Breaking: A standout star in App State men’s basketball history will have his jersey retired by the program on February 22

A standout in App State men’s basketball history will have his jersey retired by the program on February 22, marking the first time an App State jersey will hang in the rafters, as announced by App State Athletics.

The retirement ceremony will be held during halftime of App State’s home game against Marshall, closing out a season-long celebration honoring this legendary player.

Expressing deep gratitude, he shared, “App State has been home since I was 17 years old…I’m humbled to be the first, and it’s a tremendous honor.”

A 1986 Hall of Fame inductee, he was a two-time all-SoCon second-team honoree and the 1979 SoCon Tournament MVP. Leading the team in scoring for three seasons, he guided App State to back-to-back SoCon titles and its first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance.

Drafted 78th overall by the Portland Trail Blazers, he holds the title of App State’s highest NBA draft pick. Director of Athletics Doug Gillin noted, “As a leader, champion, and…the highest NBA draft pick in program history, he laid a foundation for many Mountaineers.”

Arriving on a team with only three wins, he led an immediate turnaround, contributing to a 10-win improvement and eventually securing a SoCon Championship and a historic 7-0 season start in his senior year.

In the 1978-79 SoCon Tournament, he propelled App State to wins over VMI and Western Carolina, and scored 26 points in the championship game, securing App State’s first NCAA Tournament berth.

Former head coach Bobby Cremins praised his leadership, saying, “Darryl made me a lot better coach…I’m very proud to see this happen.”

The player amassed 1,631 career points (eighth-most in program history), played 111 games, and helped App State secure two consecutive conference championships, with a record 23-win season in 1978-79, surpassed only by four teams.

Current head coach Dustin Kerns reflected, “He led App State to its first NCAA Tournament and was drafted to the NBA…It’s an honor to be part of this moment.”

The honored player, Darryl Robinson, a Brooklyn native now living in Raleigh, is the father of Shawan Robinson, a former Clemson basketball player, and Joy Strong.