Titan Memories: Frank “Big Bank” Robinson

4/15/2026 9:00:00 AM | By: Kirk San Roman

I'm sure that you've heard the expression, "The straw that stirs the drink." That apt description personifies Frank Robinson's three seasons with Cal State Fullerton's men's basketball program. While he didn't statistically lead the squad in scoring or rebounding, Robinson did everything well, including providing shut-down defense, enabling his Titan teammates to excel during one of the most successful periods in Cal State Fullerton history (2005-2008), during which the Titans finished 60-32 (.652%), winning the Big West Tournament and appearing in the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament in 2008, following a 30-year-absence.

When asked about his unusual nickname, "Big Bank," Robinson said, "It came from my ability to score in bunches and make timely shots or plays. My AAU coach George North, who came up with the nickname, always said, 'We know that when we need something, we can always go to the Bank.'"

Following a standout season at MCI Prep, Robinson was recruited by East Carolina, Georgia Tech, UMass, and George Mason.

Choosing East Carolina, Frank remembered, "I was given the opportunity to play and potentially start as a freshman in Conference USA when Louisville, Marquette, Memphis, Cincinnati, among other top colleges, were in that conference."

Despite playing significant minutes at ECU and enjoying his time in North Carolina, Robinson was compelled to return home due to family issues. Frank was initially planning to transfer to USC, but then head coach Henry Bibby was fired. His next consideration was San Diego State.

Titan Hall of Famer Bobby Brown, and Robinson's former AAU teammate, then entered the picture: "Bobby invited me to an open run at CSUF, and that's when the sales pitch started." Robinson said in a 2006 Orange County Register story, "(Bobby) talked highly of Cal State Fullerton and Titans coach Bob Burton. Brown was a freshman at Fullerton, where the Titans were undergoing a reclamation project."

Frank Robinson

"He (Robinson) was a great person, a tremendous worker, and a very likable kid. He was very strong, and he could really shoot," former Titan assistant coach Jason Levy said. Burton's efforts would quickly yield fruit. In his second season at the helm of the Titans (2004-05), Fullerton would finish 21-11, including NIT tournament wins at Oregon State and the University of San Francisco.

Robinson recently said, "They (the coaches) sold me on (Bobby and me) becoming the West Coast Delonte West and Jameer Nelson (St. Joseph University's tremendous early-2000's backcourt tandem). I saw the vision. They made me work for everything, as they should, but they definitely honored their word.

After sitting out an NCAA-mandatory redshirt year in 2004-05 after transferring, Robinson's impact at Cal State Fullerton was immediate, earning the Big West Conference's Sixth Man of the Year award in 2005-06. More conference honors would follow in ensuing seasons, including the Big West All-Tournament Team and Defensive Player of the Year.

When asked about some of his favorite on-court memories at CSUF, Frank was effusive: "Finishing in the top five in every major stat during my senior season, and winning the conference and Big West tourney, and ultimately leading our program to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 30 years."

Robinson expressed that his only disappointment was not being named to the All-Big West First Team or as Conference Play of the Year, an honor which went to his Fullerton teammate, Scott Cutley.

"It was one of the goals that I set for myself going into that offseason, winning conference POY most likely meant that we won the Big West. I was happy that it was Scott and not someone from another program. He was very important to our team, adding a dynamic that other teams didn't have. Josh Akognon also had a strong case as a top 5-10 scorer in the country. It shows you how deep our team was."

Frank Robinson

When asked about some off-court memories, Frank brightened: "The summer leading into my senior year, the entire team stayed in my apartment during summer school. We really got a chance to connect, and I think that's what led to our (outstanding) senior year. I coordinated most events, beach days with other teams on campus, workouts, and fun stuff that we would do together. I miss those guys."

Robinson remains in contact with many of the players and coaches from the 2007-08 season. "Coach Burton and Coach Levy were my primary contacts; they pushed me, but loved on me the way I needed them to during my time with the program."

After graduation, Robinson's 10-year professional basketball odyssey found him playing for teams in Slovenia, Germany, Israel, Georgia, Poland, Ukraine, Finland, Greece, Turkey, Serbia, Uruguay, South Korea, the Los Angeles D-Fenders, and Lakers Summer League teams. Frank was unfortunately cut by the Atlanta Hawks on the eve of the start of their NBA season.

After retiring from play in 2018, Frank became the owner and CEO of The DSTRKT sports performance facility in Chatsworth, Calif., where elite young basketball talent is trained and mentored. However, that's not all that is done there: "It's not just your average sports complex; it's a vibrant hub dedicated to nurturing, empowering, and encouraging health-conscious individuals of all ages and skill levels.

"At the heart of our philosophy lies a deep commitment to promoting human movement and development. We firmly believe that by fostering flow and flexibility, we can unlock the true potential of our clients."

Frank Robinson lives in Porter Ranch, Calif., with his wife, Tiffany, and has two sons, Jayden (16) and Jaxson (7).

Coach Levy added, "He took a chance on us because he saw the upside of the program. We were very fortunate to get him."

Honors