Craig Robinson, a Princeton University graduate from the Class of 1983 and executive director of the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC), has been chosen as the Baccalaureate speaker for Princeton’s Class of 2026. The event, an interfaith service marking one of the university’s oldest traditions, is scheduled for May 24.
Robinson was selected by the Trustee Committee on Honorary Degrees. The Baccalaureate service will begin three days of graduation events and focuses on the importance of service to seniors.
Robinson has served in several roles at Princeton, including Alumni Trustee from 2018 to 2022 and member of the President’s Advisory Council. He also co-chaired the steering committee for the 2019 “Thrive” conference, which brought more than 1,200 alumni and guests to campus.
With over three decades in basketball as a player, coach, commentator, and executive—as well as experience in finance—Robinson is recognized as one of Ivy League men’s basketball’s top players. He earned conference Player of the Year honors twice while playing for Princeton between 1979 and 1983.
In his invitation letter to Robinson, President Christopher L. Eisgruber wrote: “You have demonstrated how to live a life of service in a wide range of careers. Your commitment to supporting the growth and success of others will resonate with graduating students.”
Class President Minna Abdella commented on behalf of her peers: “We are inspired by his example of character. Throughout his career as a celebrated athlete, accomplished coach and distinguished leader in both higher education and the private sector, he has embodied Princeton’s informal motto, ‘In the Nation’s Service and the Service of Humanity.’ His commitment to mentorship and empowering others represents the very best of what we hope to carry with us beyond our time at Princeton.”
Robinson became executive director at NABC in 2020 after working with NBA teams such as the New York Knicks—where he was vice president for player development and G League operations—and Milwaukee Bucks. Earlier coaching positions include head coach roles at Oregon State University and Brown University; during his first year at Oregon State, he led them to their first postseason title.
His background also includes assistant coaching stints at Northwestern University, Illinois Institute of Technology, and University of Chicago Laboratory Schools’ high school team.
As an undergraduate at Princeton, Robinson helped lead his team to three Ivy League titles and two NCAA Tournament wins before earning a degree in sociology. He later played professional basketball overseas before completing an M.B.A. at University of Chicago Booth School of Business. In finance, he held positions with Continental Bank, Morgan Stanley, and Loop Capital Markets.
Additionally, Robinson has worked as an ESPN commentator and authored a memoir titled “A Game of Character: A Family Journey From Chicago’s Southside to the Ivy League and Beyond.” He currently co-hosts “IMO,” a podcast with his sister Michelle Obama—a fellow Princeton alumna from the Class of 1985.
