Robinson Raises Morale at Oregon State, Now Must Capitalize

Last April, when Oregon State athletic director Bob De Carolis announced that Craig Robinson would be the next Men's Basketball coach, many heads turned.

Robinson, the brother-in-law of Presidential Elect Barack Obama, definitely brought unexpected attention to the Oregon State basketball program that was 0-18 in the Pac-10 conference last season. 

It was reported that as many as 20 potential coaching candidates gave a polite "Thanks, but no thanks" to Oregon State during the job search. However, when De Carolis finally settled on Robinson, it brought immediate street cred to the ailing program. 

Robinson spent much of his summer not only setting the foundation for his first year as head coach, but interviewing with numerous media outlets and occasionally campaigning for his brother-in-law.

Notably, Craig wore a orange tie up to the stage at the Democratic National Convention to introduce his sister, Michelle Obama, and shouted "Go Beavers!" as he raised a fist as part of his brief introductory speech. Michelle returned the favor when she appeared on "The View". Robinson was also on the stage after Obama delivered his acceptance speech on Nov. 4 in Chicago, IL. 

Robinson replaced interim head coach Kevin Mouton, who took over the helm of the program after Jay John was fired in the midst of his sixth season at Oregon State. He compiled a record of 72-97 overall and was 28-68 in the Pac-10 Conference. The Beavers were 6-12 on the season, season and were 0-6 in the league.

"I want to thank Coach John for his contributions to Oregon State University and his tireless effort in trying to turn around the men's basketball program," De Carolis said after the firing. "I commend him for being an ambassador for the university and his solid record of graduating his student-athletes. However, our progress on the court has not been what we all had hoped for so we are moving in a different direction."

Many have drawn comparisons between Robinson's task at Oregon State, and the rebuilding job General Manager Kevin Pritchard and Head Coach Nate McMillian have done with the Portland Trail Blazers. 

"Well, that’s exactly what we have to do" Craig Robinson said in an interview with Blazers Edge. "We have to get back to a winning mentality. The good thing is that, albeit awhile ago, this place has some history of winning. So I think if we can turn the corner a bit, we will get the support from the fans, the media, the high school coaches. So I do see this as a culture changing job and that’s what we’re going to be working on."

Almost immediately after his arrival in Corvallis, Oregonian columnist John Canzano named Robinson "The No. 19 Most Influential Person in Oregon Sports".

And Robinson isn't afraid to use his connection to the White House on the recruiting trail.  

"We're in on some kids who this place hasn't been in on, maybe ever,'' said coach Robinson. When asked if the political thing gives him an advantage in some situations, he said, "absolutely. It has certainly done us well. It's no different that other people getting publicity for going to the Final Four, or a school having a Hall of Fame coach.''

Robinson, who inherited a program that hadn't won in 21 games, said that his inherited team is better than their 2007-2008 record. He said that he doesn't believe a lack of talent was the problem with Coach Jay John's team last season. Rather, the Beavers' players weren't developed properly, he said. 

Prior to the first day of practice, OSU guard Ricky Claitt commented on the differences that Robinson brings to the program. Last season, a coach would say something to a player and "the player wouldn't listen," Claitt said. Claitt said they listen to Robinson and his staff, and it's not just because it's a new voice offering new directions. There's a different presence.

"A lot of it is going to be about mentally changing their view of themselves,'' he said..."we were 0-18 last year. We don't want to be 0-18 again.''

With the nation watching, Robinson must now prove that he can get the job done at Oregon State.

Oregon State is currently 3-5 on the year, and have won three of their last four games. The Beavers will begin the Pac-10 conference season on January 2, when they will play host to UCLA.

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