Former Bishop Miege hoops star Robinson-Earl decides NBA can wait, returns to Villanova
It’s more than simply unfinished business that’s led Jeremiah Robinson-Earl to delay his entry to the NBA and return for a sophomore season at Villanova.
The forward from Overland Park, who starred at Bishop Miege High before finishing his prep career in Bradenton, Florida, knows he probably would’ve been drafted, maybe even in the first round. But he also knows he’s not quite ready for the pros and would be better served honing his skills for two-time national champion Jay Wright’s Wildcats than getting buried deep on an NBA bench or in the G-League.
Especially since the ‘Cats, who knocked off then top-ranked Kansas 56-55 in December, are expected to be loaded again next season.
“I feel we’ll be a very great team next year,” Robinson-Earl, who averaged 10.5 points and a team-high 9.4 rebounds this season, said during a Zoom video call. “I got good feedback (from NBA scouts) and I know I would’ve gotten drafted.
“But I want to focus on being a better all-around player. I have some individual thoughts and aspirations I’d like to accomplish. Next year should help those aspirations and I can put myself in a better position and be better overall.“
To that end, the 6-foot-9 Robinson-Earl, whose father, Lester Earl, played for KU in 1998-2000 under former coach Roy Williams, has been working out as much as possible in virtually empty gyms and trying to perfect his ball-handling at home.
“My shooting and ball-handling are two main things I want to focus on that will help my game,” said Robinson-Earl, who shot at a 45.4 percent clip for the No. 10-ranked Wildcats, who finished 24-7 in a three-way tie for first in the Big East. “There are a lot of things I can work on with technique outside in the driveway when there are not too many people around.
“But I kind of just knew I wanted to come back, focus on getting better rather than, ‘Are they going to have (pre-draft) workouts and when will they have the draft?’ I don’t have to worry about all that now. Just get better for the season ahead.”
Such questions are valid as the COVID-19 coronavirus shutdown continues to cast doubt on how the process leading up to the June 25 draft, and the selection process itself, will work.
While Wright is happy to welcome him back, the coach emphasized that the decision came solely from Robinson-Earl. Wright said he’d sensed all along that Robinson-Earl didn’t want to leave.
“I think he would’ve been fine had he come out because of his work ethic and his talent,” said Wright, who would’ve been preparing to help Gregg Popovich as an assistant coach for Team USA at the Tokyo Olympics right now. The 2020 Olympics, of course, have been postponed. “He came to Villanova for a reason and didn’t want to come for a year and then leave.
“Like any player in our program, he needs to become more complete. But his rebounding is of NBA level now. He came (here) with that. His defense is of NBA level now. He came with that. And I think all of his offensive skills and his decision -aking have improved.
“For Jeremiah now, it’s handling the ball, shooting from three, facing the basket. I think he can be a great playmaker because he’ a great passer and has a great feel for the game. He’s going to make himself better here. I really think he can become one of best players in the country.”
Robinson-Earl is confident the lessons he learned in his aborted freshman year will pay off next season.
“For sure it helps to have one year under your belt,” said Robinson-Earl, whose Villanova teammate, sophomore forward Saddiq Bey, is projected as a potential NBA lottery pick. “Having that experience, going through a lot and knowing how to handle it by talking with my coaches and teammates.
“But there’s nothing I can do about what’s happened. It wasn’t just basketball. It’s the whole world. You just have to deal with it and have a good attitude.”