Liam Robbins, a 7-foot center transferring from Drake, announced Sunday that his new school will be the University of Minnesota, meaning head coach Richard Pitino has added an established big man to a roster that was in desperate need for one.
Robbins, a sophomore, averaged 14.1 points, 71. rebounds and 2.9 blocks this past season and was named 2nd team All-Missouri Valley Conference. Robbins was fifth in the nation with 99 blocks this season.
Josh Gerson of Gophers Illustrated provides an in-depth scouting report on Robbins here, but these are the key points:
- Good size and length, wide shoulders
- Not a great athlete, is mobile and tough
- Tremendous hands and feet
- Can finish with both hands
- Very good rebounder
- Impressive vision for a center
- Very good rim protector and overall defender
College basketball insider Jeff Goodman has said that multiple Missouri Valley Conference coaches believe Robbins has pro potential.
Digging into background of Drake transfer Liam Robbins and just found out his uncle is Minnesota asst. Ed Conroy. Conroy's son, Hunter, also on Gophers team. Sure looks like a no-brainer for 7-foot Robbins (who numerous Valley coaches told me is a future pro) to wind up a Gopher.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) April 5, 2020
Robbins told Marcus Fuller of the Star Tribune that he’s hopeful the NCAA will grant him eligibility immediately so he doesn’t have to sit out a year before playing for the Gophers. Once he does begin playing, he projects as the replacement for Daniel Oturu, who is leaving Minnesota for the NBA Draft.
I’m a Gopher❗️〽️ pic.twitter.com/Sm1wTVU429
— Liam Robbins (@liamrobbins_) April 5, 2020
Robbins told 247Sports that he picked Minnesota in part because he wants to be closer to family. His uncle is Pitino’s association head coach Ed Conroy, and his cousin, Hunt Conroy, also plays for the Gophers.
