Villanova’s Robinson-Earl declares for NBA draft

Jeremiah RobinsonEarl could have made the jump to the NBA after his freshman year at Villanova. He even considered it for about a week.

The time didn’t seem right, with too much uncertainty surrounding the NBA draft process due to the coronavirus pandemic. A year ago, the NBA had not made a decision on when or if there would be a draft combine or when the draft would be held.

Plus, Robinson-Earl felt he still needed to grow as a player and person, and wanted to experience the NCAA Tournament at least once. He decided to return to Villanova for another year. After accomplishing those goals, and taking time off to relax after a season of playing in a bubble, Robinson-Earl recently sat down with his mother, Katie Robinson, Villanova coach Jay Wright and other members of what RobinsonEarl calls his inner circle to discuss his future.

They agreed it was time for the 6-foot-9, 230-pound forward to take the next step in his career and make the jump to the NBA, which is what he did Friday morning when he announced via social media that he will forgo his final two years of eligibility, hire an agent and make himself available for the 2021 NBA draft.

“I feel like coming back for my second year to mature as a player, a person in all aspects put me in the best position for this year,” RobinsonEarl said in a Zoom call. “I think the time is right for this and I think it’s going to be a great step in the right direction for my career and I’m very excited.”

Robinson-Earl is the sixth underclassman to leave Villanova early in the last four years. Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, Donte DiVincenzo and Omari Spellman made the jump to the NBA after winning the national title in 2018. Bridges, DiVincenzo and Spellman were firstround picks that year. Brunson went in the second round. Saddiq Bey left after his sophomore season last year as was taken by the Brooklyn Nets with the 19th pick in the first round and then traded to Detroit in a three-team deal.

Robinson-Earl is projected as a late firstround or second-round pick by most mock drafts. His versatility may be his greatest strength. He can defend all positions, face up and shoot or put the ball on the floor and attack the basket, and is a solid rebounder.

Robinson-Earl led the Wildcats in scoring (15.7) and rebounding (8.5) while shooting 49.7 percent from the field as a sophomore. Villanova went 18-7, won the Big East regular-season title and reached the Sweet 16 before being eliminated by eventual champion Baylor.

In two seasons, Robinson-Earl started in all 56 games and averaged 12.8 points and 9.0 rebounds while connecting on 47.8 percent of his field goal attempts He was a finalist for the Karl Malone Award, given annually to the top power forward in the country.

“I’m so excited to watch him,” Wright said. “I think his game is going to fit the NBA even better than it did in college. They’re going to get a guy that’s ready to play right away. He’ll be able to defend and rebound, make free throws and open shots immediately.”

As polished as he is, though, Robinson-Earl knows there is room for improvement.