Stanley Robinson Leaves UConn (Sort Of), but Will Return (Maybe)

Earlier this month, it looked like the enigmatic Stanley Robinson would be history at UConn. The once highly recruited and very athletic power forward was a puzzle to many. He had the physical tools to dominate almost every night, but often seemed more like a role player and unsure how to assert his talent. He was capable of dominating for a game or two and then disappearing for a week or so. Turns out, he was like that off the court as well.

"He does things that are very different and some of those things end up being very hurtful to him," Calhoun said. "And by different I mean whether it be missing classes or disappearing for two or three days at a time and going to Alabama. And he's a terrific, nice, nice kid.

"But he's got to get his life squared away. And this is the only way that we feel that we can get Stanley to start reacting. So he's got some responsibilities this summer. The next step would be the possibility of coming back this January, or next May and be back in summer school with two years' eligibility."

To that end, Robinson is back home in Alabama. While UConn and Coach Jim Calhoun aren't fully explaining what is happening, they are saying it's a mix of personal and academic reasons.

The sophomore is already the father of two children back in Birmingham, and is back there taking classes at a junior college to get his academics back in order.

In all of this, Robinson himself has been quiet. UConn is applying for a medical redshirt for Robinson. This, despite no apparent or reported physical injury.

Calhoun has also been adamant that Robinson wants to return to UConn at some point. Maybe after the fall semester, or maybe later. Whenever (or if) he returns, UConn wants to make it clear that all other schools should back off, saying that Robinson has asked to make it clear to other schools that he does not intend to transfer. Apparently several schools, including Alabama, South Alabama and Arkansas, have been sniffing around Robinson.

The whole thing has taken on a surreal quality. The talented yet enigmatic player is apparently dealing with issues back home. He seems homesick. Yet, he doesn't appear to want to transfer. He may or may not have serious academic issues. There are some issues back home. There have been no reported physical issues, yet UConn is seeking a medical redshirt.

And throughout the whole thing, there is nothing directly from Robinson. The lack of any comment from Robinson only makes it more speculative and curious.