Will Robinson Tribute

Per Spencer Haywood, "He lived (96) years of greatness," "I wouldn't even exist, and all these players -- Julius Erving to LeBron James and Kevin Garnett -- they wouldn't have been able to do what they did" if not for Robinson's actions.

 

About Will

 

1911

• Born June 3 in Wadesboro, N.C.

High school

• Moved with grandparents to Steubenville, Ohio, after the death of his parents. Earned 14 letters in five sports -- basketball, baseball, football, golf and track -- at Steubenville High.

College

• Graduated in 1937 from West Virginia State College, where he earned 15 letters in four sports -- basketball, baseball, football and gymnastics.

1944

• Began a 26-year stint as a Detroit high school coach when hired by Miller High; went on to coach at Cass Tech and Pershing. Won state titles at Pershing in 1967 and 1970.

1970

• Became the first black coach in Division I basketball when hired by Illinois State University.

1975

• Joined the Pistons as assistant to the president of basketball operations.

1982

• Inducted to the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame. Has been similarly honored by the Michigan High School Basketball Hall of Fame and the Afro-American Sports Hall of Fame, among others.

1992

• Received the John W. Bunn Award from the James Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in recognition of outstanding contributions to the game.

2003

• Retired from the Pistons at age 92.