Will Robinson (basketball)

William J. "Will" Robinson (June 3, 1911 – April 28, 2008) was an American college basketball coach and scout. Robinson became the first African-American head coach in Division I history when he accepted the position at Illinois State University in 1970. He scouted for the Detroit Pistons for 28 years, and worked 22 years for the Detroit Lions as a part-time scout. Robinson, who is a member of seven athletic halls of fame, was also the first black high school coach in Michigan, winning two state championships in basketball.

Robinson was born in Wadesboro, North Carolina, and attended Steubenville High School in Steubenville, Ohio, where he quarterbacked the football team and played on the golf team. Robinson led his football team to an undefeated, unscored upon season, and finished second in the state golf tournament despite not being allowed on the course with the white players. He was also the captain of both the golf and football teams and also played baseball and ran track, the only player in state history to letter in five sports. Robinson also lettered in four sports at West Virginia State University, graduating in 1937.

After graduating from West Virginia State Robinson was unable to find a job, and sought a master's degree. Because of racial segregation in West Virginia, Robinson was forced to attend graduate school at the University of Michigan, earning a master's in physical education. After finishing graduate school, Robinson still could not find a job, and returned to Steubenville, and later began coaching at a YMCA in nearby Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He also coached YMCA basketball in Chicago, winning several city championships.

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