Star Import's Successful Return

Tuesday, July 4, 2023

Hawks guard Justin Robinson played his first game since suffering a season-ending knee injury in Round 1 of last year.

Illawarra guard Justin Robinson has made it through his first appearance at the NBA Summer League unscathed, in what was his first competitive game since Round 1 of NBL23.

Playing for the Charlotte Hornets, Robinson recorded eight points, three rebounds, a steal and a block in 11 minutes of action.

The Virginia-born guard suffered a season-ending knee injury on his debut for the Illawarra Hawks last season, after notching 10 assists in just over three quarters of action.

He has since re-signed with the club for NBL24.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Justin Robinson - 8 PTS 3 REB 1 STL 1 BLK<br><br>Watch NBA Summer League on ESPN ? <a href="https://t.co/bHB6yyisYV">pic.twitter.com/bHB6yyisYV</a></p>— NBL (@NBL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBL/status/1676068459732668417?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 4, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Robinson’s performance in the Hornets’ loss to the Spurs saw NBL legend and Boomers assistant Matt Nielsen earn his first win as coach of the Spurs.

The San Antonio assistant is taking charge of the side for the California Classic, and was aided by guest coaches Adam Forde and Fleur McIntyre.

Julian Champagnie – who spent last season as a two-way player with the Spurs – top scored in the victory with 30 points, eight rebounds and four steals.