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Coach K Calling David Robinson's Son's Story 'Better Than Rudy' is Legitimately Embarrassing

By Scott Rogust

Coach K compared Justin Robinson to 'Rudy,' which isn't fair at all.
Coach K compared Justin Robinson to 'Rudy,' which isn't fair at all. / Grant Halverson/Getty Images

College athletics always provide plenty of motivational stories involving their student athletes. Perhaps the most interesting annual situation that always crops up involves a player earning a spot on the team as a walk-on.

That is exactly what Justin Robinson did back in 2016 at Duke, and nearly four years later, he finally had his breakout performance. While facing the rival UNC Tar Heels on Saturday, Robinson tallied 13 points, six rebounds, and three assists in Duke's 89-76 win. Very cool! But, also...something that happens all the time, and is all the more likely to happen if you're Hall of Famer David Robinson's son.

After the game, head coach Mike Krzyzewski spoke glowingly of Robinson, but made a rather ridiculous comment, by saying the senior's story is "better than Rudy."

As everyone knows, "Rudy" was a film based on Rudy Ruettiger, who walked on with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team back in 1975, a story which has caused many tough and rugged sports fans to shed a tear while watching the 1993 flick.

Rudy, famously, was not very athletic, and was allowed to reach the football field as mostly a charity case. He did not score many touchdowns in a phenomenal display; he just sort of existed.

This comparison might have worked for any other athlete, but not for the son of the former San Antonio Spurs star. Why's that? Genetics, of course! Considering he's the seed of "The Admiral," he's acquired some genes from his father that Rudy did not have access to. He's a legit baller who's been with the Duke basketball team for every practice for four seasons. He's not Sean Astin.

It's un-Rudy like.

This isn't downplaying the performance he had during Duke Senior Night in his first ever start. Robinson made the most of it, just before the start of the ACC Tournament, and has a ton of momentum entering the most important time of the season.

But to compare his story to "Rudy" just isn't accurate. This is his story, and his story alone. He's a talented basketball player who's performing at a high level. Why is "Rudy" even remotely relevant?