Tallahassee star stays in state

Tallahassee Community College men's basketball standout Hugh Robertson signed a national letter of intent with the University of South Florida on Wednesday, the first day of the NCAA's spring signing period.

The Bulls compete in the 16-member Big East Conference, where they finished the 2009-10 season with a 9-9 record. South Florida finished 20-13 overall and earned an invitation to the postseason NIT.

Widely considered by many coaches as the Eagles' best all-around player, Robertson, a 6-foot-5, 195-pound shooting guard from Macon, Ga., did his part to live up to those expectations during TCC's 25-6 season in 2009-10. He averaged 11.6 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.1 assists to earn a first-team all-Panhandle Conference nod by league coaches and second-team honors by league media.

He also earned a spot on the FCCAA All-Tournament Team, helping lead the Eagles to a berth in the FCCAA Championship Game.

Robertson was the only player on TCC's roster to start all 59 games over the last two seasons.

"He's just one of those naturally athletic guys who can influence a game with his athleticism," said TCC head coach Eddie Barnes. "We talk about freak athletes, and he's right there. He doesn't know how high he can go or how fast he can go.

"I think he (Robertson) is ready to turn the corner. He brings a pretty good package as a player."

Robertson's 2009-10 season followed a freshman campaign that saw him earn honorable mention all-PC honors after averaging 12.0 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.9 assists.

Robertson is the third member of TCC's 2009-10 squad to sign with a "BCS school," joining Bernard James (Florida State University) and Marvell Waithe (University of Arkansas).