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Western Kentucky released Mitchell Robinson, so now what?

By Chris Stone

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - April 14: Mitchell Robinson #24 W. Kentucky dunks during the Jordan Brand Classic, National Boys Team All-Star basketball game at The Barclays Center on April 14, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - April 14: Mitchell Robinson #24 W. Kentucky dunks during the Jordan Brand Classic, National Boys Team All-Star basketball game at The Barclays Center on April 14, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images) /
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Mitchell Robinson has been released from his scholarship at Western Kentucky

The relationship between the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers and 5-star recruit Mitchell Robinson has come to an end after the school granted him his release late on Wednesday.

“WKU freshman center Mitchell Robinson has been granted his release to transfer from the Hilltopper program,” head coach Rick Stansbury said in a statement. “After discussing Mitchell’s future with him Monday evening, we agreed that it would be best for both sides to allow him to move in a different direction. As I’ve said before, Mitchell is a great kid, and we wish him well going forward.”

Robinson’s release comes just days removed from an indefinite suspension that was handed down by Stansbury after the 7-footer surreptitiously abandoned his dorm room last week following his attendance at summer workouts.

The questions will now shift to what’s next for the top 10 prospect and potential 2018 lottery pick. He could choose to transfer to another school, but because he attended summer classes at Western Kentucky, he would need a waiver from the NCAA to play this season. Otherwise, he’ll be required to sit out before becoming eligible for the 2018-19 season.

Robinson is from Chalmette, LA, so expect the LSU Tigers and new head coach Will Wade to be in the mix for his services. The Tigers were pegged as the slight favorites to land him when he originally committed last June, according to the 247Sports Crystal Ball. Stansbury has reportedly blocked the freshman from other Conference USA schools.

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The 5-star prospect will have plenty of other options as well. If he does not receive a waiver from the NCAA, he could play junior college basketball this year before entering the draft or he could go overseas like former high schools Brandon Jennings, Emmanuel Mudiay and Terrance Ferguson. ESPN’s Jeff Goodman reports that scenario is a viable out for Robinson should he not receive a waiver.

The 19-year old finally has his release from Western Kentucky, but that’s just the first step in figuring out where — or if — he’ll play next season.