Avtodor Saratov has earned a reputation for unearthing highly-skilled playmakers. Courtney Fortson, Paul Stoll and Josh Adams all excelled in the Black-White uniform and now Justin Robinson is following in their footsteps. The American guard is 3rd in the League in assists (6.4 per game) and top 10 in efficiency rating (16.2 per game). But he’s only getting started.
Robinson’s signing during the offseason drew a mixed reaction. On the one hand, he played well in the NBA Summer League, going off in several games.
On the other hand, his age, lack of experience at the pro level and diminutive stature, even by European standards (174 cm) screamed that Avtodor’s coaching staff had made a mistake.
It took Robinson a few months to settle into the League. He dazzled in his first few outings, then hit an extended slump, averaging only 6.3 points per game in November while shooting 35.3% from the field.
The turning point for the American came with Avtodor’s decision to bring in a new head coach. Under Evgeny Pashutin, Robinson gradually established himself as the starting point guard, beating out fellow playmaker Branden Frazier, who’s seen more and more minutes at shooting guard in recent months to accommodate Robinson’s playmaking.
Now it’s difficult to imagine Avtodor without the unique skillset that Robinson provides. February was a triumphant month for the former Monmouth guard. His fireworks vs. Enisey put the League on notice: 30 points, 12 assists, four rebounds, three steals and an insane efficiency rating of 38 for a guard, leading Avtodor to a road win in unhospitable Krasnoyarsk. Saratov had also taken down 1st-place Lokomotiv earlier in the month, where Justin once again took control down the stretch.
Robinson’s secret to success lies in his ability to blend unselfish team basketball with one-on-one brilliance. Evgeny Pashutin has also learned to hide his deficiencies on defense. His ability to get buckets has never been in question as he breaks down opposing defenses in a multitude of ways.
Pick-and-rolls
The pick-and-roll remains the bread and butter of modern basketball. It’s also an area in which Robinson excels. His ability to execute the classic combination is what makes him so dangerous on offense. The American can score himself, but he’s even better setting up teammates for easy baskets. It’s difficult to figure out how to defend Robinson in the pick-and-roll.
When the defense decides to hang back in the paint, Robinson strikes with a mid-range jumper. If they decide to switch, he’s not afraid to drive on his bigger defender and has an uncanny ability to finish contested layups, even against elite big men like Frank Elegar.
In other scenarios, Robinson is always ready to pass the ball. He’s equally skilled at finding open teammates on the perimeter, hitting a cutter to the basket or feeding the big man in the paint.
When it comes to the big men, Robinson knows how to utilize their different strengths. With Artem Klimenko, he tries to feed him directly underneath the basket. With the more mobile Ian Hummer, Robinson tries to pass him the ball in motion.
Ability to run fast breaks
Running a fast break is one of the most important attributes for a point guard in Avtodor’s system. For years, Saratov has run a high-octane offense and Robinson fits in nicely. He rarely finishes fast breaks, but knows how to push the tempo with a well-placed pass. Luckily for him, he has plenty of finishers on his team that can finish the job.
Robinson is not afraid of contact
For young players, adapting to the more physical nature of the pro game can be the biggest challenge out of college. But Robinson has barely noticed. The 22-year-old is fearless driving the lane and initiating contact. He’s also shown a penchant for finishing tough shots in the lane to the dismay of opposing big men.
His shot
Justin’s modest height (174 cm) does limit him to a certain extent. He’s not quite as efficient on layup attempts as he could be. But his jumper remains a dangerous weapon. Yes, his three-point percentage won’t wow anyone, averaging 35.5% from beyond the arc (1.6 of 4.4 attempts per game).
But understand that he’s forced to take a lot of tough, contested 3’s during a typical game. He often shoots over much taller defenders after a screen or when the shot clock is winding down. He also has a quality mid-range shot, his preferred method for punishing opponents who hang back in the paint during a pick-and-roll.
Dribbling and unpredictability
Robinson’s dribbling and ability to control his body is quite impressive. The Avtodor guard can switch directions on a dime, making it difficult for the defense to read his next move.
Ability to close out games
Avtodor has won several nailbiters this season, helping the team avoid the scrum at the bottom of the standings and even put pressure on Khimki for 5th place. Robinson, not surprisingly, has had an outsized impact down the stretch of close games.
Yes, he’s young and lacks experience. But he’s fearless when the game is on the line, and has the potential to be elite in late-game situations. Avtodor’s most recent outings are proof.
Against VEF, Robinson played an active role in Saratov’s game-winning possession. After getting blocked on the perimeter, he quickly reacted and found an open teammate under the basket.
Against Loko, Robinson hit an important 3, before finding Sheleketo for a sensational game-winner.
Vs. Enisey, he did everything. Robinson was unstoppable, scoring 11 points down the stretch to give Avtodor the win.
Justin Robinson is this season’s biggest breakout player. There were a lot of question marks for the 22-year-old fresh out of the NCAA, particularly because of his size. But Avtodor and Robinson have proven the doubters wrong, with the American playmaker breaking stereotypes to become a battle-tested leader on the court and a major reason for Avtodor’s success this season.
