Around in Circles: Les Robinson: Life, Basketball, and the NCAA

Les Robinson grew up propitiously in St. Alnbans, West Virginia, where his father organized and hosted the best college basketball players in America to a summer tournament. The Charleston (WV) Sportsmens' Classic brought in players like Hot Rod Hundley, Oscar Robertson, Jerry Lucas, Tom Havlicek, Bobby Knight, Elgin Baylor, Bill Russell, and Jerry West. Robinson's career flourished as an Everett Caserecruit at N.C. State University. When Case became ill, Coach Press Maravich rose to head coach. Robinson became a coaching protege to Maravich, and a friend to his famous son, Pistol Pete. After college, Robinson rose to the ranks of college basketball eventually replacing Coach Jim Valvano at his alma mater, N.C. State. There, he coached against the best--Dean Smith, Mike Krzyzewski, and his best friend in thebusiness, Bobby Cremins. Robinson served as head coach and athletic director at three institutions--The Citadel, East Tennessee State, and N.C. State. He also served on the NCAA Selection Committee andthe NIT Selection Committee. His true stories inside the NCAA experience are both humorous and dynamic. The hundreds of well-known players and coaches included are sure to entertain even the casual fan.