[Saba Sports News] Mitchell Robinson’s heartwarming gesture towards his high school basketball coach, Butch Stockton, gained attention during a recent New York Knicks game against the Detroit Pistons.
Robinson, now in his sixth season with the Knicks, has been hosting Stockton, his coach from Chalmette High School in Louisiana, since September. The arrangement began after Stockton’s wife passed away. Robinson, who visited Stockton’s wife in the hospital and grew close to the couple, invited Stockton to New York following the funeral, offering him a place to stay and recover.
Stockton, who was interviewed on MSG’s broadcast, recounted how Robinson insisted he move to New York, leaving Louisiana behind. He has been living with Robinson since then, enjoying a positive and supportive environment. In Thursday’s game, Robinson contributed 6 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal, including making both free throw attempts, an area he has been working on with Stockton. Stockton’s pride was evident when he celebrated Robinson’s free throws during the game.
After the game, Robinson confirmed that Stockton would be staying with him for the entire year, expressing gratitude for the significant role Stockton played in his life. Robinson, who made a direct jump to the NBA from high school, skipping college, has been averaging 6.2 points, 1.4 blocks, 1.4 steals, and a career-high 11.1 rebounds this season at the age of 25.