Andrew Pace
Will Robinson, born in 1911, was a trailblazing athlete, educator, and basketball coach. Robinson's career spanned over six decades and included coaching at various high schools in Detroit, becoming the first African-American basketball coach in the city, and later the first Black head coach in NCAA Division I basketball when he was hired by Illinois State University in 1970. Robinson's success as a coach included winning multiple state championships and enabling over 300 students to attend college. After retiring from Illinois State University in 1975, Robinson took on scouting roles for the Detroit Pistons and the Detroit Lions, where he discovered several notable athletes, including NBA stars Joe Dumars and Dennis Rodman. Ruben Vance, on the other hand, was a basketball player drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers in the 1972 NBA Draft.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Full Name | William Joseph "Will" Robinson |
| Born | June 3, 1911, in Wadesboro, North Carolina |
| Education | West Virginia State College, University of Michigan |
| Degree | Master's in physical education/sports education |
| First Coaching Position | DuSable High School, Chicago |
| Coaching Career | Miller High School, Pershing High School, Illinois State University, Detroit Pistons |
| Achievements | First African-American basketball coach in Detroit, First Black scout in NFL, Lifetime achievement award from the Missouri Valley Conference, Discovered Joe Dumars and Dennis Rodman |
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What You'll Learn
Will Robinson's career as an athlete, educator and coach
William Joseph "Will" Robinson had a long and distinguished career as an athlete, educator, and coach. Born in 1911, he grew up in Steubenville, Ohio, where he excelled in multiple sports, including football and golf. He even led the golf team to a state championship as a senior. Robinson's athletic prowess extended to college, where he graduated from West Virginia State College in 1937 with 15 letters in four sports. He then pursued a master's degree in physical education from the University of Michigan due to racial segregation in West Virginia, which prevented him from finding a job.
Robinson's coaching career began in 1943 at DuSable High School in Chicago, marking the starting point of his journey as an educator. The following year, he moved to Detroit, where he was hired by the Detroit Public Schools as their first African-American basketball coach, addressing the racial tensions in the city following the 1943 race riots. Robinson's presence as the sole black coach in Detroit for the next 16 years underscores the impact of his role. During his time in Detroit, he coached at various high schools, including Miller High School, Pershing High School, Cass Technical High School, and Hiller High School. At Pershing High School, he achieved remarkable success, winning state basketball championships in 1967 and 1970.
In 1970, Robinson broke new ground again by becoming the first African American head coach in NCAA Division I basketball when he was hired by Illinois State University (ISU). His record at ISU from 1970 to 1975 was impressive, with a record of 78-51. Robinson's impact extended beyond the court, as he helped more than 300 students attend college during his high school coaching career and organized coaching clinics for black coaches in the south. He also scouted exceptional athletes, including future NBA stars.
After retiring from ISU in 1975, Robinson continued to leave his mark in the world of sports. He took on scouting positions with the Detroit Pistons and the Detroit Lions, becoming the first Black scout in NFL history. His talent for scouting was evident as he discovered future Pro Football Hall of Famers and key members of championship-winning teams. Robinson's contributions to basketball and football were recognized with a lifetime achievement award from the Missouri Valley Conference in 2003. He finally retired in 2003, concluding a remarkable six-decade-long career that left a lasting impact on both the athletic and educational landscapes.
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Robinson's time at West Virginia State College
William Joseph “Will” Robinson, born in 1911 in North Carolina, had a stellar athletic career at West Virginia State College. He graduated in 1937, earning 15 letters in four sports. Robinson's prowess extended beyond sports, as he also excelled academically and earned a master's degree in physical education from the University of Michigan due to racial segregation in West Virginia.
After graduating, Robinson struggled to find employment and returned to his hometown of Steubenville, Ohio. He began his coaching journey at the YMCA in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Chicago, where he found success, winning several city championships. This led to his first high school coaching position at DuSable High School in Chicago in 1943. A year later, he moved to Detroit, where he was hired by the Detroit Public Schools to coach at Miller High School (also known as Hiller High School). Robinson faced a challenging task in calming racial tensions in the city following the 1943 race riots, and he became Detroit's first African-American basketball coach.
Robinson's impact in Detroit was profound, and he remained the only black coach in the city for the next sixteen years. He went on to coach at Cass Technical High School from 1957 to 1960 and then at Pershing High School from 1960 to 1970, where he achieved remarkable success, winning state basketball championships. During his tenure at Pershing High School, he coached a talented team that included future NBA stars such as Spencer Haywood, Ralph Simpson, Glenn Doughty, Paul Seal, and Marvin Lane. They won state titles in 1967 and 1970.
Robinson's coaching abilities were not limited to the basketball court. He had a profound impact on the lives of his students, enabling more than 300 students to attend college during his high school coaching career. Additionally, he played a pivotal role in fostering racial equality by organizing coaching clinics for black coaches in the South. His efforts in breaking down racial barriers extended beyond the sports arena, as Lions coach Buddy Parker hired him as the first black scout in the NFL. Robinson's sharp eye for talent discovered Pro Football Hall of Famers Charlie Sanders and Lem Barney.
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Robinson's coaching career at Pershing High School
William Joseph “Will” Robinson, born in 1911, had a distinguished career as an athlete, educator, and coach. After graduating from West Virginia State College, he began coaching at a YMCA in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and later in Chicago, where he won several city championships. This success led to his first high school coaching job at DuSable High School in Chicago in 1943.
In 1944, Robinson moved to Detroit, where he was hired by the Detroit Public Schools to coach at Hiller High School (also known as Miller High School). He was chosen for his ability to calm racial tensions in the city following the 1943 race riots, and he remained Detroit's only black coach for the next sixteen years.
While at Pershing High School, Robinson did more than just coach basketball. He enabled more than 300 students to attend college and organized coaching clinics for black coaches in the South, recruiting staff members from the Detroit Lions and Detroit Tigers to provide instruction. His efforts had a significant impact on racial integration in sports. As a result of his coaching clinics, Lions coach Buddy Parker hired Robinson as the first black scout in the NFL. Robinson's scouting career was also notable, as he discovered Pro Football Hall of Famers Charlie Sanders and Lem Barney.
In 1970, Robinson left Pershing High School to become the head coach at Illinois State University, making him the first black head coach in NCAA Division I basketball. He compiled a record of 78-51 during his time at Illinois State until his retirement in 1975.
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His time as a scout for the Detroit Pistons
In 1976, Will Robinson took up a scouting position with the Detroit Pistons, a role he would hold for the next 28 years until his retirement in 2003. Robinson had a remarkable career as a coach prior to this, with a 16-year stint as Detroit's only black coach, and a successful tenure as the first black head coach in NCAA Division I basketball.
Robinson's time with the Pistons was defined by his exceptional ability to spot talent. He was responsible for discovering Joe Dumars and Dennis Rodman, who would become key members of the Pistons' championship-winning teams in 1989 and 1990. Robinson's scouting prowess extended beyond basketball; he was also hired part-time as the first Black scout in NFL history by the Detroit Lions, a role he held for 22 years. During this time, he scouted Pro Football Hall of Famers Charlie Sanders and Lem Barney.
Robinson's success as a scout for the Pistons was not overlooked. He was offered the Pistons' head coaching position by general manager Jack McCloskey. However, when Robinson turned down the offer, McCloskey gave the job to Chuck Daly instead.
In recognition of Robinson's contributions, the Pistons renamed their locker room the "Will Robinson Locker Room of Champions" during the 2003-04 NBA season. This was a fitting tribute to a man who dedicated his life to the development of athletes and the advancement of equal opportunities in sports.
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Robinson's legacy and post-retirement recognition
William Joseph "Will" Robinson left a remarkable legacy in the world of basketball, both during his career and after his retirement. Robinson's impact on the sport extended far beyond his playing days, and his contributions were recognised with numerous accolades and honours.
Robinson's career spanned six decades, during which he broke racial barriers and paved the way for future generations of coaches and athletes. He was Detroit's first African-American basketball coach, taking on this role in 1944 following the 1943 race riots. For the next sixteen years, he was the city's only black coach, working at various high schools, including Miller High School, Pershing High School, and Cass Technical High School. During his time at Pershing High School, he won state basketball championships in 1967 and 1970.
Robinson's success at the high school level propelled him to the collegiate ranks, and in 1970, he broke another racial barrier by becoming the first African American head coach in NCAA Division I basketball when he was hired by Illinois State University (ISU). He compiled a remarkable record of 78-51 during his tenure at ISU from 1970 to 1975. After his retirement from coaching at ISU, Robinson transitioned into scouting, joining the Detroit Pistons in 1976. He played a pivotal role in discovering future NBA stars Joe Dumars and Dennis Rodman, who would become key members of the Pistons' championship-winning teams in 1989 and 1990. Robinson's talent for scouting extended beyond basketball, as he also became the first Black scout in NFL history when hired by the Detroit Lions. During his 22-year tenure with the Lions, he scouted Pro Football Hall of Famers Charlie Sanders and Lem Barney.
Robinson's legacy extends beyond his direct contributions to basketball and football. He was also dedicated to empowering other coaches and athletes, particularly from underrepresented communities. He organised coaching clinics for black coaches in the South, recruiting staff members from the Detroit Lions and Detroit Tigers to provide instruction. This initiative not only improved the skills of the participating coaches but also helped foster a more inclusive and diverse coaching landscape.
In recognition of his extraordinary career, Robinson received numerous honours and accolades. In 2003, he was bestowed with a lifetime achievement award from the Missouri Valley Conference. During the 2003-04 NBA season, the Detroit Pistons renamed their locker room the "Will Robinson Locker Room of Champions," immortalising his impact on the franchise. These tributes stand as a testament to Robinson's enduring legacy in the world of sports, where he not only excelled as a coach and scout but also as a trailblazer who championed diversity and paved the way for future generations of athletes and coaches.
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Frequently asked questions
William Joseph "Will" Robinson was a trailblazing athlete, educator and coach. He was born on June 3, 1911, in Wadesboro, North Carolina, and grew up in Steubenville, Ohio. He graduated from West Virginia State College in 1937 and earned a master's degree in physical education from the University of Michigan. Robinson's coaching career began at DuSable High School in Chicago in 1943. He later became the first African-American head coach in NCAA Division I basketball when he was hired by Illinois State University in 1970.
Robinson won several city championships while coaching YMCA basketball in Chicago. He was Detroit's first African-American basketball coach and remained the city's only black coach for 16 years. During his high school coaching career, Robinson enabled more than 300 students to attend college. He also organised coaching clinics for black coaches in the south, recruiting staff members from the Detroit Lions and Detroit Tigers to provide instruction. Robinson was responsible for discovering Joe Dumars and Dennis Rodman, key members of the Pistons' championship teams in 1989 and 1990.
Will Robinson retired from Illinois State University in 1975 and returned to Detroit, where he took on a scouting position with the Detroit Pistons. He retired from the Pistons in 2003, concluding a 28-year career with the organisation.
In 2003, Will Robinson received a lifetime achievement award from the Missouri Valley Conference. During the 2003-04 NBA season, the Pistons renamed their locker room the "Will Robinson Locker Room of Champions" to honour his legacy.
