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Kansas star Robinson named unanimous All-American

 
Published March 27, 2012

Kansas forward Thomas Robinson has even more in common with Blake Griffin now. Not everything, though.

Robinson, who played through personal tragedy as a sophomore reserve, capped his junior season by being a unanimous selection to the Associated Press' All-America team Monday, a day after leading the Jayhawks to the Final Four.

The 6-foot-10 Robinson averaged 17.9 points and 11.8 rebounds this season and was a first-team pick by all 65 members of the national media panel that selects the weekly Top 25.

The last unanimous pick was Griffin in 2009.

"It's a blessing to be named even in the same category as Blake Griffin," Robinson said. "For that to happen, I'm glad all the hard work is paying off."

Robinson did find some similarities between them besides being Big 12 player of the year.

"That man jumps out the gym. He looks like a superhero," Robinson said. "We both try to be aggressive. He knows what he does well. I know what I do well."

Joining Robinson on the first team were Ohio State's Jared Sullinger, the first repeat All-America in three years, Kentucky freshman Anthony Davis, Michigan State's Draymond Green and Creighton's Doug McDermott.

Davis received 63 first-team votes. Green, the lone senior, got 53, Sullinger , 30 and McDermott 29. North Carolina's John Henson, a former Sickles standout, made honorable mention. No Gators or Seminoles were named.

Robinson received national support as a sophomore when he lost his mother, grandmother and grandfather within three weeks. He became a starter this season and a star.

"It's an unbelievable honor for a kid that came as a semi-highly recruited guy, played seven minutes as a freshman, 10 minutes as a sophomore, endured the tragedies he's had and then somehow made so many sacrifices, not only for the betterment of himself but the betterment of all of us," Kansas coach Bill Self said.

WOODEN AWARD: Davis, Sullinger and Robinson were among players chosen for the John R. Wooden Award All-American team. The others are Green, McDermott, Isaiah Canaan of Murray State, Jae Crowder of Marquette, Marcus Denmon of Missouri, Kevin Jones of West Virginia, and Tyler Zeller of North Carolina.

Martin to coach S.C.

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Frank Martin agreed to become South Carolina's next coach, the Associated Press reported. The university's board of trustees is scheduled to meet this morning to discuss a contract matter.

Martin will replace Darrin Horn, who was fired two weeks ago after going 60-63 over four seasons. Martin led Kansas State to the NCAA Tournament four of the past five seasons.

DREXEL: Coach Bruiser Flint, who led the team to a record 29 wins this season, agreed to a multi-year contract extension. Terms were not disclosed.

DUKE: Freshman guard Austin Rivers will hire an agent and leave for the NBA draft. The son of Celtics coach Doc Rivers averaged a team-leading 15.5 points.

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MISSISSIPPI ST.: Junior forward Renardo Sidney signed with an agent and will declare for the NBA draft.

MURRAY ST.: Coach Steve Prohm agreed to a one-year contract extension and a pay raise after the Racers completed their most successful season. Prohm's base salary will be increased from $195,000 to $270,000.

TEXAS: Freshman guard Myck Kabongo decided not to enter the NBA draft.

UAB: North Carolina assistant Jerod Haase was named head coach, replacing Mike Davis, who was fired after making the NCAA Tournament once in six seasons.

WAGNER: Assistant Bashir Mason was promoted to succeed Dan Hurley as head coach. Hurley left last week to take over at Rhode Island.