BERNARD ROBINSON

Bobcats forward/guard Bernard Robinson knows how to make the most out of the chances given to him. Heading into Tuesday’s game against Orlando, Bobcats Head Coach Bernie Bickerstaff talked about “creating opportunity” for young players like Robinson down the stretch, and he has responded. In the last two games, Robinson is averaging 16.0 points, 13.5 rebounds and 4.5 assists in Charlotte’s starting lineup. His back-to-back double-doubles against the Magic (17 points, 13 rebounds) and in Cleveland (15 points, career-high 14 rebounds) on Wednesday, were just the second and third double-doubles of his two-year career. He’s turning his game on at the right time and showing Bickerstaff he deserves his latest opportunity.

We checked in with Robinson recently to get his take on things on and off the basketball court.

We understand you want to become a graphic designer when you’re done playing?
Yeah definitely, that’s what I want to get into. I’d love to get into the art and design field.

Would you be interested in designing any desktop wallpapers for the Bobcats website?
I’ll do anything to tell you the truth. I just love to draw and create things. What I’m looking to do is if Adidas or somebody is looking for a new look for their shoe, I want to be the guy they call upon to design it, things like that.

How did that passion start for you?
As a kid I was always into drawing and creating things, and designing shoes and clothes. I had a chance to minor in that at Michigan and enjoyed it. It’s a very demanding field -- it’s almost a 24-hour thing, so I couldn’t get into it like I wanted to. But I really enjoyed it, so it’s definitely something I’d look to do when I get done playing basketball.

How did you make the decision to go to Michigan?
I love Michigan. I’ve always been a Michigan fan, since I was a little kid. Of course I grew up looking at Chris Webber and the rest of the Fab Five. All they had to do was recruit me and I was sold.

How exciting were those years for you at Michigan?
It was very exciting for me; I enjoyed every last minute of it. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

How difficult was it for you when everything started coming out about the Fab Five era?
It wasn’t that difficult for me. I think that not being able to compete in the postseason was kind of tough, but at the same time you have to look at the fact that you’re still at Michigan. You’re getting one of the best educations while playing in one of the best conferences in college basketball, all while being coached by some of college basketball’s best coaches.

It’s no secret the Bobcats have built around National Champions -- your last year at Michigan you won the NIT. Does that qualify?
Yeah you could look at it like that -- I was a National Champion. Maybe not at the level I wanted it to be, but it is what it is. How many people do you know that can finish their college career with a win? You have to think about it like that.

How important was it to be a part of a championship run?
I got a chance to taste that when I was in high school and I got a chance to taste it again when I was in college. It’s definitely good to be on such a run. All the hoopla, the fans behind you, the crowd feeding you -- it was one of the best experiences of my life.

How much does that whet your appetite coming into the NBA?
This is about as big as you can get. To have the chance to be here is a treat, but being able to be involved in something like that is something that every person in this league should want to experience.

Growing up, did you always want to be a basketball player?
Always. I think I told my mom when I was like 10 or 11 years old that’s what I wanted to do. She believed me and stuck with me, so I appreciate her for doing that. She was able to get me into the right situations, and that allowed me to play even when she probably wanted me to be in the house.

At what point in time did you realize this dream could become a reality?
I was one of those guys who stayed at the Boys and Girls Club and built my confidence there playing against older kids. I guess I tricked my mind a little bit thinking I was better than what I was because I was able to play against them.

Was it tough for you to take on the older kids at such a young age?
It was very difficult. I mean there were a lot of times I left the gym with my head down saying I wasn’t as good as I thought I was. But I always wanted to come back in there and try the next day. I never gave up.

How difficult is life as a second round draft pick in the NBA?
It’s not difficult at all -- I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Not everyone gets drafted, so it’s an opportunity for me. It might not be as guaranteed as a first round pick, but who am I to complain? I’m in the NBA. I’m here with a bunch of good people in a great organization and getting a chance.

Did you have a welcome to the NBA moment last year?
It was our first preseason game and Brevin put all the rookies up front. He says “OK guys, you all are going to lead us out here.” So he put Emeka and I up front, and we brought it in, huddled it up, and then Brevin said, “Okay, lets get out there.” Emeka and I ran out there, looked behind us and we were the only ones out there. Everybody else was just standing there laughing at us in the tunnel. That was our welcome to the NBA moment right there.

You’ve been in the NBA for two years now, what advice would you give to next year’s incoming rookie class?
Just be ready for the mental aspect of the game and making sure they keep their head straight because you’re always going to hit that wall. It’s not going to feel like how you were in college. If you can get past the ego, you’ll be okay. Everyone can play in this league, but it’s about how you can adapt to your situation. If you’re able to adapt, you’re probably going to survive.