July 5, 2011
NORMAL, Ill. -
Junior John Wilkins is well aware of who Will Robinson was, after all his father, Jeff, an Illinois State All-American, was recruited and played two seasons for Coach Robinson. Because of this personal bond, the younger Wilkins was humbled to learn that he is the recipient of the 2011 Will Robinson Endowed Scholarship.
The scholarship honors Robinson, the late Redbird basketball coach from 1970-75. He was the first African-American Division I college head basketball coach to serve at a predominantly white university. Robinson served as a high school coach, college coach and NBA administrator prior to his passing in April 2008. 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.
"I'm proud to represent the university which hired a pioneer in major college basketball," said Illinois State head coach Tim Jankovich. "Coach Robinson was a talented and courageous coach and he paved the way for a lot of other great coaches."
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.
Wilkins averaged 7.4 points per game in his first season at Illinois State. He started 17 of his 26 games played during the 2010-11 season. Wilkins posted eight double-digit scoring efforts last season, including a season-best 16 points against Montana State. He led the Redbirds in three-pointers made (33) and three-point field goal percentage (.371).
"This is a great honor," Wilkins said. "I am not only honored to have this scholarship because of who Coach Robinson was and what he accomplished, but also because he coached my father. It means a lot to me."
The Will Robinson Endowed Scholarship is one of 23 endowed scholarships available to Illinois State student-athletes that are funded by private donors. To view current student-athletes who have received endowed scholarships, click here.
For more information about establishing an endowed scholarship, please call the Weisbecker Scholarship Fund office at (309) 438-3803. To read about each current endowment in more detail, click here.
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