June 18, 2007
NORMAL, Ill. -
Facing adversity is nothing new to Illinois State junior Anthony Slack. It has been his ability to overcome those adverse times that has helped him develop into a role model and successful student-athlete. For those abilities, Slack was named the 2007 recipient of the Will Robinson Endowed Scholarship.
The scholarship honors Robinson, the Redbird basketball coach from 1970 to 1975. He was the first African-American Division I college head basketball coach to serve at a predominantly white university. Robinson has served as a high school coach, college coach and NBA administrator over the past seven decades. A 2003 Missouri Valley Conference Lifetime Achievement Award winner, Robinson worked in the Detroit Pistons' front office for nearly 30 years after leaving Illinois State.
Proceeds from the 1994 Doug Collins Chicago Golf Outing and a special announcement reception established the Will Robinson Scholarship. The scholarship also funds an internship with the Pistons.
Slack, a native of New Orleans, personally experienced the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina. He then attended Coffeyville Community College, where he was a standout in both the classroom and on the court, thus earning him a scholarship to attend Illinois State, where he will be a senior this fall.
In his first season with the Redbirds, Slack was a staple on ISU's frontline. He appeared in all 31 games, averaging 9.4 points and 5.7 rebounds per contest. He recorded two double-doubles on the season, and corralled eight or more rebounds in 10 games. Slack scored in double figures 14 times, including five consecutive contests between Nov. 20 and Dec. 5, 2006. He was a member of the MVC All-Newcomer team.
"This is a great honor," said Slack. "It's humbling to be associated with coach Robinson, who meant so much to Illinois State and college basketball. It means a lot to be able to carry on his name in this program."
The Will Robinson Endowed Scholarship is one of 15 endowed scholarships available to Illinois State student-athletes funded by private donors. It is also one of the eight fully endowed scholarships in athletics.
For more information about supporting this, or any other Illinois State University endowment scholarships, call The Redbird Club office at (309) 438-3803.
