Robinson makes big decision

The five-star prospects are taking themselves off the board at a rapid pace. Wolfeboro (N.H.) Brewster Academy forward Thomas Robinson is the latest blue chip player to commit to an elite high-major.

According to Brewster head coach Jason Smith, Robinson had to a make a difficult decision to make between Kansas and Memphis but found the place where he felt the most at home.

"He said he just felt more comfortable with Kansas," Smith said. "It was a very difficult decision for him and he felt like he couldn't go wrong with either Kansas or Memphis. He really liked and respected both coaches but he felt that he felt like he was at a different level with Kansas."

Robinson, a Maryland native, officially visited both of his finalists and liked each experience, Smith said. However, the time spent in Lawrence, Kansas was important to see the past and the present of the program.

"He went to Kansas the weekend they received their national championship rings and that obviously made an impression on him. However and more importantly, I think the impression that stuck with him was when all of the players from the year's past came in for the ceremony. That made an impact on him because he saw how guys were coming back and truly happy for Kansas.

"He wanted to be a part of that. In fact, I think he was ready to commit that weekend but he wanted to take a look at Memphis and compare with them. To Memphis's credit, they showed him a great visit. Ultimately, Thomas had a higher level of comfort with Kansas."

Robinson is the first commitment to Kansas in the class of 2009.

Smith said Robinson, the No. 18 ranked player in the country, has a lot of similarities to a pair of former Brewster players – Jeff Adrien and Emmanuel Negedu. Adrien is at UConn and Negedu is at Tennessee.

"I think Thomas and Jeff are similar as well as Emmanuel because that motor and they play with such energy and passion. A lot of 18-year-old kids don't know that they need to always play hard. It doesn't register. They don't compute that. But those jokers know how to play hard," Smith said.

"That's definitely what Thomas brings to the table. He brings that energy and passion every possession. He doesn't take plays off. He has that similar trait to those guys. All three play a lot bigger than their size because they have a ridiculous wingspan. They all really rebound the ball."

Robinson, who stands 6-foot-8, has a 7-foot-3 wingspan. He is arguably the best rebounder in the class of 2009.

Robinson is the third five-star player to commit in the last 24 hours. Jordan Hamilton and Ryan Kelly committed on Thursday evening. Hamilton picked Texas and Kelly is headed to Duke.