James Robinson (basketball, born 1970) facts for kids

James "Hollywood" Robinson was born on August 31, 1970. He is a famous American basketball player who used to play professionally. He was especially known for his time in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Today, he is the head coach for the Vegas Ballers team in TBL.

Robinson was a shooting guard who stood 6 feet 2 inches tall. He played college basketball at the University of Alabama. After college, the Portland Trail Blazers chose him as the 21st pick in the 1993 NBA draft.

High School and College Years

James Robinson was a big star in high school at Murrah High School in Jackson, Mississippi. He even played alongside another future NBA player, Lindsey Hunter.

Robinson was named Mississippi Mr. Basketball. He was also chosen as a McDonald's All American. This is a special honor for top high school players. He was in the same group as famous players like Kenny Anderson, Shaquille O'Neal, and Allan Houston. Robinson also won the All American slam dunk contest, showing off his amazing jumping skills.

He decided to go to the University of Alabama. However, he had to sit out his first year. This was because of a rule called Proposition 48. This rule meant student-athletes had to meet certain academic standards. After sitting out, he started playing for the Crimson Tide in the 1991–92 season.

As a freshman, Robinson was a key player. He led his team in scoring with 16.8 points per game. He was the first freshman since 1953 to lead the Alabama team in scoring.

In his junior year (1992–93), Robinson continued to shine. He led the Crimson Tide again, scoring 20.6 points per game. He also grabbed 4.5 rebounds and made 2.3 assists per game. He was named to the All-Southeastern Conference First Team. He even set a school record by scoring 20 or more points in 12 games in a row! He became the first junior in Alabama history to score over 1,500 career points. He finished his college career with 1,831 points. During his time at Alabama, he played with future NBA stars Latrell Sprewell and Robert Horry.

Robinson's scoring average was the highest at Alabama since 1986. After such a great year, Robinson decided to skip his senior year. He chose to enter the 1993 NBA draft instead.

Playing in the NBA

James Robinson's first year in the NBA was quiet. He played in 58 games, averaging about 11 minutes per game. But he did get to show off his dunking skills! He competed in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest during the NBA All-Star Weekend. He finished in sixth place.

He also has a fun fact about his time with the Portland Trail Blazers. In the 1995–96 NBA season, there were three players named Robinson on the team! The others were Clifford Robinson and Rumeal Robinson.

James Robinson's role in Portland grew between 1994 and 1996. This happened after Clyde Drexler was traded to the Houston Rockets. Also, Terry Porter was often injured. After the 1995–96 season, Robinson was traded. He went to the Minnesota Timberwolves along with Bill Curley. In return, the Blazers got Isaiah Rider.

With the Timberwolves, Robinson had similar stats to his last two years in Portland. But he played less time on the court. He had a memorable game on December 30, 1996. He scored 23 points in just 10 minutes against the Cleveland Cavaliers!

In the 1997–98 season, he signed with the Los Angeles Clippers as a free agent. He continued to play well, averaging almost 8 points per game in 84 games. He was later released by the Clippers in March 1999. He then rejoined the Timberwolves for a short time.

After not playing in the NBA for a season, Robinson got a short contract with the Orlando Magic in 2000–01. This was his last time playing in the NBA.

See also

In Spanish: James Robinson (baloncestista) para niños