Buffalo sophomore standout Andy Robinson is more than just a fan favorite for one Bulls basketball enthusiast. Though his electrifying dunks and tough defense makes him a team leader and an icon that causes countless fans to chant for "A-Rob" or "the Birdman," to one fan he's No. 1 on and off the court.
The court brought Robinson and his girlfriend Stephanie together, although now she cheers in a different venue.
"She was one of the Dazzlers, that's how I met her," Robinson grinned. "Now she's a Buffalo Jill."
Though both have busy schedules with school and extracurricular activities, they still have found comfort in being able to rely on each other.
"We have been through so much together and we have had each other's backs through thick and thin," Stephanie said. "I love him with all my heart."
Aside from Robinson's new love here in Buffalo, basketball was his first passion. This obsession came from his older brother.
"I started playing basketball in fourth grade on an organized team," Robinson said. "My older brother played, I think it was in about seventh or eighth grade when I could beat him."
A few years later while playing varsity for the Schenectady Patriots, Robinson was named team captain both his junior and senior years. Robinson averaged over 14 points per game his senior year.
The six-foot one-inch guard seems to have been pre-destined to play for the Bulls.
"In high school, my senior year I played against Greg (Gamble) in a tournament in Niagara Falls," Robinson said. "I also played in a five star basketball camp going into my senior year and played on the same team as Eric Moore. We all kind of have something in common."
Not only do the three sophomores have something in common, they have the potential to be the strongest sophomore class in school history. Though for Robinson, there are times when his game comes from a personal drive.
"Right now I have to keep motivating myself," Robinson said. "There are still a lot of games and practices, a lot of things can overwhelm you, I've got to take it step-by-step and not worry about what anyone has to say."
While at Buffalo, several different mentors have influenced Robinson, among them former Bulls' standout guard Calvin Cage, Bulls' head coach Reggie Witherspoon and one of his professors.
"I also talk to one of the professors here, Dr. Barba. He's from around where I grew up," Robinson said. "He's been a real help."
On the court, however, it has been a learning experience playing under Buffalo's big-named coach, the man known to UB crowds as "Reggie." Through his two years in Buffalo, he has gained a lot of respect for his coach.
"He's a really good coach, sometimes he can be intense," Robinson said. "But it's only the best for you. Playing under his wing I'm learning a lot, as a guard and off the court as a leader."
In a quest to become a starter this season, Robinson stayed in Buffalo taking classes and, of course, working on his game.
"I stayed here the whole summer. I think I went home for about one week," Robinson said. "I figured I would come into a big spot this year. I knew I had to improve on a lot of things so that's what I did."
That's precisely what he accomplished. This season Robinson has come into his own for the blue and white. Averaging just over nine points a game, he is currently fourth in the Bulls' lineup. Robinson also leads the team in steals with 42 and along with only Gamble, has started every game.
The steals are something that Robinson's high school coach would be proud of, as he stressed defense, and gave Robinson the foundation for being one of the Bulls' top defenders.
"Back in Schenectady, I had a coach who just overwhelmed us about defense," Robinson said. "Now that I've come here, Coach Witherspoon is the same way."
Robinson and the Bulls will be in action again on Saturday when they host Detroit in an attempt to rebound from some recent hardships, though Robinson seems positive on his game.
"It's only improving, to be put in this situation as a sophomore and a starter, and getting these minutes, and being able to play my game is the best feeling a college kid can ever have," Robinson said.
