The first of the big pieces in the Hawaii men's basketball recruiting puzzle is officially in.Michael Robinson's letter of intent was received by the UH athletic department yesterday. The 6- foot-8 Robinson, a conference all-star at Lassen (Calif.) College this past season, had verbally committed to the Rainbows last week.
"He's a strong 3-man (small forward) who likes to board," said Hawaii coach Riley Wallace. "We expect him to give us some immediate help inside."
As a sophomore, Robinson averaged 15.1 points and 11.3 rebounds for the Cougars this past season. Athlon college basketball magazine had Robinson as the No. 8 small forward in the country in its preseason rankings.
Robinson had been recruited by New Orleans and Michigan State, among others.
Wallace is waiting on the paperwork of former Kahuku High player Kawika Akina, a 5-9 guard who played the past two years at Dixie College in Utah. Akina, whose father Hiram and brother Alan both played at Brigham Young-Hawaii, committed verbally last week.
The Rainbows are in the running for all-conference shooting guard Anthony Carter from Saddleback College, the leading scorer among all California junior college players last season.
The 6-1 Carter, who averaged 28 points for the Gauchos, has narrowed his choices to Hawaii and San Francisco, and is expected to visit the Manoa campus within the next 10 days.
"He's the best player I've ever had," said Brummel, whose team finished 27-6 this past season. "He can play point and off-guard, passes as well as scores."
The Rainbows signed 6-10 Kelvin Anderson of McCook (Neb.) College during the early signing period last November.
Hawaii needs to replace three seniors - forward Justice Sueing and guards Whitlock and Anthony Harris. The Rainbows have also lost freshman guard Sam Smith to academics.