Wednesday was a great day to be Glen Robinson III. Michigan's sophomore forward sank six of his last eight shots, including a game winning kiss off the glass in overtime to beat Purdue. GR III, an Indiana native, not only balled out and won the game, he did it at the Mackey Arena. You know, the place that his father...Glen "Big Dog" Robinson built as a Boilermaker in the early 90's? The number one overall pick in the NBA draft. The one that was in attendance...looking as proud as can be. It must have seemed like a fairy tale as his peers sprang from the bench to mob him on the court....in his home state...with his family in attendance.
But folks in Ann Arbor are quietly asking....is this the best moment we'll ever see from GR III?
There's no question that Glen Robinson III is talented. He is naturally gifted and can do things on the court with so much ease...it almost looks as if he's not trying. Sometimes that same demeanor comes across on the court during games. To say that he lacks passion is unfair, but it is fair to suggest that he seems uninterested on the court at times, and at other times can look completely dominant. GR III has to understand the high expectations that are placed on him, whether it's the name he carries..or the tools that he brings to the table...or both. He also must understand how fans can become frustrated when he seems ok with being a ghost on the court. Fair or unfair, that's life in B1G big time basketball.
GR III's inconsistencies have gone largely unnoticed by the masses...and that's because Michigan continues to find a way to get it done. Let's not forget, with the departure of Trey Burke and Tim Hardaway Jr, coupled with the season ending injury to pre season All American Mitch McGary, Robinson III was expected to lead this young and inexperienced team this year.
Instead, we've watched the emergence of Nick Stauskus and Caris LaVert. Those two have primarily carried the team offensively this year. Folks in Ann Arbor have been screaming for GR III to use his athleticism and become more aggressive. To slash to the paint and get easy points from the line. And that's just it...he can do it every game..just like this last one...he just doesn't...for some reason.
The most optimistic Wolverine fan will see this as a coming out party for GR III. I'm sure the team hopes that it was. For others that decide to take a wait and see approach, their stance is valid as well.
We won't have to wait long to find out. Michigan's next game is in the prime time Saturday evening slot. And all eyes will be on GR III. Will he use this new found fame as an opportunity to re-write his legacy? Or was Wednesday night GR III's legacy moment?
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