Clifford Robinson, an early star in UConn’s rise to energy, a previous NBA All-Star and the 1993 Sixth Man of the 12 months, has died at the age of 53, the UConn Huskies confirmed Saturday on Twitter.
No bring about of death was supplied, while former Huskies mentor Jim Calhoun claimed Robinson experienced a stroke 2 1/2 years ago.
Nicknamed “Uncle Cliffy” and identified for his trademark headband, Robinson used 18 seasons in the NBA, supporting the Portland Trail Blazers arrive at two NBA Finals.
He also played for the Phoenix Suns, Detroit Pistons, Golden State Warriors and New Jersey Nets. He made the 1994 NBA All-Star Match and was named to two NBA All-Defensive 2nd teams even though averaging 14.6 points and 4.6 rebounds in 1,380 occupation games — the 13th-most in NBA record.
At 6-foot-11, he had the measurement of a middle but was a skilled outdoors shooter, a predecessor of the contemporary NBA huge person.
The UConn Basketball relatives mourns the decline of a famous player and individual, Clifford Robinson. Our views and prayers are with Cliff’s spouse and children at this tough time 🙏
Relaxation In Peace, Cliff. pic.twitter.com/Bp6Z5hbVUb
— UConn Men’s Basketball (@UConnMBB) August 29, 2020
Robinson, a indigenous of Buffalo, New York, was the centerpiece of Calhoun’s early groups at UConn from 1985-89, assisting guide the Huskies from the bottom of the Significant East to the 1988 NIT championship.
“It’s seriously sad to listen to of this, since he was one particular of my young children, my players, a man I viewed develop into a male,” Calhoun informed The Affiliated Push. “It truly is not an effortless point.”
UConn retired Robinson’s No. 00 in 2007.
“He was our initial wonderful player,” Calhoun claimed. “He gave legitimacy to the method. As a player coming in, here is this guy enjoying on Television for the Path Blazers, viewing him engage in, watching UConn staying pointed out. You could not pay back for the exposure that he gave us.”
The Involved Press contributed to this report.
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