Illinois State head mens basketball coach Porter Moser announced it at his press conference last week, but Friday it became official as Daniyal (pronounced DAN-yell) Robinson joined Mosers staff as an assistant coach.
Robinson spent the last three seasons as the administrative assistant under Moser at Arkansas-Little Rock. His appointment to assistant coach for the Redbirds will be the first for the Rock Island, Ill., native.
Im very excited about this opportunity, Robinson said. Im thrilled to be able to make the move with coach Moser. At Arkansas-Little Rock, I definitely wanted to stay with him, but I also knew that if I wanted to advance in the profession I would have to leave. With this opportunity, its a perfect fit.
I know what Coach Mosers vision is, Ive shared that vision with him for the last three years. Im excited to be a part of what he is going to bring to Illinois State basketball.
As a player, Robinson lettered from 1996-98 with Arkansas-Little Rock after transferring from Indian Hills Community College. With the Trojans, Robinson started in 15 games and played in 28 as a junior. In his senior season, he served as co-captain.
At Indian Hills, Robinson averaged 11 points and six rebounds as a sophomore on a team that posted a 35-4 record. He was named second team all-region as the team won state and regional championships and advanced to the junior college national tournament. Indian Hills finished the season ranked No. 1 by the Associated Press in the final regular-season poll.
Daniyal was with me for every phase of our turnaround at Arkansas-Little Rock, Moser said. His work ethic and passion for the game is contagious. Like me, hes an Illinois native and played for the legendary Duncan Reid and Wimp Sanderson. Daniyal has great knowledge of the game and will be a quality member of my staff.
He spent his prep career at Rock Island High School and was twice named to the IBCA All-State Team and was a two-time all-conference selection. Robinson was also named to the Quad City Times All-Metro First Team as well as team captain and most valuable player.
Robinson received his bachelors degree from UALR in health education in 1999. He and Kim Hunter are the parents of daughter, Devyn, age 9 months. Robinson and Hunter will be married on August 30, 2003.
