Clifford Robinson, born on December 16, 1966 in Buffalo, New York, discovered his love for basketball at a young age. He honed his skills on the courts of Buffalo before taking his talents to the University of Connecticut. Robinson became a standout player for the UConn Huskies, earning numerous accolades and eventually having his jersey number '00' retired by the school.
Robinson was selected in the second round of the 1989 NBA Draft by the Portland Trail Blazers, where he would go on to have the most success in his career. Known for his versatility as a forward and center, Robinson played for five NBA teams during his 18-season career. He was a key player for the Trail Blazers from 1989 to 1997, earning a spot in the NBA All-Star game in 1994 and being named NBA Sixth Man of the Year in 1993.
Off the court, Robinson found love and companionship with his wife, Heather Lufkins, whom he married in Barbados in 2003. His dedication to his family mirrored his commitment to the game of basketball, showcasing his versatile nature both on and off the court.
Although Dirk Nowitzki eventually broke Robinson's record as the tallest player to make over 1,000 3-pointers, Robinson's impact on the game of basketball cannot be understated. His longevity in the NBA and numerous accolades solidify his place as one of the greats in the history of the sport.
Cliff Robinson's career serves as an example of determination, versatility, and hard work, inspiring future generations of basketball players to push themselves to new heights and never settle for mediocrity. He will always be remembered as a trailblazer both on and off the court.