There are many players that have played on the court at the Nerney Field House. Sophomore in the classroom and a freshman on the court, Ivan Robinson, has played the role of a student athlete and this season for the Cavaliers. He is from Pennsauken, N.J. and attended Paul IV high school. Returning to the court from a previous injury, Robinson has grown as a player and has become a reliable teammate and captain for the Cabrini College Cavaliers.
“I have been playing basketball since I was a little kid,” Ivan Robinson, sophomore business administration major and sports management minor, said. “My dad didn’t want me to pursue boxing like him, so basketball was the next sport in line and I don’t think I could ever imagine myself not being on the court with my team.”
Robinson averages about 32.7 minutes of playing time, 12.1 points per game. He also has a .333 three point shooting average as well as a .778 free throw percentage. All around, Ivan brings energy and confidence to the court along with great leadership and dedication to the team.
Robinson also was recruited to be on this team by the head coach, Tim McDonald. The close relationship he has built with the coach made him really feel like he was apart of this team especially after the injury.
“Coach McDonald is great. He would come to every game and wait for me to finish up with my coaches when I was in high school. He just really seemed to want to know me and cared. It made my choices more clear on where I wanted to be playing,” Robinson said. “He is a great coach and when I came back this season he was ready to see what I could do and bring to this team.”
Some Cavaliers know there is more to being a teammate than just what you do on the court.
“Ivan is one of the coolest people around,” Mike Diggins, sophomore computer information systems major, said. “I love playing with him on the court. Off the court, he is very friendly and is always trying to make everyone happy.”
Robinson was already following the team before officially being a part of it.
“Coming from such a close-knit team at home and with my sister previously attending Cabrini, I really was looking forward to playing for Cabrini College,” Robinson said. “I enjoyed watching the team before coming here and the coach is one of the best coaches I have ever had. It all around seemed like it was meant to be for me to be here. I feel like I bring positivity and all around determination to this team. I want to lead the team to another championship strong and as one unit.
With being a commuter, school has been come a little easier for Robinson, since he is living with his home town and high school best friend, Jair Green.
“I feel like living off campus is better for me. It keeps me focused on my school work as well as the game. If I wanted to go somewhere with the guys I can simply drive there and home from campus,” Robinson said. “I also enjoy living with Jair, playing together since we were kids and now in college together only makes this experience better.”
Robinson was nominated one of the captain’s of the team this season and his teammates feel it is a well deserved position for him.
“Ivan brings such a positive attitude to the court and to this team,” Deryl Bagwell, sophomore communications major, said. “He knows what he is doing on the court and sees everything that is going on the court during the game which is important. He is more than a leader, but a role model to the others on the team. He is motivating and always picks us up when we are down.”
