Before beginning his professional career, he gained national coverage for withdrawing from his commitment to attend Western Kentucky University to instead dedicate the entire 2017–18 season for training on his own, being the first player to make such a decision.

Robinson became the first Chalmette basketball player to be named a McDonald's All-American, and also played in the Jordan Brand Classic and the LHSBCA All-Star game.

[11] Robinson originally committed to play college basketball at Texas A&M, but then de-committed to follow coach Rick Stansbury to Western Kentucky.

[15] After speaking with head coach Rick Stansbury, he was granted a release to transfer,[16] and barring an unexpected decision by the NCAA, would have had to sit out the 2017–18 season.

[24] After struggling with an ankle injury during the preseason, Robinson made his professional debut on October 17, scoring two points in a 127–106 win against the Atlanta Hawks.

[25][26] Robinson made his first start on October 26, recording seven points and six rebounds in 29 minutes of action in a 128–100 loss to the Golden State Warriors.

[33] Robinson finished the season second in the NBA in blocked shots per game, only behind Myles Turner of the Indiana Pacers, and was named to the All-Rookie Second Team.

[44] Robinson was named to the preliminary roster of the United States national under-19 team in 2017, but did not make the final cut for the 12-man squad for the 2017 FIBA Under-19 Basketball World Cup.

[46] Robinson has been called by some analysts "the best shot blocker in his class", with uncommon closing speed and a long reach that led to numerous highlight-reel blocks.

He uses that speed also to run the fast break exceptionally well for a big man of his size, being called the "most entertaining player" in the New Orleans area for his ability to convert alley-oop dunks.

Robinson improved his free throw shooting over the course of his two years at Chalmette, and developed range from behind the three-point line, making as many as five in a game.