Will Robinson (basketball)
Robinson, circa 1970 | |
| Biographical details | |
|---|---|
| Born | June 3, 1911 Wadesboro, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Died | April 23, 2008 (aged 96) Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
| Playing career | |
| 1933–1937 | West Virginia State (lettered in four sports) |
| Coaching career (HC unless noted) | |
| 1943–1959 | Sidney D. Miller MS (MI) |
| 1960–1971 | Pershing HS (MI) |
| 1971–1975 | Illinois State |
| Head coaching record | |
| Overall | 62–41 (college) |
William J. Robinson (June 3, 1911 – April 28, 2008) was an American college basketball coach and scout. Robinson became the first African-American head coach in NCAA Division I history when he accepted the position at Illinois State University in 1970. He scouted for the Detroit Pistons for 28 years, and worked 22 years for the Detroit Lions as a part-time scout. Robinson, who is a member of seven athletic halls of fame, was also the first black high school coach in Michigan, winning two state championships in basketball.