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Son of former NBA great David Robinson to be on scholarship at Duke next season

Mike Krzyzewski

AP Photo

AP

Back in mid-December it was reported that 6-foot-8 forward Justin Robinson, a two-year all-state selection in Texas and the son of San Antonio Spurs great David Robinson, would join the Duke basketball program as a preferred walk-on in 2015-16. Preferred walk-on positions give players the opportunity to join the program in hopes of eventually doing enough to earn a scholarship, and that was something Robinson was on board with.

Justin was on the receiving end of some good news earlier this week regarding his status within the Duke program, as he’ll now be a scholarship player upon his arrival. News of the change was first reported by News 4 San Antonio.

Even with their late recruiting flurry, as point guard Derryck Thornton reclassified to 2015 and small forward Brandon Ingram made his pledge shortly thereafter, Duke hadn’t reached the NCAA limit of 13 scholarships. So instead of leaving one unfilled, Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski decided to give Robinson a scholarship.

Robinson will get to compete against the likes of veterans Amile Jefferson and Marshall Plumlee, Rice transfer Sean Obi and incoming freshmen Chase Jeter and Antonio Vrankovic in practice next season. And according to the News 4 San Antonio report, Justin may still be growing. Given the pieces already in place it will likely be difficult for Robinson to earn playing time as a freshman, but that daily competition may end up benefitting both he and Duke over the long haul.

Justin’s older brother Corey is currently a wide receiver at Notre Dame, catching 40 passes for 539 yards and five touchdowns as a sophomore in 2014.