The story of Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson is often told through the lens of the NBA superstars he’s interviewed, but his true foundation was built on the pavement of North Jersey and the blocks of Upper Manhattan. Before he became a household name in sports media, Robinson’s upbringing was a meticulously woven tapestry of more than a dozen institutions that shaped his “young veteran” persona.
The Manhattan Beginnings: Pre-School & Kindergarten
Robinson’s dual-state lifestyle started before he could even tie his own sneakers. While his family’s roots are both in New York and New Jersey, his earliest academic days were spent in Manhattan:
- The Brownstone School: Located on the Upper West Side, this provided an early New York City perspective.
- Mount Pleasant Christian Academy: Situated in Harlem, this kept him steps away from his family’s iconic businesses on 125th Street—The Athlete’s Foot and Men’s Walker—where he first learned the “shoe game” and the art of the interview from his uncle, Kevin McGill.
The Grade School Tour: Newark to Nutley
As he moved into elementary and grade school, Robinson’s education took him through a variety of high-caliber private and specialized schools across Northern New Jersey:
- Chad School (Newark): An Afro-centric powerhouse that instilled a sense of cultural history and pride.
- Lacordaire Academy (Upper Montclair): Expanding his horizons in the historic, academic atmosphere of Montclair.
- Abundant Life Academy (Nutley): Furthering his spiritual and academic foundation.
- Aquinas Academy (Livingston): Attending this National Blue Ribbon school added a layer of rigorous education to his diverse middle school journey.
The Essex County Middle School Years
Scoop B’s middle school years were defined by a transition through West Orange, which served as the launchpad for his professional career.
- Edison Middle School (West Orange): Navigating the early social circles of the suburbs.
- Roosevelt Middle School (West Orange): It was during his time here, at the age of 12, that he beat out hundreds of applicants to host Nets Slammin’ Planet for the New Jersey Nets.
A High School Tale of Two Powerhouses
Robinson’s high school career was split between two of the most storied athletic and academic institutions in the state, where he proved his versatility as both a journalist and a performer:
- Seton Hall Prep (West Orange): As a freshman “Pirate,” he broke barriers by becoming the first freshman with a dedicated column, “Scoop B’s NBA Beat,” in the school paper.
- Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey): Finishing his journey in Bergen County, he served as the sports editor for the Ironman. Beyond the newsroom, he was a key member of the Don Bosco Marching Band, performing during the legendary halftime shows at Ironman football games. This experience under the stadium lights mirrored his growing comfort in the media spotlight.
The Full Circle: Return to Jersey City
After completing his Bachelor’s at Eastern University (PA) and his Master’s at Hofstra (NY), Robinson made a deliberate return to his roots, settling in Jersey City.
The move was poetic. Jersey City was the site of his first big break with AAHS World Radio at the Liberty Science Center. By returning as an adult, he transitioned from the “child prodigy” of the local airwaves to a global media mogul and a professor at New Jersey City University (NJCU). Whether in the “Brick City” of Newark or the heights of Harlem, Scoop B’s 18-year journey created a blueprint for a modern media empire.
