounds, and blocking two shots. He also participated in the 2017 Jordan Brand Classic, where he scored 15 points in 17 minutes and had three rebounds.

2017: United States National Under-19 Team Preliminary Roster

In 2017, Mitchell Robinson was named to the preliminary roster of the United States national under-19 team, but did not make the final cut for the 2017 FIBA Under-19 Basketball World Cup.

2017: Robinson Dedicated Season for Training

In 2017–18 Mitchell Robinson dedicated the entire season for training on his own, being the first player to make such a decision.

June 21, 2018: Drafted by New York Knicks

On June 21, 2018, Mitchell Robinson was selected with the 36th overall pick in the 2018 NBA draft by the New York Knicks.

July 8, 2018: Signing with the New York Knicks

On July 8, 2018, Mitchell Robinson signed a multi-year, rookie-scale contract with the New York Knicks after playing for them in the NBA Summer League.

2018: NBA Draft and Decision to Train Alone

In 2018, Mitchell Robinson was selected with the 36th overall pick in the NBA draft. He previously gained national attention for withdrawing from Western Kentucky University to train on his own for the 2017-18 season, becoming the first player to make such a decision.

2018: NBA Draft Preparation Announcement

On September 18, 2018, Mitchell Robinson announced his decision to forgo college and prepare for the 2018 NBA draft independently. This decision made him the first recruited draft pick to not play for any college, professional, or high school team for an entire year before entering the NBA draft.

March 28, 2019: Season Highs vs. Toronto Raptors

On March 28, 2019, Mitchell Robinson recorded season highs of 19 points and 21 rebounds in a loss to the Toronto Raptors. He became the first Knicks rookie since Willis Reed in 1965 to achieve 19 points and 21 rebounds in a game.