Robinson leaves his mark on the game with his ability to make shots from behind the arc. He uses his strong frame to bully his way into rebounds on the glass. Robinson plays with a chip on his shoulder whenever he steps onto the floor. He showed flashes of creating for others with his passing. Robinson did a good job defending applying excellent ball pressure and turning defense to offense. He would be a great pickup at the division two level or at the junior college level.

Riverdale walked away with two quality wins on Saturday against Mount St. Joseph and Lincoln Prep (CAN) respectively. Robinson’s offensive versatility, athleticism in the open floor, and willingness to defend multiple positions will all play key roles in the Crusaders’ success looking ahead this season. He proved his worth as a spot-up threat while others such as point guard Ean McLaughlin Ean McLaughlin 5'8" | PG Riverdale Baptist | 2026 State MD got into the paint for kick-outs or zipped skip passes his way in the corners. On breakaway opportunities, Robinson can explode above the rim and finish with authority, which also played a huge role in establishing early momentum in their win over MSJ. He’s a tough defender who can guard four positions with competency at the high school level and is always looking to jump the lane with his inside hand to create deflections for runouts.

Robinson made the move to Riverdale to finish out his high school career and it should end up benefitting him when all is said and done. At 6-foot-2, he brings a bigger presence thanks to his athletic pop, competitive motor, and plus length. He’s proven throughout his various stops in high school or with different grassroots programs that his slashing ability can translate within any system. Robinson’s production doesn’t depend on his time spent with the ball. He’s a good off-ball mover who makes timely backdoor or baseline cuts and gets involved with his mindset of crashing the offensive boards for second-chance points. His physical makeup also equates to an effective, versatile defensive option at the high school level and should bode well at his new home.

-One of the more dynamic drivers in the area, it was more of the same from the rising senior. Robinson puts constant pressure on the rim but also rebounds it very well for his size at both ends of the floor. Really loved his defensive intensity from start to finish in this one as he guarded 1-5 at a high level, recovering well to block shots around the basket and on the perimeter to preserve leads for his team. If that defensive intensity doesn’t falter and he can show that he can hit shots with some consistency (hit at least four 3s in 5 on 5 play)– I expect that he can play his way into a scholarship this season.

DJ exerts maximum effort on the ball defensively, which is nice to see from such a good scorer. Derrick never takes a play off defensively and that was shown over both the summer and the regular season preceding AAU. Derrick flies around the perimeter and chases down the ball-handler if he gets beat. Always in tune and disciplined, does a great job of cutting off the drive and stopping up the ball-handler. Doesn’t gamble much on the ball and moves his feet to defend.

DJ has shown to be a consistent performer for Ryken each game out. This game vs Episcopal was another example of Derrick’s improving scoring ability. He stepped out and knocked down two 3-pointers and his outside shooting touch looked like it improved significantly. He hit a number of jumpshots in a variety of ways; pulling up in transition, turnaround shots, and a couple in the halfcourt off the dribble. Always active on the glass, pulled down 5 in the first quarter alone. Came away with a few steals and finished on the other end a couple times. Can’t watch a Ryken game without being impressed with Derrick’s output by game’s end.

22p 5r 4s 1a 1b vs Eleanor Roosevelt

-Always come away impressed by how hard Robinson plays as a physical, slashing guard that imposes his will on his opponent. The athleticism and motor make him a pretty tough POA defender that can guard 1-3 on the defensive end while bodying his way to the rim at the other end. Touch has improved with a variety of finishing moves around the basket but I want to see him take and make some of these perimeter shots or elbow jumpers that he’s passing up to get to the rim.

-Robinson’s intensity made an impact for his team all throughout the 3 on 3 and 5 on 5 games, harnessing his athleticism to jump passing lanes, block shots, finish above the rim in transition, and force turnovers on the ball at the defensive end of the floor. The skill level has improved as a scorer in the paint that can back down his matchup and hit faders, bully his matchup to the rim, or as a driver that attacks his opponent’s outside shoulder to get to his spots. Having the IQ and leg stamina to shadow his matchup’s crossovers on the perimeter, keep them sideline, and force dribble pick-ups or collect deflections disrupted his matchup’s offensive flow throughout the day.

Derrick Robinson is one of my favorite players to watch. He is a terrific passer, especially for a guy who plays more of the two-guard position. He does well as a slasher, but again, he does his best work making plays for others. I also love that Derrick is committed and strong on the defensive end.