Jason “The Panamanian Panther” Robinson has played for both the SQ Warriors and Kings. He’s coached a team (No Fair Ones) to a championship in the half-court 38-and-over Championship Basketball League (CBL) at The Q, and he’s also this month’s featured interview…
SQN: In 2017, you were part of the SQ Warrior team that beat Bob “Big Money” Myers in his last game played here at The Q; what was your personal game plan against Myers in that game?
JR: Continuously hit his body. Now setting up on the box, make him feel me. Whether he scored or not, I wanted him to feel me.
SQN: Now you’re with the 40 and over SQ Kings. What’s the transition been like, as far as getting a little older as well as coaching styles between the two teams?
JR: Coaching… The team, it’s more discipline on the Kings and camaraderie with the Kings.
SQN: How would you describe sports as being a vehicle for rehabilitation? What’s the relation that connects these two?
JR: In order for you to rehab, you need to get to your authentic self. You use your talent and ability for a greater good; you need this to succeed in society. You don’t have to force yourself onto others. It gives you sense of belonging
SQN: What self-help groups are you involved with?
JR: Alternative to Violence Program, Criminals and Gangsters Anonymous, Criminal Thinking Anger Management, Guiding Rage Into Power (G.R.I.P), Critical Thinking, NA/AA, ARC Recovery, No More Tears and Project L.A.
SQN: Are you or have you taken any college courses here at The Q?
JR: Prison University Project and Business Management in Coastline.
SQN: Let’s say you get to speak to a room filled with junior high school students, 6th through 9th graders; what’s one sentence that you would really like to impress on their minds in relation to avoiding negative influences in their lives?
JR: The key to empowerment is Knowledge of Self and Love of Self; once you attain these two, no one can stop you.
SQN: Define the term ‘Role Model’ in relation to how you’re currently living your life from within these walls.
JR: I take advantage of every opportunity to pass on my knowledge through my personal experience. I have to listen as well pass my wisdom on to others.
SQN: Alright, you get the opportunity to pick your all time all-star NBA roster, starting 5, but, you can only pick White players… whose your starting 5?
JR: (Laughing) That’s a nice twist. Okay, I’m going… PG Larry Bird, SG Steve Nash, SF Dirk Nowitski, PF Bill Lambier, C Rik Smits.
SQN: I appreciate you taking time for this interview, peace.
JR: I want all the young guys at The Q to take advantage of the opportunity to be in an environment without violence and racial politics… and use this time wisely in order to go back home and be a benefit to those around you and not becoming another statistic.
