Arkansas Basketball: PG K.K. Robinson a gem from 2020 freshman class

“Freshman Gems” takes a look at some not-so-known names that will make waves on the NCAA stage in 2020-21. Starting off with KK Robinson of Arkansas Basketball.

COVID-19 has certainly put a lot of uncertainty on the upcoming 2020-2021 college basketball season. Some teams have had to shut down workouts with cases apparent while others have remained cautious and haven’t resumed workouts at all. In an attempt to keep up with the news cycle and continue the show, here’s a look at something new on the BustingBrackets website.

Welcome to the “Freshman Gems” series, which will showcase an incoming freshman from a mid-major conference or not-so-known team in the NCAA ranks that is due to make waves this upcoming season, potentially anyway. Given the current conditions, a lot is subject to change, but in an attempt to fill the airwaves, here’s a look at the first edition of Freshman Gems.

At the beginning of the year, in my usual film study mode, I looked around the state of Virginia for true point guards in the high school ranks and I came across the name: K.K. Robinson. In watching the first minute or so, I was impressed by Robinson’s skillset and after a while, I decided to rank him rather high, even though he was a new name in the state.

Although he was a new name, it was worth noting where he was headed: Oak Hill Academy. In a year where they were “reloading”, he seemed to be just what they needed. He’s a true point guard listed a 6-foot, 175-pounds that sets his playmakers up in bunches and can score in bunches, especially in the mid-range.

Not only that, but his presence on the defensive end is something to get excited about. He’s a ball-hawk on defense that makes his presence felt and uses turnovers to control the tempo on the fastbreak. He held offers from Kansas, Arkansas, and some other high-major programs.

In an early-season exhibition, this tweet came across my timeline:

By season’s end, K.K. Robinson was ranked a top prospect in the nation and committed to play at for the Arkansas Razorbacks over the Kansas Jayhawks. He finished the season ranked the 61st best prospect in the 2020 class, moving up 39 spots in their final rankings.

Not only is he a high-level point guard, but he’s also an efficient 3-point shooter with nice range that was on display this past season and showed he can play without the ball, playing alongside LSU-bound guard Cam Thomas.

When he’s not shooting on the perimeter, he’s driving to the basket and finishing through traffic. He’s an ultimate competitor with a very bright future at Arkansas. It will be interesting to see him play against former teammate Cam Thomas in the SEC at LSU this upcoming season.

https://twitter.com/_proinsight/status/1224727126496071681?s=20

Look for Robinson to contribute right away alongside another top name in the rotation in shooting guard Moses Moody and big man Jaylin Williams, two other prospects in their 2020 recruiting class for the Arkansas Razorbacks.

Head coach Eric Musselman has put together some very talented recruiting classes, which isn’t surprising given the success his teams have had on the floor. Don’t be surprised if Robinson and Moody become one of the top freshman backcourts in the SEC in 2020-21.