History of Mitchell Robinson in Timeline

Mitchell Robinson III is an American professional basketball player for the New York Knicks. He was drafted 36th overall in 2018. Notably, he made headlines by forgoing his commitment to Western Kentucky University to train independently for the 2017-18 season, a groundbreaking decision at the time.

1965: Willis Reed Sets Knicks Rookie Record

Willis Reed, a rookie for the New York Knicks, set a team record with 19 points and 21 rebounds in a single game.

April 1, 1998: Birth of Mitchell Robinson III

Mitchell Robinson III was born on this day.

February 2017: Mitchell Robinson III Commits to Western Kentucky University

Mitchell Robinson III initially committed to Texas A&M but changed his commitment to follow coach Rick Stansbury to Western Kentucky University. This move was widely regarded as a major recruiting success for WKU.

July 2017: Mitchell Robinson III Leaves Western Kentucky University

Mitchell Robinson III's time at Western Kentucky University was short-lived. After enrolling for the summer semester and practicing with the team, he left the campus, leading to an indefinite suspension for violating team rules. He was later granted a release to transfer but faced the possibility of sitting out the 2017-2018 season due to NCAA regulations.

August 2017: Mitchell Robinson III Explores Transfer Options

Seeking a waiver from the NCAA, Robinson explored transfer possibilities by visiting Louisiana State University, University of Kansas, and the University of New Orleans in August 2017. He later returned to Western Kentucky on August 27th.

2017: Mitchell Robinson III Foregoes College Basketball

Mitchell Robinson III made the unprecedented decision to skip college basketball and dedicate the entire 2017-2018 season to training independently in preparation for the 2018 NBA Draft.

2017: Mitchell Robinson III Participates in All-Star Games

Mitchell Robinson III showcased his basketball prowess in two prestigious events: the 2017 McDonald's All-American Boys Game, where he contributed 14 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 blocked shots, and the 2017 Jordan Brand Classic, where he added 15 points and 3 rebounds in 17 minutes of play.

2017: Mitchell Robinson III Considered for US National Under-19 Team

Mitchell Robinson III was initially considered for the United States national under-19 basketball team but did not make the final 12-man roster for the 2017 FIBA Under-19 Basketball World Cup.

June 21, 2018: New York Knicks Select Mitchell Robinson III in NBA Draft

Mitchell Robinson III was selected with the 36th pick in the 2018 NBA draft by the New York Knicks.

July 8, 2018: Mitchell Robinson III Signs with the New York Knicks

After showcasing his skills in the 2018 NBA Summer League, where he set records for blocked shots and offensive rebounds, Mitchell Robinson III officially signed a multi-year rookie contract with the New York Knicks.

2018: Mitchell Robinson III Skips College for 2018 NBA Draft

In a groundbreaking decision, Mitchell Robinson III announced he would forego college basketball altogether and instead prepare for the 2018 NBA Draft independently. This move made him the first prospect to enter the draft without playing for any college, professional, or high school team for an entire year. Though officially credited as a Western Kentucky player by the NBA, he was ineligible for the G League due to his brief enrollment in summer classes, a ruling that also impacted similar cases like Billy Preston and De'Anthony Melton. Robinson's decision paved the way for future players to take a similar route, including Darius Bazley.

2018: Mitchell Robinson III is Drafted into the NBA

Mitchell Robinson III was selected with the 36th overall pick in the 2018 NBA draft by the New York Knicks.

March 28, 2019: Mitchell Robinson III Achieves Career High

Mitchell Robinson III recorded a career-high of 19 points and 21 rebounds during a game against the Toronto Raptors. This achievement made him the first New York Knicks rookie since Willis Reed in 1965 to accomplish such a feat.

December 17, 2019: Mitchell Robinson III Scores Career-High 22 Points

In a game against the Atlanta Hawks, Mitchell Robinson III achieved a new career-high by scoring 22 points while also grabbing 13 rebounds.

January 1, 2020: Mitchell Robinson III Achieves Perfect Shooting Night

Mitchell Robinson III had a remarkable game against the Portland Trail Blazers, scoring 22 points without missing a single shot, going 11-for-11 from the field.

February 12, 2021: Mitchell Robinson III Fractures Hand

During a game against the Washington Wizards, Mitchell Robinson III suffered a fractured right hand in the second quarter. The injury forced him to leave the game and sidelined him for a period.

July 12, 2022: Mitchell Robinson III Re-Signs with the Knicks

Mitchell Robinson III solidified his commitment to the New York Knicks by signing a new four-year, $60 million contract. This deal secured his place on the team for the foreseeable future.