KillerFrogs writers Nick Girimonte and Davis Wilson interview Micah Robinson, one of TCU's 2024 commits. He is the third-best recruit in TCU history.
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00:00 All right, now a frog fever podcast we've one of our biggest guests who's ever had a
00:07 Michael Robinson is the third highest recruiting TCU history, number 64 in the ESPN 100 and
00:13 plays at the legendary okill Academy in Virginia.
00:17 Just to get started, thank you for coming on obviously and okills obviously such a legendary
00:22 school that's produced players like Carmelo KD Rondo, Kelvin Johnson brand jetty like
00:28 you can go on, how did they recruit you and why did you choose that program?
00:33 Yeah, so I had originally came out here for my junior year so that was last year, and
00:41 they had they had recruited me over the summer when I was playing with my, my program so
00:46 that so and costume and our head coach, he had first seen me in one of our data sessions
00:53 when we were down in Rockville, South Carolina, and he saw me there, and fortunately my AU
00:59 coach at the time had a connection with him and so he got in contact with him and of course
01:03 that's kind of how I got in contact with him and then I started recruiting me and I came
01:08 up there for my junior year.
01:11 And then I came back this year of course so that's pretty much how I got, I got that going
01:15 with coming here.
01:17 You were offered by a lot of really great schools and you hear from kids all the time
01:22 talking about how they do.
01:24 Some do like the recruitment process a lot some don't like it as much as others.
01:29 How was that process for you and what what were your thoughts of it.
01:32 Yeah, so I definitely, I definitely have both sides of it, you know, because, because the
01:38 recruiting process it's, it is a, it is a fun process you know because of course, not
01:43 every kid who plays basketball and has used a plane in college is able to prefer those
01:47 gyms you know because it is so very small percentage of people who are able to, you
01:51 know, be able to have, or to be able to say they've been able to have a recruitment process.
01:56 But I would definitely say that it was a good process for me because as you guys noted,
02:01 I did have some good options and a lot of good options for me so that kind of, that
02:07 kind of made it easier for me but then also you know, it was also, you know, just trying
02:11 to choose the right school, you know, that's kind of where like the stress part plays into
02:14 it you know because it's like a really big, really big decision for a kid you know making
02:19 that decision you know going to school pretty much handing your future, kind of, in the
02:23 hands of that coaching staff so it was definitely a huge decision for me and the process was
02:29 really smooth and really good for me.
02:31 Awesome.
02:32 Yeah, you're from Frisco in the DFW area if I'm not mistaken, and I've heard you talk
02:36 about how a real connection for you that made you blow up and become the big recruit that
02:41 you are happened your freshman year while playing for Southern Assault, which is, you
02:45 know, a program in the DFW area that gets a lot of big time D1 programs out of there.
02:51 Is that the moment that clicked for you that would be successful or do you have another
02:54 one in mind?
02:55 Yeah, um, I would, I would really say that was one of the main ones, because going there,
03:02 my freshman year so so my freshman summer.
03:06 Um, that that was really the first time that I was able to be really just unleashed and
03:11 be able to show my full potential and what I can develop, you know, as I keep growing,
03:17 because I feel like I feel like going to that going to go into that program at that time,
03:22 they saw in me what I hadn't seen in myself yet.
03:25 So, then putting their choice to me all throughout the years I was with them.
03:29 They really, they really helped me develop into the player I am and I really give all
03:33 the thanks to them for all they've done for me because like I said, they really put me
03:37 on the platform to develop and show what I can do and what I could become almost as long
03:42 as I kept working.
03:44 Yeah, so according to your 247 page, you've got a lot of really good offers like Kansas,
03:50 Kansas State, LSU, Oklahoma, like Texas Tech, all these schools and your final four, I believe
03:56 was LSU, TCU, Virginia Tech and Vanderbilt.
04:01 How did you and we're certainly pleased that you came to the decision that you did, but
04:05 how did you come to that decision and decide on TCU?
04:08 Yeah, so it was it was it was actually it was actually at the time, it was a really
04:16 clear cut decision for me.
04:18 But prior to knowing where where I wanted to go, it was it was it was really a tough
04:23 decision, because I'm just kind of ties back to what I was saying about the recruiting
04:26 process, because it's there's a there's a business part of it, but then there's also
04:32 the part of it where like the kids get to build a relationship with the coaches, you
04:36 know, because I always reach in and out and text and stuff like that.
04:39 And so that was one of the main things that I struggled with, you know, because I remember
04:44 telling my mom, you know, how am I going to call these coaches and tell them that I'm
04:47 not going to school after they put all their time in recruiting me and stuff like that.
04:51 But um, yeah, I mean, really, really, what made me come to the decision to, you know,
04:58 constantly choose TCU was, um, it was, it just felt natural for me, you know, because
05:03 because from other times, and like all the visits that I took to TCU, just from other
05:07 phone calls and text messages with the coaching staff, I felt like, I felt like everything
05:12 was natural.
05:13 And I feel like they really care for me more than just a player who's gonna be coming to
05:17 play for the program.
05:18 You know, I really feel like they care for my well being, what they can what they see
05:22 in my game that can help me get better.
05:25 And also just, you know, camera, my family, stuff like that, because family is, is a really
05:30 big part of my life.
05:31 So I really just say that and then just, I trust in coach, coach Dixon's plan, and the
05:37 whole coaching staff plan for me and how they view that I can help the team as well as help
05:42 me get to my, my ultimate goal.
05:44 So I would really say those are the main things that led me to my decision.
05:48 Yeah, I know, Vanderbilt was in the last couple schools for you, as you noted, and Jerry Sackett
05:53 as the coach was an Oak Hill alum.
05:55 So was it tough to choose in between that?
05:57 Because obviously, he's got that connection there.
05:59 Yeah, that was that was definitely tough.
06:03 Because, you know, of course, like you said, you know, the brother, the Oak Hill brother,
06:06 you know, he, he went here and then, and then, of course, his success.
06:11 He's had throughout his playing, playing, playing days in the league, and also his coaching
06:14 years.
06:15 So that was that was definitely a tough decision, you know, just because he's pretty much he's,
06:19 he's pretty much been through everything that I'm going through right now.
06:21 You know, he's been in this in these dorms, you know, at the same campus.
06:25 And of course, he's been through college and of course, made it to where I want to go.
06:29 So that was a tough decision.
06:31 But I'm definitely still glad this is not made.
06:37 So like Nick, Nick mentioned earlier that you're a DFW guy, you're from Frisco originally,
06:43 did that play a part in you choosing TCU did wanting to come back home play play any role
06:48 in that decision?
06:49 Yeah, um, I, I really wouldn't say like, it was like a main factor that was like, that
06:56 was like, I need that, like, I need to pick a school, you know, in this area, or like,
07:00 or like in Texas to play in.
07:01 But I really want to say it was a factor.
07:04 But I would say it's more like a benefit of me coming back to play because of course,
07:08 TCU and Fort Worth, it's maybe 45 minute hour drive from from my family and friends back
07:14 at home.
07:15 So I'm definitely definitely that was one of the good things that came out of it, you
07:18 know, because of course, my mom, and my dad, they're all supportive.
07:21 So they can always be at my games.
07:23 And if needed, you know, they can come see me whenever they want to.
07:26 So that was one of the one of the benefits that came out of it.
07:32 And correct me if I'm wrong, but you took your official visit to TCU at the Colorado
07:35 football game this year.
07:37 Yeah.
07:38 Did that play an impact to like seeing what the TCU culture was like?
07:41 And how was that experience?
07:43 You know, it actually it actually really did.
07:45 Because I remember I remember saying in a previous interview, that that was out.
07:50 That was actually one of like the main things that I realized like, yes, like, this is the
07:53 place I want to be because, because I actually took two, I took two visits to TCU.
07:59 I took one over the summer.
08:00 And then I took another one, of course, that weekend.
08:04 And it was it was before they implemented the only one official visit rule to the school.
08:11 So that's why I was able to take two.
08:13 But the first one I took over the summer, it was before all the students were on campus.
08:17 And it was just the first one because they were going through their orientation and stuff
08:20 like that.
08:21 So, you know, the campus really wasn't I guess I guess I would say I really couldn't get
08:25 a feel for what it was actually like.
08:27 Yeah.
08:28 But then coming back that weekend, you know, everybody was out there.
08:31 All the alumni was there.
08:32 And then and then just seeing all the fan base, you know, and all the support they got
08:36 from that, that really showed me what the what the TCU community is like, you know,
08:41 and that was whenever I really realized, yeah, this is probably this is where it's all going
08:45 to be.
08:46 That's awesome.
08:47 Yeah, that game was an exciting one.
08:49 Yeah.
08:50 So for for people who have not seen you play and are not familiar with your game, can you
08:56 describe your your play style, what type of play you are and maybe give us like an NBA
09:02 comparison of a guy you you model your game after?
09:06 Yeah, so this is this is always a fun, fun question.
09:10 I like answer my if I had to describe it in one word, I would probably just use the word
09:18 versatile.
09:19 You know, I know I know a lot of people like to use that to describe it.
09:22 But I really just say that because because I feel like I can I can contribute to the
09:27 game in a lot of different ways that don't really impact scoring.
09:30 We're doing all the high bloods and stuff like that.
09:33 And I would really just say I would say someone who can score the ball in a lot of different
09:39 ways, you know, I can be used in a lot of different ways.
09:43 I'm I really wouldn't describe me as a primary ball handler.
09:46 But if you watch if you go back and watch my film, if I'm needed in that in that role,
09:52 I feel like I can I can feel that.
09:54 And over the past year and a half, my jumpshot has improved tremendously.
10:00 My sophomore year, I think I was around 30 percent from three.
10:03 And then these past two years, my junior and then this year, I'm shooting 45 plus or three.
10:08 So that's been a huge part of my game, which has allowed me to become a player I am.
10:14 And also just someone who's going to, you know, defend hard because I like to take pride
10:18 in taking the other team's best matchup, because I feel like that type of stuff finds I find
10:22 like I find enjoyment and stuff like that, I guess.
10:25 So just definitely a hard nosed defender who's going to be doing who's going to be willing
10:29 to do whatever it takes for the team to win and just a hard competitor.
10:33 Yeah, and you mentioned your versatility, you know, at being six six, you know, four
10:38 that can play all these different kind of positions and TCU obviously likes to run the
10:42 run the fast break a lot.
10:44 Did that kind of style seem to fit you in that?
10:46 Did that play part in why you want to come here?
10:50 100 percent, because that was actually one of the one of the coach Benford's main recruiting
10:55 places with me, you know, just because of my play style fits this perfectly.
10:59 And I 100 percent agree, because I feel like I'm best whenever I'm able to just get out
11:04 and just play, you know, not really.
11:06 I guess I guess I guess I'll just just describe it as being able to play freely.
11:10 And of course, in terms of, you know, it's fast up and down a fast pace.
11:14 And I feel like I feel like that's that's that's really where I excel at, whether I'm
11:18 running the wings, you know, or getting to read with myself and pushing and making plays
11:22 for myself or for my teammates.
11:23 I mean, I really feel like that's that's an area where where where my game is really good.
11:28 So I feel like I'll fit right in with the philosophy in that.
11:32 Yeah, Nick mentioned earlier, you're the third highest ranked recruit in TCU history.
11:37 What do you bring to this program from like a success point standpoint?
11:41 What do you hope to get out of it when it's all said and done for you at TCU?
11:46 Yeah, definitely.
11:47 Definitely.
11:48 Just like I was saying earlier, I feel like I feel like I bring to the table just somebody
11:54 who's going to be willing to do whatever it takes.
11:56 You know, I feel like I feel like a lot of people say that, but a lot of people aren't
12:00 really willing to do what it takes, I guess I would say.
12:04 Really just whatever the coaches that needs me to do on the floor, I'm willing to do whether
12:08 it's go out there for one position and get a rebound or if it's to be the best teammate
12:12 on the bench, whatever it is to help the team succeed at the time.
12:16 I'll be willing to do it.
12:17 And then also just I really want to, you know, make an impact on the program, not only just
12:25 the team wise, but just like in the community and stuff like that.
12:28 I want people to know me as someone who's not just a basketball player, you know, because
12:33 I also take my academics pretty serious too.
12:37 And I'm hoping to major in business there.
12:39 So definitely just leave my impact both on and off the court.
12:44 And when my time is done there, people will remember me as not just a basketball player,
12:48 you know.
12:49 Definitely.
12:50 Yeah, that's awesome to hear.
12:53 And you're also, you know, part of the class of the 11th best class in TCU history recruiting
12:58 with David Punch, Malik DL and Ashton Simmons.
13:01 Have you gotten a chance to talk to those guys?
13:03 And how do you think they compliment your game?
13:05 I have.
13:06 I have because I was, if I believe I'm right, I was the first one.
13:12 I was the first and then after me, it was Ashton and then David and then Malik.
13:17 And so I remember telling Coach Benford, just tell me who and I'm gonna get to my recruiting.
13:24 And I was texting them weekly, two, three times a week.
13:30 Sometimes I thought they thought I was annoying sometimes when I was texting them.
13:36 Yeah, I actually I have not got the chance to speak to them in person yet, because I
13:41 remember I remember the one week and when I read David and Ashton were there for the
13:46 Houston game, I think it was or whatever weekend that was, they were there, but I was here
13:49 at school.
13:50 And then Malik, I got a chance to see him at one of our league sessions down in La Porte,
13:57 Indiana.
13:58 So I got to talk to him for a little bit.
14:00 And then I haven't had the chance to speak to you yet in person, but I'm sure whenever
14:06 I do, we'll click instantly.
14:08 And then also, I just think we, our games kind of all fit together because we're not
14:16 really the same position.
14:18 But if you look at us for you could throw us into their program or the system right
14:21 now, and we would all fit a piece.
14:24 So I'm definitely just really excited about that, because I feel like we all come to each
14:28 other really well, just from seeing their clips and stuff like that and seeing them
14:31 play over the summer.
14:32 So I'm definitely really excited about getting to the club with them.
14:36 That's awesome.
14:37 I love hearing that recruiting side of it from a TCU fan or building up the program
14:40 for sure.
14:42 Yeah.
14:43 Um, that class, you know, like the best in TCU history is a huge deal.
14:48 What like what what can what is that class capable of doing for TCU?
14:54 In you guys's time there?
14:56 Yeah, um, I think I think that we're going to be able to do a lot.
15:01 Because as you guys know, now, TCU stops on the right now is one for straight big 12,
15:07 I think.
15:08 So the success is already there.
15:10 Of course, in in the previous years, you know, making making it two runs in the tournament,
15:14 you know, having to close losses like that back to back years, you know, it's tough like
15:19 that.
15:20 But I feel like I feel like us coming in, we're gonna be able to help the program a
15:25 lot.
15:26 And we really be able to take it to new heights.
15:29 Because I feel like I feel like I feel like all of us come to the table, ready to bring
15:34 something to the game at a at a at a young age, I guess, because I'm traditionally traditionally
15:40 coach Dixon, his team that is older, you know, because I remember watching the games
15:44 on TV talking about how the way like, like, one of the oldest teams this year, but I really
15:50 feel like just from hearing the feedback from the coaches, they're really expecting us all
15:54 to come in and make an early impact.
15:56 And so I definitely feel like that we're gonna be able to really take the program to some
16:00 heights that it hasn't been in a really long time.
16:04 It's awesome.
16:05 Definitely.
16:06 And to take it back to okay, a little bit, I got a fun question for you.
16:10 Being with that are so many successful players from okay, if you had to pick a Mount Rushmore,
16:15 who would you would you go with on there?
16:17 Top four?
16:19 Yeah.
16:20 That's a tough one.
16:23 But for me, I would have to go come a little course got a guy pulled up Carmelo on the
16:30 gotta go mellow Rondo gotta go Rondo.
16:35 Gotta go Katie.
16:37 And then it's a talk.
16:41 It's a toss up between Josh Smith and Ken Thomas.
16:43 So they might have to split face face face with that.
16:47 That's one of those two.
16:50 Brandon Jennings was tough and and yeah, so how's your how's the how's the team doing
17:01 this year?
17:02 What do you how you guys how you guys playing?
17:03 I know it's a super talented team.
17:05 But how's that team going?
17:07 What are your goals there?
17:08 Yes.
17:09 So we're, we're actually doing really good right now.
17:11 We are on total on the season.
17:14 We're 17 and three maybe and and our three losses have came in our conference games.
17:22 We lost to Montverde, Luhe and Brewster Academy.
17:26 So we're five and three in our comments right now.
17:29 And we got four more games left.
17:31 And so as of right now, since our league is so competitive, it's like a it's like a three
17:37 or four way tie for like fourth place right on our conference.
17:40 And we're we're we're all in the mix for that.
17:43 And so we we are definitely able to make a push for the the Geico National Tournament,
17:49 I guess what they call it.
17:50 I mean, they changed the name of it.
17:52 But that's that's what I still refer to it as.
17:55 And that's pretty much like the like the high school national championship or like whatever
17:59 you like to call it.
18:00 And so we're definitely in the mix for that.
18:03 We just got to finish the season strong.
18:05 And when when really I'm saying we got to go four no, but I'm just trying to win as
18:11 much win as much as we can and we'll be in good position for that.
18:15 Yeah, I mean, your roster stacked to Christian Anderson going to Michigan, DeAndre Lindsay
18:20 four star, Kaden Mattingly four star James Vincent Van.
18:23 Like you guys are legitimately one of the top schools in the nation.
18:26 So it's cool to see Oakdale stay at the top for sure.
18:30 Um, God, we thank you for coming on.
18:33 Obviously, you're part of the best class in TCU history, third best recruit ever.
18:36 You know, this is big time.
18:37 Super excited to see how you do a TCU and how you take it to new heights.
18:42 We know you have NIL merch in your Insta bio, you know, to fans to check it out.
18:47 Is there anything else you want to you want to tell the fans and and plug anything if
18:51 you need it?
18:52 Really just say I'm excited to be on home frog and I can't wait to get to work on it
18:59 a few months really.
19:00 I was thinking about it.
19:01 I was thinking about it the other day.
19:02 It's really you got February and then March, April and then I'll be there first weekend
19:10 in June.
19:11 So I'm really just excited to get to work and just really excited for what the opportunity
19:15 is going to bring to them.
19:16 That's exciting stuff.
19:17 I know you came out to a couple games in the past, but do you have any plans for any more
19:21 games this season?
19:22 Yeah, so I won't be able to come home until until the second week in March.
19:28 And then I'm hoping to be able to make the the last home conference game.
19:34 I guess the last conference game of the year against UCF.
19:36 So that's probably that's probably the game I'll be at.
19:39 Yeah, I'll have to say what's up to you there for sure.
19:42 Awesome.
19:43 Well, we thank you again.
19:44 This has been awesome.
19:45 Gonna chat with you and hear you out in your story a little bit.
19:48 It's been cool to hear and I'll follow.
19:50 OK, for the rest of the season.
19:52 Yes, sir.
19:53 Thank you for having.
19:54 Yeah, Micah.
19:55 Thanks a lot, man.
19:56 Yes, sir.
19:57 [BLANK_AUDIO]