DONE DEAL: San Antonio Officially Announces the Signing of Another Veteran Star in Blockbuster Move
Since Duke’s 2024 NCAA Tournament ended just short of the Final Four, Justin Robinson has carried the experience with him. Robinson, who serves as the director of player development for the Blue Devils, naturally had the tournament on his mind. However, his connection to San Antonio, his hometown, made this year’s event especially significant. The Alamodome, a place rich with family memories, was a constant thought. “It’s always been in the back of my mind,” Robinson said after Duke’s 85-65 victory over Alabama at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. “I couldn’t let it distract me, but there was definitely a little extra motivation for me. I’m feeling it now. I’m really happy. I’m proud.”
Less than an hour after Duke’s win, Robinson’s phone was already lighting up with messages from family members. The Alamodome, where Duke was set to play Houston in the national semifinals, holds special significance for him—his father, David Robinson, spent much of his Hall of Fame NBA career with the San Antonio Spurs there.
Born in 1996, Justin was too young to remember his father’s leadership in the Spurs’ first NBA championship in 1999, but he recalls their second title in 2003. That season was the Spurs’ first in their new basketball-focused arena, and it marked the end of David Robinson’s career. Despite not having direct memories of those moments, the Alamodome holds a special place in the Robinson family’s history. “We have a great history here with the Spurs in this building,” said Justin Robinson.
After playing professionally overseas, Justin returned to Duke in November 2023 to join coach Jon Scheyer’s staff as the director of player development. In this role, he has worked with Duke’s big men—Khaman Maluach, Maliq Brown, and Pat Ngongba—helping the Blue Devils win the ACC championship and advance to the Final Four. With the Final Four in his hometown, only 25-30 minutes from his childhood home, the experience has been surreal for Robinson. “It’s incredible,” he said. “My first Final Four, and then for it to be in my hometown… For my family to be here has been really cool. It just feels like home. It feels great to be back here.”
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