15 Feet. It’s often the difference in a tightly contested ballgame. Coaches watch endless hours of film, analyzing their team, while players study offensive sets, rise up early for weightlifting, take thousands of shots and often all their hard work comes down to a specific shot … a Free Throw.
Although two Hamiltonians in Josh Andrews (holds HHS record for highest free throw percentage), and Ryan Robinson, (through 16 games is 88% from the charity stripe), often make free throws look easy …it’s certainly not free. “I just spent a lot of time to try and perfect the craft, and I would shoot free throws when I was really tired… and I wanted to be able to close games”. Andrews states. While Robinson adds “It’s definitely a mental thing, its about routine, and relaxing and telling yourself it’s going in”.
The charity stripe, and Hamilton isn’t the only common ground the two share. The two traded in the blue for purple. “It’s Taylor purple, definitely not Middie purple”. Robinson claimed about the Taylor Trojan’s school colors.
Taylor Made
Upland Indiana, home of Taylor University was a place of familiarity for Andrews. Upon graduation, the smooth shooting guard decided to attend Miami University, and forgo playing college hoops. That quickly changed after a month in Oxford. “I knew I really wanted to play, and I was committed to coaching, It had always been in the back of my mind, but it never was more alive in my spirit to pursue that” , Andrews proclaimed. Ultimately, Josh left Oxford, and headed for Upland to play for Coach Patterson, and Taylor University.
Upon arrival, Andrews loved the school but realized his talents might fit better elsewhere. Upon transferring, something stuck with Andrews. “Taylor was the greatest growth time in my life… I don’t think theirs been a time in my 35 years where I’ve grown up more.” After finishing his college career at Union (Ky.) College, Andrews started the profession he envisioned while studying in Oxford. Coaching. After an incredible successful high school run, “the lord opened the door” Andrews expressed, at the opportunity to coach collegiately at Taylor University.
Hometown Roots
Josh Andrews is a winner, so it’s no surprise the Trojan program is rising. In order to maintain consistency at the collegiate level, recruiting great players is a major factor. Enter Ryan Robinson. The 5’11 Senior Guard was waiting for an opportunity, and as Robinson would put it “Recruiting wasn’t really big for me… it picked up pretty late”.
Then Taylor, and a familiar face came calling. Andrews agreed “He was late in the game, and things fell into place, and we wanted another dynamic guard”, and Robinson fit the need. Andrews admits having a connection helped, but ultimately it was Ryan’s ability that sealed the deal. “Ryan’s mother was my English teacher my junior year, and when she makes the games, I tell her it’s nice to have my favorite high school teacher in the gym” Andrews joked. Having you’re favorite teacher in the gym is nice, but when she also happens to be the mother of a leading scorer it’s certainly sweeter.
Making An Impact
Ryan Robinson has shown vast improvement, and continues to excel. “He’s made as great a leap as any guy we have ever coached at Taylor, in terms of working at his craft, and helping our team get better” Andrews expressed.
Although filling up the basket is a passion for Ryan, winning seems to be more of a concern. “I’d love to make the tournament every year, and help build a winning culture here at Taylor” Robinson explained, when asked about his goals. Andrews, wants Robinson to continue as a leader.“ Were really proud of how he has developed as a man, and as a player, and the beauty of it is, he still has time to still get better, and grow in both areas” Andrews added.
Big Blue Passion
As both Andrews, and Robinson continue their careers, one thing is certain. Their passion for hoops started in Hamilton. Ryan’s father Tim Robinson was a great player, and was head coach for the Big Blue from 2008-2014, leaving Ryan dreaming about playing at Hamilton High.
Andrews revered his dad also. “The love of basketball came from my dad, he just loved to play, and compete, and he was a Hamilton guy” Andrews expressed. Passion is evident in both, but Andrews persisted to praise Robinson before leaving “ He’s a special kid, and the little dude is a passionate, passionate kid… and I am really drawn to that.”
“If you come from Hamilton, you have a little edge about you, toughness, and It’s cool to have that on the floor, and sideline”. Robinson said.
Hamilton’s passion runs deep, and hopefully it makes quite a run for the Trojans in March.