What Are Mitchell Robinson’s Ethnicity and Religion? Everything to Know About Knicks Star’s Family Roots and Belief

The NBA is full of stories about players overcoming obstacles, but Mitchell Robinson’s journey is one of the most bizarre and unpredictable. A towering presence for the New York Knicks, Robinson has cemented himself as a defensive force in the league. But just a few years ago, his entire basketball future was in jeopardy.

From being an unknown prospect in high school to vanishing from a college program overnight, Robinson’s career has been anything but conventional. He took a path that no other drafted NBA player had before him—one that left scouts, analysts, and even his own coaches questioning if he would ever make it to the league. So, how did he get here? Let’s start from the beginning.

What nationality is Mitchell Robinson? Where is the Knicks star from?

Mitchell Robinson III is an American, and his journey through the basketball world has taken him across multiple states. Born and raised in Pensacola, Florida, Robinson wasn’t always a highly touted prospect. In fact, he didn’t even take basketball seriously until a sudden growth spurt transformed him from a regular kid to a towering 7-footer.

Before he became a dominant shot-blocker, Robinson was just another high schooler trying to find his way. He started at Pine Forest High School in Florida but transferred to Landry-Walker High School in New Orleans for his sophomore year—except he never played a single game there. For reasons unknown at the time, he returned to Pine Forest, where he remained an under-the-radar player.

That all changed during his junior year. Almost overnight, Robinson became a star. He led his team to their first state playoff win in 19 years and nearly took down the top-ranked team in the second round. With jaw-dropping stats—20.9 points, 13.6 rebounds, and 8.1 blocks per game—he suddenly found himself on the national radar. By the time he played in the McDonald’s All-American Game and Jordan Brand Classic, scouts were buzzing about his potential.

But while his high school success was just the beginning, the real drama was about to unfold.

Which college did Mitchell Robinson attend? When was he drafted in the NBA?

Robinson originally committed to Texas A&M, but in a shocking twist, he changed his mind and followed coach Rick Stansbury to Western Kentucky. The decision was unexpected, but Western Kentucky fans were ecstatic. They had just landed what many called the biggest recruit in school history.

Then, things got weird.

Robinson arrived on campus, took summer classes, and even practiced with the team. But just two weeks later, he disappeared. His dorm room was cleared out, and no one knew where he had gone. The team suspended him indefinitely, and rumors started swirling. Was he transferring? Was he in trouble? Would he ever play college basketball?

The answers came in waves. Robinson was granted a release from Western Kentucky, but instead of transferring, he made a stunning announcement—he was skipping college entirely to prepare for the NBA Draft on his own. It was an unprecedented move. No player had ever gone an entire year without playing for a college, pro, or G League team before entering the draft.

The decision was risky. Without college film or in-game competition, scouts weren’t sure what to make of him. Robinson was invited to the NBA Draft Combine but, in yet another surprise, withdrew from all events at the last minute. His stock plummeted. Once projected as a first-rounder, he was now considered a gamble.

Then, on June 21, 2018, the New York Knicks took a chance on him, selecting him 36th overall in the draft. He wasted no time proving himself, dominating the Summer League by setting records for blocked shots and offensive rebounds. Despite an ankle injury in the preseason, Robinson made his NBA debut on October 17, officially putting all doubts to rest.

But there was still one major question left unanswered—why had he never played for Team USA?

Has Mitchell Robinson played for the US national team?

In 2017, Robinson was invited to try out for the USA Under-19 national team, a major honor for young basketball stars. He arrived at the camp with all the physical tools—standing 7’0” with a 7’4” wingspan and an insane 9’3” standing reach. Scouts saw him as a future defensive anchor, a player who could help Team USA dominate the paint for years to come.

Then, just like in college, something unexpected happened.

Despite his raw talent, Robinson didn’t make the final cut for the 12-man roster. While Team USA was stacked with elite prospects, Robinson’s absence raised eyebrows. Was it a sign of inconsistency? A red flag about his commitment? Or just a case of bad timing?

To this day, Robinson has never represented Team USA in an international competition. But given his rise with the Knicks, it’s not out of the question that he could get another shot in the future. If he does, it’ll be another chapter in one of the most unpredictable careers in recent NBA history.

Mitchell Robinson’s story isn’t just about basketball—it’s about resilience, uncertainty, and defying expectations at every turn. From his mysterious college exit to his bold decision to skip the traditional path, he gambled on himself when most players wouldn’t dare. Now, as a key piece of the Knicks’ future, he’s proving that sometimes, the most unconventional routes lead to the biggest rewards.

And if there’s one thing we’ve learned about Mitchell Robinson, it’s this—expect the unexpected.