The Enduring Legacy of Coach Will Robinson and Doug Collins: A Timeless Mentor-Mentee Bond

In the heart of Illinois State's basketball arena, a statue stands as a testament to the profound connection between a pioneering African American coach and his talented white protégé. This is the story of Will Robinson and Doug Collins, a partnership that transcended the boundaries of race and paved the way for a lasting impact on the game of basketball.

Forging an Unbreakable Bond: The Mentor and the Mentee

A Shared Vision, a Lasting Legacy

The statue near the north side of Illinois State's basketball arena captures a poignant moment in time. It depicts Coach Will Robinson, the first African American head basketball coach in NCAA Division I history, kneeling as his former player, Doug Collins, stands behind him with his hand on the coach's shoulder. This powerful image symbolizes the deep trust and respect that defined their relationship, a bond that went far beyond the basketball court.Collins, a three-time All-American and the number one pick in the 1973 NBA draft, credits Robinson for much of his success. "That's not a basketball story," Collins remarked. "That's a white kid from Benton, Illinois, being with this Black man from Detroit and them coming together creating a Division I program they could leave." Their partnership was a testament to the power of mentorship and the transformative impact it can have on young lives.

Navigating Adversity, Forging Resilience

The journey of Collins and Robinson was not without its challenges. As the first African American head coach in Division I, Robinson faced his fair share of racism and heckling from fans. Collins, who grew up in an all-white community, witnessed firsthand the obstacles his mentor had to overcome. "We played Arkansas my junior year and we always had to play D-I teams on the road," Collins recalled. "They would never come play us at our building. We were trying to become a D-I team and we beat them on the road. It was a really good win. And I was walking off the floor with coach and he had his arm around me and I said, 'Coach, how do you take all that heckling and the things that are being said about you?' And he said, 'Champ, those people are ignorant. They don't know one of these days [Arkansas is] going to have a Black coach.'"Robinson's unwavering resilience and foresight proved to be prophetic. In 1994, when Arkansas won the NCAA championship with a Black head coach, Nolan Richardson, Collins recognized the profound impact of his mentor's vision. "And so, now you go to 1994 and its Duke vs. Arkansas in the NCAA championship game. And my son is playing for Duke and Arkansas wins on a Scotty Thurman 3 [-pointer]. And not only was [Robinson] a visionary that they were going to have a Black coach at one time, but that guy [Nolan Richardson] led them to a national championship."

Lessons in Humility and Wisdom

Beyond the basketball court, Robinson's influence on Collins extended to instilling valuable life lessons. Collins recounted a pivotal moment when Robinson taught him the importance of humility. "My junior year, the first game of the season, we played Oral Roberts and I scored 40 points in the game," Collins said. "I always would go to coach's office to talk. And on this particular day he called me Champ. I don't know if he ever knew my name or not. So, he called me Champ. He said, 'Champ, I'm going to show you something.' He took me down to the bathroom and there was a newspaper and somebody peed all over it. And he said, 'That's what this is, day-old news. They will be waiting for you next time.' I said, 'I got you, coach. I got you.'"This powerful lesson in humility left a lasting impression on Collins, who recognized the wisdom and foresight of his mentor. Robinson's ability to ground his star player and instill a sense of perspective would prove invaluable as Collins navigated the highs and lows of his own illustrious career.

A Lasting Impact: From the Court to the Coaching Ranks

The impact of the Robinson-Collins partnership extended far beyond their time at Illinois State. Collins went on to have a successful NBA career, playing for eight seasons and earning four All-Star selections. He later transitioned into coaching, compiling a 442-407 record as an NBA head coach with the Chicago Bulls, Detroit Pistons, Washington Wizards, and Philadelphia 76ers.Throughout his coaching career, Collins remained deeply influenced by the lessons he learned from Robinson. "Coach Rob, I fell in love with him and he helped me toughness and gave me great wisdom," Collins said. The statue that stands as a testament to their bond serves as a reminder of the transformative power of mentorship and the enduring legacy that can be built when two individuals from different backgrounds come together in pursuit of a shared vision.As the basketball world celebrates the induction of Doug Collins into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, the story of his remarkable partnership with Coach Will Robinson stands as a shining example of the profound impact that can be made when a mentor and mentee forge an unbreakable bond. Their legacy continues to inspire and guide the next generation of players and coaches, reminding us all of the power of unity, resilience, and the enduring spirit of the game.