Junior Russell Robinson Earns Mr. Jayhawk Award at Kansas Men's Basketball Banquet
April 10, 2007
<?xml:namespace prefix=”st1″ ns=”urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags”?>LAWRENCE, Kan. – In a night dedicated to team accolades, Kansas junior guard Russell Robinson was given the Danny Manning “Mr. Jayhawk” Award selected by his teammates at the annual KU men’s basketball banquet here Tuesday.<?xml:namespace prefix=”o” ns=”urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office”?>
A capacity crowd of more than 600 at a Holidome ballroom applauded every player and video highlight throughout the evening honoring a 33-5 season in which the Jayhawks won the Big 12 regular and postseason championships and advanced to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament. From victories against national champion Florida to milestone accomplishments such as Kansas’ 50th men’s conference regular-season title and the school’s 1,900th all-time win, the event brought back instant memories of an outstanding 2006-07 campaign.
Kansas head coach Bill Self did revert to previous traditional awards honored at the postseason banquet, yet had multiple winners for each honor. To show the team effort, Self had the team surround a framed collage of photos and headlines approximately 3×5 feet highlighting the 2006-07 season. Each player will receive a replica of the collage.
A Bob Cousy Award finalist, Robinson received the only honor handed out at the banquet. The New York, N.Y., native led Kansas with 161 assists and was second on the team with 73 steals. His 7.2 scoring average was sixth best on the squad, epitomizing the team theme of the evening.
