LSU assistant Robinson takes over at Southern Utah

Southern Utah held a press conference on Thursday to announce the hiring of former LSU assistant Nick Robinson as their new head coach.

Robinson replaces Roger Reid, whose contract was not extended following the season (the school termed his departure as a “retirement”).

A 2005 graduate of Stanford, Robinson began his coaching career as director of basketball operations at his alma mater before becoming an assistant the following two seasons.

Robinson spent three seasons in Baton Rouge under Trent Johnson, going from executive assistant to the head coach to director of operations to assistant coach.

“I feel that my responsibility as the next head men’s basketball coach here is to help the young men that come through this program to develop intellectually, culturally, socially and on the basketball court as well,” Robinson pointed out. “That’s going to be our number-one responsibility, to make sure the guys that come through the program are students first, that they improve athletically, but they’re on track to graduate so they can move forward and have options, whether that’s in the business world, in education, or even playing at the next level.”

Johnson had some kind words for his former assistant coach and player, stating that the move is a great fit for both Robinson and Southern Utah.

The Thunderbirds went 14-17 (8-10 Summit League) last season, and have just one NCAA tournament appearance to their credit. In 2001 Southern Utah lost by three to Boston College, 68-65.

Southern Utah begins their first season as a member of the Big Sky on July 1, and with both Jackson Stevenett (14.1 ppg, 5.7 rpg) and Damon Heuir (10.8, 3.1) due to return Robinson will have some pieces to work with.

For those who may need a reminder of Robinson’s days as a player at Stanford, here’s a video that should look familiar (sorry, Arizona).

Raphielle is also the assistant editor at CollegeHoops.net and can be followed on Twitter at @raphiellej.

Photo Credit: Chris Parent/LSU Athletics