UConn Mouns Loss of ‘Another Great One’
The Story: Cliff Robinson, who was one of UConn’s first big stars and helped win the NIT championship in 1988, died early Saturday morning. He was 53. Jim Calhoun said Robinson had been in a coma after a stroke earlier in the week.
A BIG LOSS: Robinson, who was inducted into the Huskies of Honor in 2007, averaged 15.6 points and 6.1 rebounds in 109 games at UConn. A Buffalo native, he committed to play for Dom Perno in 1985, stayed with Calhoun after the coaching change and, at 6-foot-10, blossomed into one of the best big men in the country.
LONGEVITY: Drafted in the second round in 1989 by the Trail Blazers, Robinson played 18 seasons in the NBA and was named the Sixth Man of the Year in 1993 and an All-Star in 1994. He signed with the Suns in 1997 and played in the desert for four seasons, then spent two years with the Pistons, two with the Warriors and two with the Nets before retiring. All told, he averaged 14.2 points and 4.6 rebounds during his career.
AFTER HIS CAREER: Robinson appeared on the reality show “Survivor” in 2014 and was the fifth of 18 competitors to be voted off. He also joined Dennis Rodman on a “basketball diplomacy” trip to North Korea and became an advocate for the legalization of marijuana, opening a cannabis dispensary in Oregon in 2017.
LEAVING A LEGACY: A stretch four before the role or term became popular, Robinson made an impact as an adept 3-point shooter and a solid defensive player who would have fit well in today’s NBA. And while he was Perno’s recruit, he was also the first true star of the Calhoun era, helping to usher in the winning program that we know today.
REACTIONS: A number of former teammates and opponents weighed in with their memories of Robinson.
“I still remember the first conversation we had. He had averaged five points as a freshman and he had struggled, but he was a great talent. I said, ’Cliff, two things can happen, you’re going to get your butt kicked out of here by my size 12s, or you’re going to someday have a terrific NBA career.’ He chose the latter, and I give him great credit for that.” — Calhoun to The Hartford Courant
“I’m so glad it’s raining today. I’m gonna need it to hide my tears. Not my big bro man. Uncle Cliffy taught me all I needed to know to be a stretch four in the NBA. UConn family has lost another great one.” — Donyell Marshall on Twitter
“I’m heartbroken to look back at this moment. Cliff Robinson was so important to his Blazers teams and I always enjoyed competing against him. Another brother who left us long before his time. You’ll be missed, Uncle Cliffy.” — Scottie Pippen on Twitter
“I had the pleasure of battling with Cliff for 13 years. He was a warrior on the court and an even better man off it.” — Patrick Ewing on Twitter
“This hurts. Great teammate and have great memories starting my career with Cliffy. Rest In Peace my guy.” — Steve Nash on Twitter
“Devastated with the passing of one of the best teammates ever, Clifford Robinson. Guy absolutely loved to hoop. Never missed practice. Guarded the toughest guy every night and was a walking bucket. A great dad. Laughed every day.” — Rex Chapman on Twitter
