Mitchell Robinson Pens Emotional Tribute to Mentor Ahead of ECF vs Pacers

Knicks star Mitchell Robinson has been winning hearts of many basketball fans after his latest heartfelt post on Instagram.

Mitchell Robinson Pens Emotional Tribute to Mentor Ahead of ECF vs Pacers

Mitchell Robinson

New York Knicks big man Mitchell Robinson is playing with his heart and soul going into the ECF Finals against the Indiana Pacers. The big man sent a heartfelt message, which had Knicks supporters passionate as the team gets ready for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals versus the Pacers. He wrote a simple, genuine ode to the woman who raised him, showcasing love towards her.

For many, it’s just a game against their arch rivals, but for Robinson, it’s much more. Robinson shared a touching message in honor of Dawn Stockton, the late wife of his high school coach Butch Stockton, ahead of the Knicks vs. Pacers game. Mitchell surely won hearts over with his gesture.

As we making history in this playoffs push. not a day goes by when I don’t think about you. I know you up there watching me on the big stage defending the city of NEW YORK like you told me in high school “give em hell 🤠”. Mama thank you for everything, watching over me, getting me healthy to pursue this dream I’ve been chasing my whole life. I love and miss you 💕

Mitchell Robinson wrote on Instagram

She battled cancer till her death in September 2023. She was more than simply a coach’s wife, though, to Robinson. “Mama” was her name. A second mom. A rock. Per reports, Robinson was a quiet child in a Louisiana high school. But his dreams were lofty. He became an athlete with Butch’s help. He became a man because of Dawn.

She backed him in the sport and helped him in many ways, as much as she could. Robinson remembers all of this. He never broke any contact with the family, even after he became a professional basketball player.

When he was selected by New York in the 2018 draft, that desire continued. It expanded. Robinson also made sure Dawn wasn’t left to deal with her illness alone. He frequently paid her visits, stood next to Butch during the funeral, and supported the family in the same manner that they had supported him.

Mitchell Robinson and Butch Stockton share a ‘family-like’ bond

Mitchell Robinson is one of the few players that has been with the Knicks since the very start of his pro basketball career. He was drafted by the Knicks in 2018 and is still an important member of the roster. However, all this would not be possible with the immense guidance of his high-school coach Butch Stockton and his late wife, Dawn Stockton.

After Dawn’s passing, Mitchell was present besides Butch, showcasing how important his bond is with the Stockton family. In addition, during, Dawn’s funeral, Butch also made his feelings clear on Mitchell’s presence in and around his family.

I asked Mitch to stay with us. He stayed there like family; he was right there by me.

Butch Stockton said

In his last minutes alone with Dawn, Mitchell Robinson stood beside Stockton. Robinson was walking down the funeral home aisle with his arm wrapped around his high school coach, Stockton. Robinson sat next to Stockton on the first pew during the service. Mitchell further went on to state, “Anything you need, I want you to know I’m here for you.”

Butch Stockton once opened up on how he became roommates with Mitchell Robinson

Mitchell Robinson, a center with the Knicks, had a unique relationship with William “Butch” Stockton, his high school basketball coach. While attending a Knicks vs. Pistons game back in 2023, Stockton recounted how the unusual pair ended up sharing a room this NBA season. This was after Stockton’s wife passed away due to cancer(as mentioned above).

Butch Stockton said, “He said ‘Coach, no reason to stay down here in Louisiana. Come to New York with me and enjoy yourself and get your mind back straight because you know how much you loved your wife.’”

It’s safe to say that Stockton agreed to Mitchell’s proposal and moved in with the Knicks star at that time. Stockton’s story touched basketball fans all around the world. A bond like this is often unique and often touches the NBA community’s hearts. Mitchell and the Stockton family’s story is just one of many in the world of basketball.

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