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Glenn Robinson III was a major player for Michigan in 2012-13, mainly out of position. He could be the team's star in 2013-14 at small forward. (Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com)
(Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com)
Editor's note: This is part of an analytical series looking at each returning member of Michigan's roster in 2013-14.
ANN ARBOR -- Glenn Robinson III turned down a shot at millions because he believes there's work still to be done.
That work includes winning at Michigan -- Robinson wants to go one step further than a national title game loss -- and work as an individual.
He's returning to school hoping the money will still be there next spring, possibly in greater quantity if his game develops next season.
Will he be right? Time will tell.
For now, let's break down what we know about Robinson, and where he's headed next season.
Glenn Robinson III (sophomore)
6-foot-6, 210 pounds
small forward/power forward
Robinson was believed to be the most talented freshman in Michigan's heralded 2012 class before the group got on campus, and he shortly proved everyone correct.
A starter from day one in John Beilein's lineup, Robinson's athleticism and overall ability to absorb information immediately made him a force for the Wolverines.
He played out of position all season long at power forward, but still managed to make an impact at both ends of the floor.
He averaged 11 points per game (57.2 FG%) despite rarely ever having a play run for him on offense. Most of his points came out on the break, or on put-back attempts, and plenty of them were highlight-reel slams.
Robinson was also, almost without question, Michigan's best rebounder in space. Despite giving up height and weight to an opponent almost every game, Robinson averaged 5.4 rebounds per game -- and grabbed seven rebounds or more 12 different times.
The team's most athletic player, Robinson seems to have barely scratched the surface on what he can accomplish as a player. He only shot 32.4 percent from 3-point range, which isn't the strongest part of his game, but his 15 to 18-foot jumper seemed to be automatic at times.
Moving into next season, he'll be Michigan's best player. And he'll be asked to act as such.
The dog days of winter were not kind to Robinson, as he seemed to wear down as the competition within the Big Ten grew tougher.
Playing out of position probably didn't help matters, but it wasn't a coincidence that Robinson was off during each of the team's four losses in February. He played 40 minutes and scored 2 points at Indiana, only hit two shots at Wisconsin, went 1 of 4 from the floor with 2 rebounds at Michigan State and was 3 of 8 in 36 minutes at Penn State.
Maybe Robinson was tired, maybe he wasn't. But what one can't deny is the fact that he was deferring -- a lot. If there's a knock on Robinson right now, it's that he's too passive.
Michigan didn't run a lot of offensive sets for him last season, but when it did, he rarely put the ball on the floor and attacked the basket.
He seemed to pick up his intensity in March, and was huge for Michigan in the NCAA tournament -- especially at The Palace, feasting against less athletic competition and averaging 17.5 points and 7.5 rebounds in the first two games.
When people say Robinson hasn't really scratched the surface of what he can be, they mean it. And, at times, it appeared Robinson wasn't fully aware of how good he could be with a bit more aggression.
He'll likely step into a starring role next year, so aggressiveness will have to come naturally.
Robinson would have been a first round pick this season with a load of question marks. NBA teams never saw him play his natural position, he was the third option (at best) on his college team and he had bouts of inconsistency.
And still, he'd have been a first round pick.
That's how bright his future is.
Next season, Robinson wants to slide down to the small forward spot -- a more natural fit for him. The winner of Michigan's "Iron Man Award," Robinson didn't miss a single practice or workout last season -- from June to April. That sort of dedication should translate into further development this offseason.
He'll be asked to get stronger, and work more on his ball-handling. And, if he develops, he could be a terror.
Michigan would like to run Robinson off more ball-screens, and see him take ownership of a starring role in Beilein's offense.
A 6-foot-6 swingman who can shoot, drive and play three different positions, Robinson has the potential to be a dream player in Beilein's system. Now he just has to realize it.
And if he does breakout, it won't just be good for Michigan. It'll be good for him, too.
He passed on money this spring. But if he continues to progress, the money will be there next year.
In greater quantity, too.
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