Catching Up with D-Rob

With the 2020 WNBA season set to tip this weekend at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., Oklahoma alum Danielle Robinson is preparing for her ninth season in the league and her first with the Las Vegas Aces.

Robinson and her team have been in the WNBA "bubble" since July 6 for training camp and are slated to open the season Sunday at 2 pm CT with the Chicago Sky in a rematch of last year's Playoff second round.

We caught up with "D-Rob" to learn more about offseason prep, the WNBA bubble (the "Wubble") and more.

How are you? How has your return to practice been?

I am doing well. Adjusting back to a basketball schedule but practice has been good overall.

What did you do to stay in shape during quarantine?

To stay in shape, I ran outside a ton and did a lot of HIIT workouts. Towards the end leading up to training camp I definitely got in the gym with my trainer in San Antonio before I had to head to Vegas for official workouts; but I wanted to cross-train a bit so that I wasn't worn down once practice started.

Did you pick up any new hobbies, tackle any projects or find new interests while you were staying home?

While I was home, I wouldn't say I picked up any new hobbies but I got a lot done around my house which is nice because I'm never really home in order to get things done.

This is your first season with the Las Vegas Aces. Can you tell us a little about what it's been like to join a new team and how you've bonded your new teammates during this different offseason?

It's been incredible to be a part of this Vegas group. I've been the new kid on the block before and I've learned it all about being yourself and that's what I've been doing. We have our group chat so throughout quarantine before a lot of got together in Vegas, we kept in touch and really grew as a team virtually. Since we have all been together now in person, our bond has grown even more so it's been a very natural transition.

How is the "Wubble"? What is it like being around your coaches and teammates maybe more than is typical during a normal season?

The "Wubble" is cool now. I had some lodging issues when I first arrived but all is well now. I've enjoyed seeing my coaches and teammates a little more than normal. I think it's just another way to connect rather than only on the court.
Robinson practice

What is your downtime like? Any fun Wubble activities or stories?

My downtime is usually spent in my room or by the pool. The pool is beautiful and that's usually where you can find me on an off day lol. Also, I'm going to be golfing 18 holes on Friday, so hopefully that's a fun adventure.

Regarding precautions in place due to COVID-19, what are some things that are different about your training from years past? What things the same?

As far as practice, we're free to play without masks, but our coaches and other staff wear masks all the time. The only time we don't have masks on is on the court so as soon as practice is over, masks are back on. Every team has a three hour time slot for practice and before the next round of teams come in, there is an hour where the gyms are thoroughly cleaned by the IMG staff. All balls are wiped down post practice and there are Clorox wipes EVERYWHERE!

Your teammates' WNBA experience ranges from one year to 10 years. What is that chemistry like with a mix of rookies and veterans?

The mix of vets and youth is very fun. Those young ones keep us moving like spring chickens. It's very weird to have them be like "oh you're a vet vet" — we are many laughs about that. On the other end, it's amazing to watch them play and tell them that they will have very long careers in this league.

The WNBA and players like yourself have been huge proponents of social justice and change in our country. How do you plan to continue that activism?

At this point in life, social justice is everything. It's a sad reality that the slogan "Black Lives Matter" even has to exist but the worst reality is the pushback. Most of the time I'm at a serious loss for words about the videos I see, the comments I read on certain posts. It makes me angry. It makes me cringe that the hate is so real. Throughout the season, I'll be wearing a jersey with Breonna Taylor on the back. I plan to keep posting and speaking up about the injustice. Our team is also planning a few things throughout the season but I absolutely won't be quiet.

What are you looking forward to the most this season?

This season I'm most looking forward the platform we have as athletes to speak about social justice and being on the court with my teammates. We have a really great group and I'm looking forward to seeing what we can do.

The 2020 WNBA Season is taking place in Bradenton, Florida at IMG Academy, and will include a 22-game schedule. Las Vegas will play those 22 games in the span of 49 days.

Robinson and the Aces open the season Sunday, July 26 at 2 p.m. CT with the Chicago Sky. The game will be televised on ABC.
Las Vegas Aces Media Day

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