Kansas Unite: Kansas Assistant Coach Townsend Talks About Thomas Robinson

By Erin Ashley ()

Adversity can make or break you but it can also heal and revive the very soul within you. Former Kansas Forward Thomas Robinson did not let the challenges of life break him but instead, it has transformed him into the elite basketball player and modest man he is today. Kansas Men’s Basketball Assistant Coach Kurtis Townsend wholeheartedly agrees with that, “ Thomas is a great guy with a big heart, he was crushed when he faced all of that adversity when he lost his grandmother, grandfather, and mom Lisa, all who passed away within a month of each other in 2011.” Townsend stated, “ But with everyone rallying around Robinson, he was able to cope with the tragedy and having to be the guardian of his younger sister Jayla. Robinson used the tragic experience as a source of motivation to put himself in a position where he could take care of his responsibilities and his little sister.” 

When you are thrown life’s obstacles, you have to face them head on and even during times of sheer sadness and broken hearts. “ He had nobody to answer to except for his teammates and the coaching staff, Thomas had to grow up and quickly become a man,” Townsend said “ He continued to be a humble guy, and a really competitive player who truly loved his teammates and friends.” His teammates, coaches, and colleges friends at Kansas came together like a village to help Robinson without worrying about the important aspects of raising a child, “ The NCAA and fans of Kansas had almost $200,000 in an account for Jayla for educational purposes to make sure that Thomas has a security blanket to pull pressure off of him,” Townsend says, “this was a great move on behalf of the NCAA and it showed a lot of compassion.”

The enormous support Robinson received enabled him to concentrate on his academic and athletic responsibilities, as well as the new role of guardian. Although Robinson struggled with the new adjustments, he was able to raise his level of play on the basketball court, being named to the Naismith list in 2012.

Now that Robinson is secure, safe and prepared, he now embarks on to the next important transition in life. Thomas Robinson will be drafted as a definite “Top Ten” pick in the first round of the 2012 NBA Draft tonight.  He is seen as a fantastic option for any team because Thomas is built like a Mac truck, has a phenomenal physical game, can rebound well, is strong mentally and mature enough to handle the transition to professional play.

Assistant Coach Townsend is truly proud to see Robinson go on to fulfill his dreams and aspirations, “ It is a good feeling to see them succeed because a lot of these players come to Kansas and it is wonderful to see their dreams realized.  Knowing you had a role in helping them achieve their dreams and change their families lives is unbelievable as a coach, I think that’s what it is all about.”

Seeing such a respectable young man overcome so many obstacles, transform into the ultimate competitor, a great teammate and loving brother has touched the hearts and minds of many Kansas and basketball fans. Such noble actions have hopefully touched the hearts and minds of future NBA coaches and teammates as well. Now, it’s up to Robinson to reach the finish line, so NBA draft, here he comes. Any team that drafts Robinson with definitely benefit from his prowess and his power as a person.