Stacey Robinson

Stacey Robinson is an American former basketball player renowned for his exceptional high school career in Washington, D.C., during the 1970s. Widely regarded as one of the most dynamic and impactful guards of his era, Robinson earned national acclaim for his scoring prowess, leadership, and defensive tenacity. Although he did not pursue a collegiate or professional basketball career, his legacy remains influential in the history of D.C. basketball. ^[1]

Stacey Robinson was raised in the Peppermill Village neighborhood of Prince George's County, Maryland. He began his high school basketball career at Crossland High School, where he helped lead the team to the state championship final. For his senior year, he transferred to Dunbar High School in Washington, D.C., joining the city's top-ranked squad. Robinson’s explosive scoring and lockdown defense earned him All-Met honors and national recognition as a 1975 Parade magazine All-American.^[1]

Robinson attracted interest from over 400 college programs, though he ultimately did not pursue a college basketball career due to academic eligibility concerns and personal decisions.^[1]

Robinson developed a close relationship with legendary Boston Celtics coach Red Auerbach during his high school years. Auerbach, who was known for nurturing young talent in the Washington, D.C. area, took a special interest in Robinson’s development and potential. According to a 2002 profile in The Washington Post Magazine, Auerbach regularly offered Robinson personal encouragement and advice, often calling him directly to check in on his progress. Their connection was rooted not just in basketball talent, but in Auerbach’s belief that Robinson possessed the intelligence, physical ability, and composure needed to succeed at the professional level. While the mentorship did not translate into a formal basketball career, it affirmed Robinson’s reputation as one of the most promising young guards of his generation.^[1]

Though he did not play college basketball, Robinson was seen by some scouts as an NBA-level talent due to his speed, strength, and court awareness. His choice to forgo college, however, limited his path to the league.

• The Washington Post: A 2002 magazine feature titled “Famous Long Ago” reflected on Robinson’s outsized reputation in Washington, D.C., quoting Notre Dame coach Digger Phelps:

Digger Phelps, the legendary Notre Dame basketball coach, had said on the radio: “Stacey Robinson is the best guard in America.”

The article also recalled Robinson’s 17‑point performance in a nationally covered 1975 victory over Long Island Lutheran, where he outplayed future NCAA standouts Wayne McCoy and Reggie Carter. ^[1]

• The Washington Post: A 1991 feature titled “Heroes in High-Tops” profiled Washington’s basketball greats and reinforced Robinson’s standing as a local legend.^[2]

• The Washington Times: A 2024 article reported that Stacey Robinson was among those inducted into the Washington, D.C. Basketball Hall of Fame, alongside Thurl Bailey, James Brown, Adrian Branch, and Penny Toler.^[3]

• The Washington Post: A March 13, 1999 article titled “Dunbar Seeks Another Banner Season” referenced Robinson as Dunbar High School’s first All‑Met in 1975 and quoted a younger player who had recently spoken with him—highlighting Robinson’s lasting influence.^[4]

• The Washington Post: A 2001 feature titled “65 Years Later, a Place Called Dunbar” revisited the school’s academic and athletic tradition, noting that Robinson transferred there in the mid‑1970s and became its first All‑Met guard.^[5]

• The Daily Mail (Hagerstown, MD): A 1975 game recap in “Cartwright Unimpressive” reported that Stacey Robinson energized the crowd with a 13-point effort and, alongside James "Turk" Tillman, helped lead Dunbar’s dominance in the Capital Classic. The article emphasized Robinson’s standout showing against top national players, including future NBA center Bill Cartwright.^[6]

Although he never played college or professional basketball, Stacey Robinson remains one of the most revered figures in Washington, D.C. basketball history. His induction into the D.C. Basketball Hall of Fame in 2024 recognized not only his extraordinary talent but the enduring impact of his high school career. ^[7]

Robinson was hailed as a basketball prodigy by age 10, stirred controversy by 11, and faced intense recruiting pressure by the time he was 12.

Robinson’s dominance as a high school guard during the 1970s—first at Crossland High School and later at Dunbar—left an indelible mark on a golden era of D.C. basketball. In a region rich with talent, his name stood out for both his ability and the mystique that surrounded him. He was known for his relentless scoring, tenacious defense, and uncanny court vision, earning comparisons to future NBA stars while still a teenager.

Local media, coaches, and former players frequently cite Robinson’s story as both a legend and a lesson—a reminder of the power and vulnerability of precocious talent. Despite not advancing to the NCAA or professional ranks, his reputation only grew with time, fueled by playground lore, archival clips, and the reverence of those who witnessed him firsthand.

Even without a college or NBA résumé, Stacey Robinson’s name still carries weight in D.C. basketball circles—a legacy built on unforgettable performances and unparalleled respect from peers.

His connection to coaching legend Red Auerbach and attention from prominent figures like Digger Phelps further cemented his national visibility, even as his journey remained rooted in the D.C. streets and gyms. Generations of local players cite Robinson as an influence, and his name continues to resonate in discussions of the greatest high school guards to ever come out of the District.

After basketball, Robinson remained involved in his community, mentoring young players and speaking about the highs and lows of athletic fame. His story has been used to inspire youth to value education and personal growth alongside athletic success.^[1]