Central Michigan University Athletics
Whit Rob Provides Chippewas With A Defensive Spark
2/27/2003 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Feb. 27, 2003
by Andrea Wieczorek
Sports Information Writer/Editor
When senior Whitney Robinson steps out on the court, the fans are almost guaranteed a defensive showdown.
Robinson's defense has been a spark in coming off the Chippewas' bench. He has played in all 23 of CMU's games and averages the most points of any bench player with 7.7.
"Defense is my favorite part of the game," said the Detroit native. "So many people look past it and think it's not a priority. I love it."
Last season, Robinson started 24 of 28 games but has adjusted to being a bench leader.
"I'm comfortable with coming off the bench this season,'" said Robinson. "I've grown accustomed to it. My role has changed on the team and that is what I have to get used to."
Whitney's role has proven to be successful for the 18-5 Chippewas, so far. His ability to stop an offense puts him fourth on the team in steals with 22.
"My job is to provide defense and energy coming into the game," said Robinson. "I have to be ready at all times for when I'm called to go into the game. I just try to stay focused, warm, and loose."
Robinson's fundamentals stem back from his days playing AAU basketball with teammate Mike Manciel. Their coach, Curtis Hervey, taught them that defense comes first.
"If we didn't play defense, we didn't play at all," said Robinson. "I learned that fast and from the very beginning."
Although Whitney's favorite part of hoops is defense, he's not opposed to taking shots on offense.
"My favorite shot is dunking. All the little guys want to dunk," said the 5-11 guard. "I really never tried to dunk until about 11th grade. David (Webber) and I were working out at Country Day during the summer. I tried it once, made it, and kept going. My first dunk was in an AAU game."
But, back to the other side of the ball. Whit Rob, as many call him, credits coach Marc Comstock and his style of loading up the Chippewas' artillery to stopping their opponents.
"There's no question that coach Comstock has brought a whole new strategy and mentality to this team," said Robinson. "This season we are totally denying the wing and pressuring the ball, whereas last year we were getting burned on the threes."
With the Chippewas on a hot streak, Whit Rob sees a positive future in basketball for the Maroon and Gold and for himself.
"In one month, we should be in the NCAA tournament," said Robinson. "In a year, I hope to still be playing, either overseas or in the states. Hopefully, 10 years from now, I'll be coaching at a high school somewhere."
Whitney hopes to teach as a college professor in the future. For now, fans can enjoy the mastery of his defensive schooling.
