Rodgerick (RJ) Robinson, Jr. Becomes a Charger
Middleton High School (MHS) basketball Tiger Rodgerick (RJ) Robinson, Jr. officially became a Columbia State Community College Charger on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, when he signed to continue his basketball career at the college level.
Robinson was surrounded by his mother and father as other family members stood by and watched with excitement. Going to play at the college level is the culmination of a basketball journey that started when RJ was just six years old.
“RJ has always been humble and his personality good. He had talent at an early age, but he has grown over the years as far as in maturity of the game,” said his father, Rodgerick Robinson, Sr. who noted RJ comes from a generation of basketball players. “This opportunity will give him the chance to understand the college level of basketball and then maybe move onto a bigger level school.”
RJ admitted to being a bit nervous at the signing but is excited and looking forward to playing for Columbia State Community College.
“It feels good (being able to continue playing). I am looking forward to having a great season and carrying on from what I did in high school,” said RJ who shared how he feels when playing basketball. “It just brings me peace and I feel comfort when I am playing.”
RJ played basketball at Middleton Middle School and was recognized on the court receiving awards that included the 2018 All-Tournament Team, 2019 Hardeman County Boys MVP, 2019 Class A Boys All-Tournament Team, and the 2019 Tennessee All Star MVP.
When RJ came in as a freshman at Middleton High School, Coach James Burkley was already familiar with his skill on the court and noted the possibility of RJ’s future as a college basketball player.
“We felt like he had the opportunity to play at the college level. That is something we talked about when he came in as a freshman,” said Coach Burkley.
In high school, RJ went on to receive more awards that included 2020 District 14 A All-District Team, 2021 District 14 A All-District Team, 2021 District 14 A All-Tournament, 2022 District 14 A All-District, 2022 District 14 A All-Tournament, 2022 District 14 A MVP, 2022 Region 7 A All-Tournament, 2022 Region 7A MVP, 2022 Class A Mr. Basketball Finalist, 2022 1000th Point Club, 2023 District 14A All-District Team, 2023 District 14 A MVP, 2023 Region 7A Tournament MVP, 2023 2000th Point Club, 2023 Class A Boys State Tournament Team, 2023 Class A Mr. Basketball Winner, 2023 BCAT All-Stars Class A Boys Selection, and the 2023 Allen Iverson Classic Boys Tennessee Showcase Selection.
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He finished his high school basketball career with the following stats:
2023 Stats
21.2 points per game, 7.9 rebounds per game, 2.7 steals per game, 40 percent three-point average, 70 percent free throw percentage, and was a three-year starter
High School Career Stats
1941 points, 811 rebounds, 307 assists, and 192 steals
It is no surprise his high school years are completed with the opportunity to play basketball in college.
“He has grown a lot in basketball and character. He was attacking the rim more and talking more. I think he grew a lot in his eleventh and twelfth grade years,” said RJ’s mother, Sharonda Robinson. “I am excited to see him play in college. I think it is going to be a good thing.”
One of RJ’s biggest fans and supporters is his cousin, Kenyarria Luellen, who played under Coach Burkley for three years and graduated from MHS in 2019. She wants RJ to value the opportunity he will have at Columbia State Community College.
Picture courtesy of Sharonda Robinson.
“Some of the biggest ones start at a community college,” said Luellen who shared some encouraging words with RJ. “You got to press hard. Success is going to come to you, but you just got to be patient. If it doesn’t come fast enough, you better go get it. I am very happy for him.”
Coach Burkley shared his hopes for RJ as he heads to college.
“I want him to have the opportunity to experience college life. But also go there with the intention of graduating. I want him to be able to graduate from college and for him to be able to come back and say ‘Coach. I did it,” said Coach Burkley. “First experience the college atmosphere and second, make sure you get your degree if you are there, because that is why you are going. Also, have fun playing basketball.”
Coach Burkley has a reputation for not only building the skill and character of his players on the basketball court, but also teaching them the importance of good character off of the court and encouraging them to seek an education beyond high school. He shared a final message to RJ, which is the same to all of his players.
“If you fall down, get up. If you make mistakes, learn from them. Know I will always be there for you,” said Coach Burkley.
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