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Kansas basketball: 5 most underrated players in Kansas Jayhawks history

By Mike Phillips

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - MARCH 20: Guard Keith Langford #5 of the Kansas Jayhawks moves the ball past Cardell Butler #15 of the Utah State Aggies during the first round of the NCAA Tournament at the Ford Center March 20, 2003, in Oklahoma City, OK. The Jayhawks defeated the Aggies 64-61. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - MARCH 20: Guard Keith Langford #5 of the Kansas Jayhawks moves the ball past Cardell Butler #15 of the Utah State Aggies during the first round of the NCAA Tournament at the Ford Center March 20, 2003, in Oklahoma City, OK. The Jayhawks defeated the Aggies 64-61. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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Kansas basketball underrated players
(Photo by G. N. Lowrance/Getty Images) /

1. Russell Robinson, G, (2005-2008)

Die-hard Kansas basketball fans will often speak to some of their favorite hustle players. One guy who always comes up in those conversations is Russell Robinson.

A top recruit out of New York’s Rice High School, Robinson came to Kansas and made an immediate impact on the defensive end of the floor. Robinson was named to the Big 12’s All-Defensive team as a sophomore in 2006, a credit to how much effort he put into that aspect of his game.

The Jayhawks never asked Robinson to be a scoring threat, giving that role to other stars who went on to become future lottery picks. Robinson’s main responsibility was as a glue guy and leader, a role he thrived in throughout his career.

The highlight of Robinson’s time with Kansas basketball was in his senior year when he started all 40 games for the national champions. Robinson’s hustle, grit and determination set the tone for Kansas, which outworked everyone they faced to win it all.

After his Kansas basketball career ended Robinson found steady work overseas, carving out a strong career that included several more championships. Robinson is a true winning player but doesn’t get enough credit among casual fans due to his lack of counting stats, making him the most underrated player in Kansas history.

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