"This team can be special if given time"

Every great new project starts with a good point guard and Justin Robinson (Manassas, Virginia) is the player with the most experience and prestige that Barça has signed in this position. He knows the ACB from his time in Breogán and comes from Paris Basketball, a pioneering team in the style of play that the Barça club intends to implement at this stage. Robinson, 28, is grateful for the trust and willing to take advantage of the opportunity.

First days in Barcelona, ​​how is everything going? Are you happy with your decision to come here?

Yes, I am very excited, I feel blessed. I can’t complain. Obviously, the city of Barcelona is beautiful, being in a wonderful organization like this… and the type of players that have signed around me is a joy for me so far. I’m excited for what’s coming.

What can you tell me about the group of players? What is the difference of this group compared to your previous experiences?

Well, there are definitely a lot of new guys. Many who have no experience in the Euroleague, or some who have not even been to Europe in general. So I try to show them how things work or make them feel at home, since I’ve been playing abroad for a couple of years. And it’s great. Those who were already there have been very welcoming to everyone, including me. Feeling that love and atmosphere, and seeing that the organization is so focused on objectives, is going to be great for us.

Have you ever been on a team with so many new players in your professional career?

No, I think never that many, especially without prior experience in Europe or at that specific level. But I think we will adapt quickly. Obviously there will be difficulties at first, it won’t be perfect right away, but we’ll figure it out.

Do you think fans will have the patience to wait for results, as all the pieces have to fit together?

I really hope so. I think this group can be special if given time. We are going to be very energetic, athletic, we will run a lot, we will share the ball and we will show that love for each other. Like I said, it won’t be perfect right away, but I think we have a chance to be very good at the end of the year.

What can we expect from the team at the start of the season?

There will be some mistakes, but also very positive signs. There will be victories and defeats, as always. But I think the idea of ​​changing the pace of the game, running up and down, being a faster team than they have been in previous years… I think that is the style of the players they have signed. Being the “head of the snake” in that sense and coming to build on a project like this is a blessing for me, I am very grateful.

How does Justin Robinson fit into this project? What will your role be?

I’m the type of player that does “whatever it takes.” Obviously, I see myself as a leader; I have established it from the beginning, but without trying to step on anyone, simply saying what I think is needed. About the style of play… I have some experience with it; It’s not exactly like Paris, but it’s about speeding up the game and doing similar things. Having that experience will help me guide the way and help with whatever is needed.

Any colleague who has impressed you the most in these few days?

It’s difficult, because some have just arrived from their national teams. I’m still trying to get to know everyone. Obviously, I already knew that KP (Kevin Punter) was very good from playing against him last year and watching his videos. But everyone is trying to find their place, so I wouldn’t say that anyone has stood out individually yet, but the united group has certainly impressed me.

How important will group chemistry be to obtain results?

It’s going to be very important. Especially because of how tough the ACB is, in addition to the Euroleague. The Euroleague is very good and with a lot of talent, but the ACB is on par. That’s what I try to tell those who haven’t been here: to see everything as one league, that will help you a lot. Playing a Euroleague doubleheader and then facing a tough ACB team is going to be very difficult. But at the same time, it will be good for us. We are young, we have fresh legs, and that is why they have signed us.

What difference is there between the current Justin Robinson and the one who arrived at Breogán a few years ago?

That was my first experience in Europe. I was thrown into the fire in the ACB with a team that was fighting not to be relegated… I started to get the hang of it in the last few games. I will always be grateful to Breogán, Lugo and the city. They still show me love to this day, so I’m excited to go back there and feel that welcome. But now I am mature mentally and physically, and the game has “slowed down” for me, meaning I read it better. I understand everything. There will always be doubts about Justin Robinson, but I have proven to myself who I am, and that is what I want to continue to show.

He also had experience in Australia. How was it? He suffered a serious knee injury, didn’t he?…

Yes, it opened my eyes. Coming from the NBA, my goal was to come back quickly, and then I got injured. When I returned to Australia to rehab my knee, there were unrealistic expectations. I put a lot of pressure on myself instead of being myself and enjoying myself. That took a toll on me mentally, but it helped me mature. After Breogán and playing very well in Italy, that served as a springboard for me to go to Paris. I had a great season last year and now I’m just trying to keep growing.

What did it mean to play for Paris? One of the best teams, with that style…

Yeah, it was definitely something to adjust to with that “run and shoot” style. And coming after TJ Shorts was… I wouldn’t say pressure, but there were expectations. I’m very proud of how I handled it. Now, coming to such a big club, there will always be doubts. Some will think I’m not right for the job, whatever it is. But I’m here to prove things to myself, not to anyone else.

And why did you choose Barcelona? Did you have other options?

Yes, the Euroleague market was moving a lot for me. There were several options, but I felt this was the right situation. When I signed, we were in the process of getting a new coach, but I just had faith. What they told me on the phone was great. I thought I could contribute a lot by starting and leading this project. That someone has faith in me and gives me “the keys” to the team is something that I will never be able to give back to them. When they trust me like that, I go through a wall if necessary; I will do whatever it takes to win. That’s what I’ve come for.

Do you remember the match you won in Barcelona with Paris? He played wonderfully.

Yes of course. When we played here, they had a lot of injured players, so they weren’t at their highest level. But it was a big win for us at that point in the season. I think I played pretty well. But I stick with the idea of ​​being myself, having fun and not letting small mistakes frustrate me. When I got the call to come here, I talked a little bit with Mario (Bruno Fernández)… he always told me that he was keeping track of me and that it was the right time for this to happen.

I read that he was Justin Anderson’s high school classmate. Have you spoken with him about Barcelona?

Yes, it is very curious. He just got married and I went to his wedding in the Dominican Republic. That’s where I got to talk to Kevin Punter, because he was there too. Justin has been like a big brother to me since I was 13 years old. In fact, he is the reason I went to Breogán after Australia, because he played there before leaving for another team. He told me he loved it here. He’s been sending me recommendations and, well, helping create that relationship between Kevin (Punter) and I over the summer was key to making me feel comfortable. Justin has been a trailblazer in my decision to come here.