David Robinson speaks to the crowd on Monday after the Spurs' win over the 76ers. San Antonio was honoring Robinson for his recent induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Pictured from left are Robinson, former Spur Sean Elliot, former Spur George Gervin, Spurs forward Tim Duncan and Spurs coach Greg Popovich.
The San Antonio Spurs paid tribute to David Robinson on Monday night, honoring one of the best centers in NBA history for his entry in the basketball hall of fame. Robinson, a former Navy officer who starred at the U.S. Naval Academy from 1984-1987, was drafted #1 overall by San Antonio. After he served two years on active duty, Robinson joined the Spurs for the 1989-90 season. He ended up playing his entire career in San Antonio, leading the organization to its first two championships.
According the San Antonio Express-News, some 17,000 fans stayed after the game Monday to honor Robinson, which gives you an idea of the impact The Admiral (a much better nickname than “The Lieutenant j.g” — Robinson’s rank in the Navy) had on the team and its fans.
“I consider this Hall of Fame celebration as much about this city and about this team as it was about me,” Robinson said in the Express-News. “So it’s nice to be able to do it here, with the fans, and let them all enjoy.”
Robinson’s awesomness on the court earned him a slew of honors during his career, including:
- Named one of NBA’s 50 Greatest Players
- 4-time All-NBA First Team
- NBA MVP in 1995
- Member of 1992 U.S. Olympic “Dream Team,” and was also on 1988 and 1996 teams
- NBA Rookie of the Year in 1990 (after serving two years in Navy)
- 2-time first team All-American while at USNA
Check out these highlights from Robinson’s phenomenal Navy career, where he led the Midshipmen to three straight NCAA tournaments.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQFzIxKoNeY[/youtube]
