Thomas Robinson's Development Could Boost Kansas Jayhawks

Kansas Jayhawk freshman Thomas Robinson started off his collegiate career with a bang,  displaying loads of energy and athleticism for Bill Self in two very entertaining preseason games.

To say that he has since been a disappointment would be ludicrous and stupid.  Robinson has simply been a raw freshman on a very talented basketball team, nothing more or less.

He always brings energy, but battles inconsistency and mental errors from time to time.  The freshman forward seems to have garnered a little more of Coach Self's trust recently, as his minutes have recently become more regular and meaningful.

Should Robinson really start to seize these opportunities, he could provide the perfect spark to a Jayhawk squad that has been far from on fire.

I know its been said several times before, but what will ultimately make Robinson a special player is the energy and athleticism he brings to the table.  He plays faster than the Morris twins, and has the size and strength to assist Xavier Henry in guarding the league's most elite small forwards.

In fact, Robinson will have a perfect opportunity to prove his value to this team in early January (the tenth) when the Kansas Jayhawks face off with the Tennessee Volunteers.

It is likely that Lawrence's favorite super freshman Xavier Henry will draw the assignment of 6' 6" swingman Cameron Tatum while Cole Aldrich and Markieff Morris will each take a shot at the Volunteers' largest (physically) frontcourt threat Wayne Chism.

It looks like that leaves Marcus Morris to handle the super-athletic Tyler Smith.  For as solid as Marcus Morris has been this season, I'm not sure he has the all-around tools to hang with such a talented, experienced, and versatile team leader.

I think it is against Smith, a few weeks down the road, that Kansas fans will find out just how far the four-star freshman Robinson has come since the season kicked off.

Keeping a hand in Smith's face and limiting him to no more than a single shot are realistic expectations, and if Robinson can make such contributions, I expect Kansas to do just fine in what looks to be the Hawks' toughest test to that point in the season.

Perhaps if Robinson does well, he will garner more, larger opportunities in Big 12 play as well.  Craig Brackins, Jamar Samuels, and Damion James are just a few of the big names that Robinson could be a big help in defending down the stretch.

If nothing else, Robinson just needs to keep providing the energy and fresh legs that he has given the Hawks so far this season.  Keep working hard, and I can assure you the stats and the consistency will come.

Right now the Jayhawks badly need a spark, and I think Robinson should and will be the guy who ultimately provides it.  He's just a freshman right now, but with continued improvement and development, he could be an integral part of a super team come season's end.

Keep the ultimate goal in mind, Robinson, and be the player Kansas needs you to be.  It's all anyone can ask for, and is what will make you a special player.