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Run it Back Robinson: 5 Back for Another 10

By Grant Mitchell | April 15
Jrob thunder
Justin Robinson rising up for a three (photo via OKC Thunder Wire).

The Oklahoma City Thunder signed former Virginia Tech guard Justin Robinson to a second 10-day contract Thursday afternoon after he impressed with his on-court play.

Robinson holds the Hokies' program record for most assists in a career (562) and game (13), and was picked up following exceptional performances for the Delaware Blue Coats, the G-League affiliate of the Philadelphia 76ers. The VT legend averaged 15.5 points and six assists and was a 40% three-point shooter in 13 games this season before being called up to the NBA.

Robinson has contributed in spurts off the bench since his arrival, prompted by the loss of starting guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to a foot injury. The 6'1 guard has averaged 3.5 points and 1.3 assists in 12 minutes of action and has highs of nine points and three assists thus far.

Theo Maledon and Luguentz Dort have formed the starting backcourt for OKC since Gilgeous-Alexander's injury, and both have performed well: Maledon has contributed an average of 14.2 points and 3.8 assists over his last 10 games while Dort went for a career-high 42 points against the Utah Jazz on Tuesday evening.

Funnily enough, Robinson's backcourt mate has primarily been former UVA guard Ty Jerome, uniting former rivals in the same jersey.

The Thunder are a young team committed to developing their youth, so if Robinson can put forth a few inspiring performances during his next 10-day stretch, there is a decent likelihood that the Thunder will retain his services beyond the expiration of this contract.

One thing is for sure: the Thunder are receiving a rapid increase in support from southwest Virginia.