Boys’ Basketball Reflects on Robinson ’13
By Henry Liu
A little over a week ago, Miami Heat starter Duncan Robinson ’13 played in the 2020 NBA Finals. Unfortunately, Robinson and the Heat succumbed to the Lakers in game six, finishing the series at 4-2. As expected, Robinson’s ability to perform at such an elite level after graduating from Exeter is a true inspiration to all Exonians, but especially the Big Red Boys’ Varsity Basketball team.
A New Hampshire native, Robinson took a postgraduate year at Exeter. While at the Academy, Robinson led the team to the 2013 NEPSAC Championships. His dominance earned him the MVP of the tournament. The high school star moved onto play for Williams, a Division III team. Again, Robinson led his team to the division championships, and he won DIII Rookie of the Year. His prowess was recognized by the elite University of Michigan basketball team, where he received a full scholarship and played until 2018.
Robinson went undrafted in the 2018 draft, but the Heat saw his potential and picked him up for the summer league. After an impressive performance there and in the NBA’s G League, the Heat signed him to a legitimate NBA contract, and from there, it was off to the races.
Robinson’s a sniper. Whenever the ball leaves his hands, no matter the distance, players should start running in the other direction. Due to his uncanny ability to drain three pointers, he set a Miami Heat record for most made threes in a season. This ability was a driving factor in the Heat’s memorable run as a fifth seed making it to the finals.
When asked about the impact Robinson has had on the basketball program at Exeter, everyone agreed that the team culture he created is a massive part of Exeter’s current program—and is even the reason some of our players came to Exeter in the first place. “While Duncan wasn’t the main reason I came to Exeter, he was definitely a reason. I say that because he helped build a culture around Exeter basketball that still stands today,” upper Josh Morissette said. “Winning isn’t everything, but it’s the relationships we are able to make. He helped with that, and I would say from what his team built and installed in the basketball program made Exeter stick out to me.”
Even now, Robinson is very involved with the basketball players, joining Zoom calls and sharing his experiences and advice. “One of the coolest things that happened this summer was our team having a Zoom call with Duncan and some other successful basketball alums from Exeter,” upper Andreas Lorgen said. “He spoke about the importance of being in the present and perseverance, and I think the call inspired the whole team as a group.”
Especially in the current state of the pandemic, motivation and inspiration to keep competing and training hard is important. Senior Lucas McEachern looks up to Robinson as a role model and inspiration. “I definitely think his work ethic and philosophy conditions us to keep pushing, “ McEachern said. “Everyone is affected by these circumstances, so this is the time to keep working and rise above, or make excuses and fall behind. We can’t wait for the world to get better for us to resume our progress, that’s not how he, nor we, will get anywhere.”
Morissette shared a similar thought. “I think that watching him helps push us more, but I also think the love for the game we all share pushed us through these hard times. We all want a season, we want to play, but we aren’t guaranteed that,” Morissette said. “He talked about making everyday count, and that’s what our coaches are saying to us. We aren’t guaranteed a season, but we are guaranteed the next day, and that’s our mindset right now.”
No matter which Exonian you talk to, you will receive a consensus that Robinson is one of the biggest stars to come from Exeter and is truly someone to look up to. He is a living example that what I want to do is possible, and it’s one of those situations where if he could do it, why can’t I?” McEachern said. “And I don’t mean just on the basketball court. He is one of the most humble people out there, which says a lot considering the quick rise to fame he experienced. I know he is a model for our team, and it is exciting to have him on our side.”