Geremy Robinson Jr. didn’t plan on leaving the islands, but the course has been set.
The 6-foot-2 guard will leave Moanalua and enroll at Oscar Smith High School in Chesapeake, this week.
The Tigers were the top seed in Virginia’s 6A state championships last season and reached the semifinal round. When the prep season ends, Robinson will play with Team Loaded, one of the state’s top AAU clubs. One way or another, the senior is going to maximize his chances of achieving the dream: a Division I scholarship.
“I leave on Tuesday. I’m going to graduate up there. If I’m not signed (during prep season), the coach is going to help me, but I’m predicting I’ll have a D-I offer,” Robinson said.
Robinson is a two-time Star-Advertiser boys basketball all-state selection by coaches and media. He was voted No. 6 in the Fab 15 last season after averaging 19 points and eight rebounds per game. Moanalua lost to Damien in the quarterfinals of the Division I state tournament.
There is interest from a handful of programs: Coastal Carolina, Wichita State, LMU, Jackson State and Cal State Fullerton.
“They want to see me in person. I was going to the elite camps for each of the schools (in the summer), but due to COVID, we couldn’t do that. I didn’t intentionally want to leave Moanalua, but schools can’t come here,” Robinson said. “It’s all love for Moanalua.”
“We wish him all the very best,” Moanalua Athletic Director Joel Kawachi said.
Robinson is part of a growing list of island student-athletes who have departed to the mainland to play their sport. Several football players went to Utah and Idaho for more exposure this fall, uncertain whether the postponed fall sports season in Hawaii will materialize in early 2021.
Another basketball player, Leiah Naeata of Kahuku, moved to Las Vegas in July to gain more exposure via club tournaments. The senior will play at Palo Verde High School.
There were other options for Robinson, who reached out to a prep school in Kansas. There is another prep school in Louisiana, his father’s home state. Going to Virginia to stay with an aunt was the best choice. So was being in the company of former Moanalua player Dexter Williams, who now plays professionally in Canada.
“I’m going to be around Kenyon (Giles) and his brother, Dexter Williams. They’re going to help me with the process. Dexter will mentor us,” Robinson said.
Giles is a junior at Oscar Smith.
“They started basketball already. The coach told me the schedule and said I would be the key thing they were missing last year,” Robinson said. “There are college coaches at the games. Once I get there, I’ll be practicing already.”
Through the pandemic, he stayed busy.
“I lifted and did plyometrics and calisthenics with Jon Davis. He’s a workout coach,” Robinson said. “I lifted at Rashod Tanner’s house.”
Tanner, a former Moanalua football standout, will play at UNLV next year, Robinson said.
He has also worked out with Allex Austin.
“His dad (Charles) actually made the Total Body Board. It’s resistance training. You get quicker. You jump higher,” Robinson said.
Charles set the Olympic high-jump record of 7 feet, 10 inches in 1996.
Robinson played as often as possible through the state’s two lockdowns.
“I’m playing five days a week. I get an hour of shots up, game speed, and then I play with the Chaminade and HPU guys, and some former pros. That’s basically what I did this whole summer,” he said.
He didn’t play alone. His dad, former Hawaii player Geremy Robinson Sr., is still active as ever at 43.
“He dunked on somebody the other day in a pickup game,” Robinson said.
Leaving home won’t be easy. His younger sister, Hasina (11), and younger brother, Massiah (7), won’t see their big brother for some time.
“My family understands. They’re sad and stuff, but they understand,” Robinson said. “My sister said she’s going to be sad about it. She understands, maybe not the recruiting, but she understands I’m leaving. They’re going to come to the airport. I’m not going to cry, no tears. My dad and my mom (Roselyn), I don’t know.”
Lockdown staples
Top 3 movies/shows
1. “The Last Dance.”
2. “Flash” (Netflix).
3. “Green Arrow” (Netflix).
Top 3 food/snack/drink
1. New York strip steak. “Salt, pepper, lemon pepper, garlic salt, Old Bay seasoning. I put oil first, then butter. You don’t want the pan too sticky. Two scoops of butter. Ten minutes on each. I like my steak well done. I just kind of learned on my own. I like to cook. Rice and veggies, and A-1 steak sauce.”
2. Protein shake, Premier (brand), chocolate. “I blend it with banana, strawberries and peanut butter.”
3. Li hing mui peach-o’s. “I’m going to make sure I have a lot with me. I eat a whole bag every two days. I’ll ask my parents to send it to me.”
Top 3 music artists
1. Lil Baby. “Lowdown.”
2. D’Aubray. “Witching Hour.” “He didn’t come out with the song yet. He’ll have it out on Halloween. He’s from L.A. He actually rooms with one of the HPU basketball players. He said he’s a mix of Juice WRLD, Lil Uzi Vert and Drake.”
3. Lil Durk. “When We Shoot.”
New life skill
Robinson: “I learned to cook better. Shrimp, oven-baked chicken — it’s more healthy than fried chicken and it’s faster.”
Shout outs
Robinson: “Definitely, shout out to my family for helping me through the process, making it happen for me. Coach (Michael) Johnson and the whole Moanalua staff, Mr. (Joel) Kawachi, and the colonel, (Coach) Michael Wingfield. And shout out, Dexter.”
I’m sad that you’re leaving Hawaii but I certainly understand. Stay dedicated always continue to play hard.
Wow, his dad is not going with him?! How will the Virginia coaches know that he is not getting enough shots, or that all offense needs to revolve around him? I don’t know if an umbilical cord that long.
Virginia 6A Basketball? Reality is going to be a hard slap in the face. No hiding. Talent, effort, game savvy (or lack thereof) come to the forefront.
Think “Division III” or “Junior College”.
good luck braddah !!! right move for you !!! you got the talent !!! work hard !!!
It’s always commendable when someone wants to test themselves against better competition. I totally give credit to that. BUT I’m scratching my head about this move because why would this player feel the need to go to the east cost of the continental U.S. when for the past 2 seasons, he’s publicly announced that he already had an OFFER from Wichita State? Not interest, an “offer”. Why not just play your last year in Hawaii if you have the safety net of a high-major “D1 offer”? Or is this move an issue of being too old to play his last year in the state?
At 6 feet, in Hawaii, you should be absolutely dominating your peers ala Derrick Low if you’re eyeing D1. Moanalua only recently had been able to capture an OIA title last season despite being one of the most stacked teams in the state.
But Virginia hoops is a different beast. That’s gonna be a good gauge for Robinson Jr to see 1) where he’s really at against legit hs competition and 2) what college level he should be really looking at if he wants a full ride. Their current pg is not getting beat out anytime soon and he’s a junior.
We have the schools listed. Perhaps some investigative reporting is in order? Or perhaps they are pure fantasy from the narrative of the carnival barker…hmmmm
Try Xanax, Uncle Frank and go back to playing with your GI Joe’s. Thanks.
Don’t need Xanax, haven’t played with GI Joe in years. Why don’t you live up to your screen name? Oh wait…you can’t…all fantasy…,just like the “offers”.
These comments are appalling. How sad attacking a kid who’s courageously moving forward to attain his life dream. This you man has worked very hard to attain a solid base as an athlete and a student. His comments are very confident. Confidence is the key in overcoming challenges. I support any young person with the confidence and courage to move forward in the times we’re living in. Geremy, stay strong, courageous and confident in attaining your goals.