Thomas Robinson messed around and made a name for himself this season, most recently by becoming the first unanimous selection to the Associated Press All-America team. But even larger than that, Robinson is just several months away from getting paid.
Projected as the No. 3 overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft by NBADraft.net, Robinson will get paid handsomely no matter what happens to the Jayhawks from here. But this is the perfect time for Robinson to perform like a No.3-overall pick, as it could possibly lead to a national championship for Kansas.
Here is what Chad Ford of ESPN had to say about Robinson's progression and his potential NBA future:
"KU's big man was never supposed to be in this situation. A two-year rotation player at Kansas, Robinson wasn't the sort of blue-chip recruit that a coach rides to the Final Four as a junior. Robinson has continued to adjust to that role all year. This weekend he showed his shoulders are wide enough to carry this team. Facing length and constant double-teams, Robinson fought through everything to put up two very big games for the Jayhawks to lead them to the Final Four. Teams understand his weaknesses -- he's a bit undersized and can fall in love with his perimeter game -- but the toughness and heart he's shown all year, combined with an NBA body and elite athleticism, will translate at the next level."
Read more about the Jayhawks at Rock Chalk Talk.