Michigan formally announced the signing of 6-foot-8 wing Duncan Robinson this afternoon. Robinson is a transfer from Division III Williams College and will sit out the 2014-15 season before having three years of eligibility. John Beilein discussed Robinson’s addition for the first time since his signing in a University of Michigan press release which you can read below.
“We feel very fortunate to add Duncan to our program at this time,” said Beilein. “We love his ability to play multiple positions while also stretching defenses with his three-point shooting. Duncan is a great fit for the University and our basketball program. It is going to be a pleasure to watch his game and his body develop in the years ahead.”
“This was an opportunity I just could not pass on,” said Robinson. “I have a lot of work to do both academically and athletically, however, Coach Beilein, the staff and the players have been incredibly welcoming and that has made the whole process much easier for me and my family. I am excited for what the future holds. It has been a really exciting transition and I can’t wait to help this program in any way that I can.”
Last season, Robinson played under former Beilein assistant Mike Maker at Williams College, who left to become the head coach at Marist College. Robinson started 31 of 32 games and led the Eph’s to a 28-5 overall record and runner-up finish at the NCAA Division III Tournament. He was named an All-America, fourth team, Rookie of the Year and All-Northeast Region, third team by D3Hoops.com.
He averaged 17.1 points, scoring 548 total points becoming the first Williams freshman to ever score 500-plus points in a season. He posted 29 double figures scoring games and had 11 20-plus point games, including a career-best 30 points vs. Amherst (March 21) in the national semifinal game. He recorded five double-doubles and shot 55.7 percent from the field. He also shot 45.6 percent (81-for-179) from three-point range and made a career-best seven three-point field goals against Bowdoin (Jan. 17).
Prior to Williams, Robinson prepped a year at Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter, N.H., where he was a 2013 New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) Class A All-League first team selection. He guided Philips Exeter to a 28-1 overall record, including a closing 18-game winning streak, and the school’s first ever NEPSAC Class A title. Robinson scored 24 points and had 10 rebounds in the title game earning MVP honors.
