Kansas Jayhawks: Will Thomas Robinson Tone Down His Emotions in the NBA?

University of Kansas junior forward Thomas Robinson will announce his intention to forego his senior season and enter the NBA draft at a Monday morning press conference.

After not receiving much playing time in his first two seasons as a Jayhawk, Robinson exploded onto the scene in 2012 as a National Player of the Year candidate by averaging 17.7 points and 11.9 rebounds while leading Kansas to the national championship game.

Much of Robinson’s success on the court is developed from a bold emotion that not only helps him elevate his play above his opposition but strikes fear within them as well.

More suited to help him in the college game with less opposing players at his skill level, it is still shocking that his passion didn’t draw more attention from the referees or from players who fell victim to his overzealous enthusiasm.

It is evident that Robinson’s play is predicated on his ability to intimidate his opponent. But what happens at the next level when the results aren’t parallel to what he is familiar with, when the opposition isn’t affected by his approach?

College basketball isn’t akin to having enforcers on teams—players who will stop at nothing to protect the safety and honor of their teammates. Therefore, the first time Robinson flexes on, purposefully bumps into or stands over a fallen opponent in the professional ranks, will surely raise the eyebrows of not only the referees but also opposing players.

It will be that exact moment when Robinson will need to decide whether to tone down his raw emotion or amplify it to let everyone know that he indeed belongs in the cage with the big dogs.

How that shapes his development in the NBA is unknown at this point. But it will tell us a lot about his character and subsequent role going forward with him either being able to adapt to the new environment or simply not care who gets in his way.

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