LJWorld.com

Thomas Robinson was sold on Kansas University after attending the Jayhawks' national championship ring ceremony Sept. 19 in Allen Fieldhouse.

"To meet all the pros who came back for that ceremony was big. I felt it was home for me, seeing all the special players there," Robinson, a 6-foot-8, 220-pound senior forward from Brewster Academy in Wolfeboro, N.H., said Friday morning.

He was referring to Jayhawks Jacque Vaughn, Nick Collison, Kirk Hinrich, Wayne Simien, Darnell Jackson, Mario Chalmers and Brandon Rush, as well as assistant coach Danny Manning, who all have NBA experience.

Robinson on Thursday night - several weeks after the ceremony - orally committed to play basketball at KU. He chose Bill Self's Jayhawks over runner-up Memphis, a school he visited Oct. 3-4.

"He was excited, happy, amazed what he saw there (at KU)," said Robinson's mother, Lisa, who lives in Washington, D.C. "I had him make the trip to Memphis to get a second opinion. He really felt he wanted to attend Kansas, so last night we said, 'For peace of mind, let's get it over with.' He's happy so I am happy."

Robinson, Rivals.com's No. 18-rated player nationally, said he liked what he saw at Memphis, but "I didn't have the sense of 'home' like I did (at KU)," he said. "The players do everything together. They have a strong bond. The relationship between players and coaches is very strong."

Robinson - he said he's followed KU closely since "Brandon Rush's sophomore year" - committed to Self Thursday night, then made his decision public after a good night's sleep.

"Coach Self was excited. He was happy to get it over with, too, and said, 'Just get started for the upcoming season,''' Robinson said.

Robinson played his junior season at Riverdale Baptist High in Upper Marlboro, Md., where he averaged 16 points, 13 rebounds and five blocks per game.

"I hope to bring energy and hard work on defense, rebounding," said Robinson, known as one of the best rebounders in the Class of 2009. "I work hard and do what it takes to win."

Brewster Academy coach Jason Smith said Robinson was an energetic player who reminded him of former Brewster players Jeff Adrien (UConn) and Emmanuel Negedu (Tennessee).

"It's because of his motor, energy and passion for the game," Smith said. "His strength is rebounding, but he also does other things. (His shooting range) is probably 10 to 15 feet. He does a lot of scoring around the basket. He understands what it means to play hard."

Robinson's major collect stock rose last summer when playing for Dwight Redd's Squash All Beef AAU team of Virginia. Several teams in the Big East as well as KU, Southern California and Texas took great notice as he dominated the summer circuit.

"Thomas is actually just beginning. He's growing up, more a man now," Lisa said of her son, who first started playing at age 5. "He's tough. He goes for every one (rebound)."

Robinson will sign his letter of intent during the early November signing period. Smith said his pupil would be taking standardized tests, which coupled with work his senior year at Brewster, should qualify him academically.

"I really want to go to Kansas. I'm relaxed now. It's like a truck has been lifted off my shoulders," Robinson said.

"I am proud of him," Lisa said. "That's the main thing. I'm very proud of my child."

KU has two scholarships to give in the Class of 2009. Self may award three or four because of the possibility of losing players early to the NBA.

Several top prospects will be attending next Friday's Late Night in the Phog on official visits, including shooting guards Xavier Henry, Dominic Cheek, Michael Snaer and Lance Stephenson and point guard Elijah Johnson. Center Daniel Orton, who visited KU on Sept. 19, will visit Kentucky this weekend.