Mitchell Robinson III, born April 1, 1998, in Pensacola, Florida, is an American professional basketball player for the New York Knicks of the NBA. Known for his elite shot-blocking ability, athleticism, and versatility at center and power forward, Robinson has been a key defensive anchor for the Knicks since his 2018 draft selection.
Quick Facts About Mitchell Robinson
| Full Name | Mitchell Robinson III |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | April 1, 1998 |
| Age | 27 |
| Place of Birth | Pensacola, Florida, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 7 ft 0 in (2.13 m) |
| Weight | 240 lbs (109 kg) |
| Position | Center / Power Forward |
| Team | New York Knicks |
| NBA Draft | 2018, 2nd round, 36th overall by the Knicks |
| Career Highlights | NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2019), McDonald’s All-American (2017) |
Early Life and High School Career
Robinson grew up in Pensacola, Florida, and began playing basketball in eighth grade during a growth spurt, going from 6’2″ to 7’0″. He attended Pine Forest High School and later Chalmette High School in Louisiana.
- As a junior, he averaged 20.9 points, 13.6 rebounds, and 8.1 blocks per game, leading Chalmette to its first playoff win in 19 years.
- Senior year stats: 25.7 points, 12.6 rebounds, 6 blocks per game.
- Honors included McDonald’s All-American, Jordan Brand Classic, All-State, and All-Metro Player of the Year.
- His dominant high school performance earned him a five-star recruit ranking.
College Decision and NBA Draft Path
Originally committed to Texas A&M, Robinson followed coach Rick Stansbury to Western Kentucky University, but left the program before playing a college game.
- Opted to train independently for the 2017–18 season, becoming the first player to skip college entirely before entering the NBA Draft.
- Declared for the 2018 NBA Draft and was selected 36th overall by the New York Knicks.
Professional Career: New York Knicks (2018–Present)
Robinson made an immediate impact with the Knicks, especially defensively:
- 2018–19: Named to NBA All-Rookie Second Team; set a rookie record with nine blocks in a game.
- March 28, 2019: Scored 19 points with 21 rebounds, first Knicks rookie to reach such numbers since Willis Reed (1965).
- 2019–20: Broke Wilt Chamberlain’s record for highest field goal percentage in a single season.
- July 12, 2022: Re-signed with the Knicks on a four-year, $60 million contract.
- Recent Updates: Missed part of the 2024 season due to ankle surgery, returning in February 2025.
Player Profile and Strengths
Robinson is considered one of the best shot blockers in his class, with:
- Exceptional closing speed and long reach, leading to numerous highlight-reel blocks.
- Ability to run the fast break for a player of his size.
- Developed three-point range and improved free-throw shooting.
- NBA comparisons: DeAndre Jordan and Tyson Chandler.
National Team Career
Robinson was named to the preliminary USA U-19 roster in 2017, but did not make the final 12-man team for the FIBA Under-19 World Cup.
Interesting Facts and Trivia
- Wingspan: 7 ft 4 in (2.24 m), standing reach: 9 ft 3 in (2.82 m).
- Known for converting alley-oop dunks with flair.
- Gained national attention for skipping college basketball entirely to train independently.
Impact and Legacy
Mitchell Robinson has emerged as a defensive cornerstone for the Knicks, known for rim protection, shot-blocking, and athletic versatility. His unique path to the NBA—bypassing college entirely—has inspired other players to explore alternative routes to professional basketball.
