David's opening remarks. Youre averaging 30 points a game. I just thought, Big deal. The Spurs won the right to draft Duncan and San Antonios version of the Twin Towers would win two rings over the next five seasons. If you had told David Robinson when he entered the Naval Academy that he would become one of the all-time greats in professional basketball, he probably would have rolled his eyes at you and laughed. Robinson had a career-high 12 blocks against the Minnesota Timberwolves and was named to the All-Defensive Second Team. The program opens the kids eyes to career opportunities that they never imagined in a field that promotes diversity. What would you do differently? Duncan said in a video released by the Hall of Fame after his selection was announced last year. We can decide were going to play for a few more years. Like it or not, when guys come here, thats what they see. It also presented a new and exciting challenge in a new field. When he came here, I said, Well, lets see what Tim does well. Obviously, putting the ball in the basket is something he does extremely well, so I wanted to put him in a position where he could succeed. Robinson agreed and played the next two years at the Academy, taking the Midshipmen to the Elite 8 one year. Coming in, I had no idea basketball would be a career for me, but I grew 7 inches in college and was fortunate to have a great career in the NBA. I love teaching. David Robinson: My dad was in the Navy and I was raised with a strong commitment to service. One of only two Spurs to play in all 82 games, Robinson ranked 10th in the league in scoring, second in rebounding and third in blocks. I write about games, players and seasons from the past. The Packers star emerged from his much-discussed darkness retreat a new man. He applied and was accepted into the United States Naval Academy in 1983 with hopes he would become a career officer. Brett Brown (Spurs coaching staff, 2002-13): It was almost a ritual where at halftime, hed come out from the locker room and Pop, hed go out earlier than us. David Robinson Calls Spurs Drafting Tim Duncan in 1997 'Life-Changing' This is a BETA experience. In his 13 NBA seasons Robinson has posted career averages of 21.9 points, 10.8 rebounds and 3.08 blocks while shooting .519 (7,168-13,801) from the field. Your default site has been set for 7 days, This Date in NBA History: David Robinson clinches lone scoring title with historic 71-point game in 1994. David Robinson Became "The Admiral" in the Navy, Then - FanBuzz Honestly, I dont think theres a change I would do differently.. Use without license or authorization is expressly prohibited. Robinson did well enough in his senior year to draw some attention. On April 24, 1994, David Robinson went off for a career-high and franchise-record 71 points against the LA Clippers in a 112-97 road win.. He could go to a lot of teams, and guys would just look at him and say he cant help us. Phoenix, led by league MVP Charles Barkley, eliminated San Antonio in six games, though Robinson averaged 23.1 points and 12.6 rebounds in the postseason. Born to a career Navy man, Robinson spent his childhood moving around until his father's retirement. Although all three have excelled in having a career in sports, recent social media photos confirmed fatherly support through the years. Much to the Naval Academys surprise, Robinson was not close to done growing! I love to see people growing in grace and understanding, and I think thats where my heart has always been. It was the lone scoring title of Robinson's Hall of Fame career. Their shot selection was impeccable and a lot of that was because of Popovich, but a lot of that was also because of Duncan, and then [Manu] Ginobili and [Tony] Parker would be in there and they were always on the same page. When Jackie Robinson arrived to the Brooklyn Dodgers back in 1947, the world was forever changed. At the same time, he was drawing attention from the media and NBA scouts, and questions started to arise as to whether or not an NBA team would draft him in two years. He also grabbed 12 boards in the series-clinching victory in Game 5. After his acceptance, however, Robinson had a small growth spurt. It wasnt just learning how to be intense and having commitment, it was also seeing the responsibility you have for your teammates. The Admiral, D-Rob are nicknames for David Robinson. In 1985, Michael Jordan knocks down a game-winner in his first home playoff game at the Chicago Stadium against the Milwaukee Bucks. The Spurs clinched the championship in Game 6 by rallying from a fourth-quarter deficit to take a thrilling 88-77 victory over the Nets in San Antonio. That was the first time I ever laid eyes on him. From my point of view, my little perspective down here, I think that would be great. After growing from 59 to 66, Robinson got a scholarship to the Naval Academy and agreed to play basketball for them. Schawbel: What are your top three career tips? Look at a guy like Allen Iverson. He is one of a kind. Man, you guys are punks. But by the end of the year, every one of them, to a man, felt that prayer and God was the strength of our team. There simply isnt a way to describe what David Robinson has meant to the Spurs franchise, to the San Antonio community and to sports fans around the world. I know the Lords trying to prepare me for whatever He has in store for me. The end of the Twin Towers which referred to the duo of David Robinson and Tim Duncan ended in 2003. Also, learned how to help put people in the right positions to succeed. After that, he got all of us to go play paintball together, because Tim was a big paint baller. By the time he was a senior in high school, he had blossomed to 66 and decided to try again. A 1987 graduate with a mathematics degree from the U.S. In the six-game Finals series, Robinson averaged 10.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.83 blocks and 1.17 steals. David Robinson attended Osbourn Park in Manassas, Virginia and United States Naval Academy. How could you write a better script than this?" This is how every player wants to retire, on top! When we were playing together, Steve Kerr said, hed come in after a loss and hed be like, Thats my fault guys. And youd look at the box score, hed have 30 and 17 and 6 blocks., Mark D. Smith/USA Today Sports, via Reuters. Join our linker program. People talkabout my sacrificing my game for the good of the team, but I never really saw it that way. I remember sitting on a bench watching like, this is his second year, like: This dude is incredible. And to press on and reach for dreams they never thought would be possible. David Robinson had an incredible growth spurt in high school that kick started his basketball career. Robinson also has had a great impact in the community. Who is in there? Robinson likely didnt mind and had his sights set on a better prize. Thats a think youre always preaching to your teammates. David Robison grew up in a Navy family and moved around the country as a young child. At the end of a long and distinguished career, Robinson won his second ring in 2002-03. Really excel. He previously served as a board member of the USAA Federal Savings Bank and currently serves on the board of theUnited States Naval AcademyFoundation and Centerplate, one of the nation's leading food service providers. Timmy came in with a lot of humility too. David Robinson Biography | ESPN We formed a real estate fund in partnership with USAA in San Antonio which is our main focus. He was the star player on the team and was named an all-district player. However, the Spurs lost to the Utah Jazz in the opening round in four games. August 6, Robinson already had a waiver to get into the Navy at 67, but now being a seven-footer, he was not allowed to be an unrestricted line officer. Do you have a sports website? Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. Robinson led the team in scoring with 21.6 points and Duncan in rebounding with 11.9 rebounds and both averaged more than 2.5 blocks per game. Feeling the personal responsibility to take the team to the next level. And in the half-court offense, Robinson had a soft left-handed jumper. The Admiral had a spectacular postseason, averaging 24.3 points, 12.0 rebounds and 4.0 blocks in 10 playoff games. He scored something like 9 points and had five or six blocks and probably almost 10 rebounds. I just needed to go out there and make things happen on the floorplay defense, rebound. Check out the best dunks from David Robinson's career. Theres a certain attitude that goes with excellence, and those guys had it. Robinson wanted to honor that commitment and had said he had no problem serving out his commitment as that is what he knowingly signed up for. Within his first three seasons, Robinson established himself among the best in the league. David Robinson retired from basketball in 2003 to preach and teach God So, I just went up to him and I asked him if there was anything I could help him with, and because my country accent was so strong, he couldnt understand me and I couldnt understand him. Center. Copyright 2000-2023 Sports Reference LLC. But he was a great teammate. DavidtheAdmiral, Position: David Robinson: Workers are rushing to retire, and that's a big reason After retiring from the NBA, what made you want to start your company? Did Aaron Rodgers retire? Brandon Marshall fuels fire congratulating What were you doing? A lean, muscular athlete, Robinson was fast, strong and agile at 7-foot-1. It is one of the ten jerseys to be retired by the San . Learn more and register. Ive always had a lot of love for my teammates, but I learned I needed to put them in a position where they could be successful. But to be honest with you, thats where my heart is. Perhaps better than a dream, said Robinson. He proceeded to thoroughly annihilate me. But David wasnt like that. Avery Johnson (Spurs teammate, 1997-2001): Ill never forget watching the lottery with my wife and kids. Its amazing to think how a growth spurt could change someones life so much and impact millions of others as well. Subscribe to Stathead Basketball: Get your first month FREEYour All-Access Ticket to the Basketball Reference Database. For me, its always been about helping the team win. Tim Duncan listened while guests spoke about him during his jersey retirement ceremony in San Antonio in December 2016. Back when I was scoring a lot of points and we werent winning, nobody really cared about my individual accomplishments. Tim, he came in and hes like, Oh, whats this?. It was a way to sustain the work I was doing in San Antonio, but also allowed me to work with other communities. Schawbel: Throughout your career, what was your biggest challenge and most proud moment? He blesses you because of his love for you and your faithfulness to Him. As a junior in high school, Robinson was of average height: 59 tall. (Photo by David Hume Kennerly). It was always my team, so I was always the first one to get criticized for our not winning. I was very impressed. Just footwork and fundamentals. Elliott: David wasnt threatened by Timmy. USNA had a great engineering school which was one of my interests and I knew I would benefit from the great discipline and accountability that Navy provides. , to create a pathway to a career in hospitality for lower income high school students in Houston. United States Naval Academy, High School: In 1988, Milwaukee's Jack Sikma, a7-footer,became the tallestplayer to winNBA free throw title by shooting 92 percent from the line. Over the next six seasons, The Admiral established a reputation as the NBA's most impactful center. All of us at Carver Academy realize how great an opportunity we have to help some of the San Antonio kids who do not have access to a lot of good things. Robinson was also the de facto poster boy for Navy recruitment as they took the opportunity to plaster his image on every promotional asset they could. San Antonio then advanced to the Western Conference semifinals before losing in seven games to the Portland Trail Blazers. However, Robinsons selection as MVP seemed to motivate Olajuwon, the past seasons winner, as Olajuwon got the better of Robinson in the clash. Or are you ready to have me move on to something else? I really felt the Lord was saying, David, Im preparing you for some other things. I think that was important for his strength and his credibility. When we were playing together, hed come in after a loss and hed be like, Thats my fault guys. And youd look at the box score, hed have 30 and 17 and 6 blocks. Still, his legacy as the greatest player in Spur's history remains intact and much celebrated. I enjoyed the season, I enjoyed the guys, I was faithful to what God asked me to do, and by the end of the season we had a team that was on one page praying together. 42 Was Retired Twice After Jackie. Evans had seen Robinson and figured he would be a great back up to the team he had steadily built over the years. David Robison grew up in a Navy family and moved around the country as a young child. Tim, hes a humble guy, Robinson told TNTs Ernie Johnson. The couple only recently married in May. After averaging 23.4 points, 11.7 rebounds, 3.22 blocks and 1.55 steals, he was named to the All-NBA Third Team and the All-Defensive Second Team. Robinson is also thefounder of The Carver Academy (TCA) in San Antonio and has contributed more than $10 million to the San Antonio community and TCA to create a nurturing and inspiring academic environment. Robinson also made history with his 71-point explosion against the Los Angeles Clippers on the last day of the season to win the scoring title at 29.8 points, edging Orlando Magic center Shaquille ONeal (29.3). People may pat you on your back and say, That was awesome. By that time, Robinson had become the Spurs second option behind a rising star named Tim Duncan. The Orlando forward played only 11 games this season after missing two years with a torn ACL. But to me, to be honest, it feels like Im just getting started. We currently manage over $250 million of real estate assets. I want to continue with that after my playing career. Be up on the center stage, praising God. David Robinson was born on August 6, 1965. David Robinson reflects on his time with the San Antonio Spurs. He would be eligible for the draft in two years, but would a team have to wait five more years to see him play? Duncans journey was one of happenstance and perseverance. The whole game was going through him and typical Tim, he lamented in his texts that he had a lousy game. He took home MVP honors in 1995 after averaging 27.6 points, 10.8 boards and 3.2 blocks. "I looked up at the scoreboard,"Robinson told reporters after the win. Deborah Best (chairman of the Wake Forest psychology department and Duncans academic adviser): They were playing on a Sunday afternoon game, and my son and husband and I sat and watched the game on television and there was Tim playing. You just go do what you doe best. In 1993, the Milwaukee Bucks retire Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's No. That day, the way he made me feel welcomed and comfortable in his space, in his facility, thats when I knew he was different. franchises. James Borrego (Spurs video coordinator/ assistant coach, 2003-10 and 2015-18, Current head coach of the Charlotte Hornets): What was so surprising to me was one of the first few days of that summer, he invites me to play pickup. He also was a 10-time All-Star, four-time All-NBA First Team selection and had his No. Like it was nothing, so efficient. Duncan is forever known for his fundamentals, especially his bank shot. Like it or not, its stuck with us. The school made an exception for Robinson and allowed him to enroll with the assumption that he was done growing. We started a program called Admiral Hospitality Scholars, with strong support from He set Spurs rookie records in nearly every category, leading the team in scoring 46 times and rebounding 61 times. As a senior, Duncan won the mens basketball John Wooden Award, given to the nations most outstanding player. This skinny kid, is he going to be able to help us?, I saw him play. We didnt win it all. Same thing goes on today. If you are having difficulty accessing any content on this website, please visit our Accessibility page. Were more soul mates in life than we are in basketball, Popovich told reporters leading up to Duncans jersey retirement ceremony in 2016. That is why it would be great to win a championship with these guys. Timmy would be sitting on the bench and Pop would just go sit down with him. David Maurice Robinson Odom: We played him against Vanderbilt. My MVP season in 1995 doesnt even compare to the championship season. Robinson Announces His Retirement After 2002-03 Season It takes some of the glory out of it for you because you know its going to happen. As a 24-year-old rookie, Robinson averaged 24.3 points, 12 rebounds and 3.9 blocks while leading the Spurs to the Western Conference Semifinals. In their first season together in 1997-98, Robinson and Duncan shared the load equally as Robinson averaged 21.6 points, 10.6 rebounds and 2.63 blocks, while Duncan averaged 21.1 points, 11.9 rebounds and 2.51 blocks. David Robinson got the nickname The Admiral from his incredible success playing basketball for the U.S. I wanted him to have the utmost of confidence and take the pressure off him, because a lot of times young guys come in the league and people put all of the pressure on them to succeed. Allen Iverson, the crossover. I really started to learn that mentality and that attitude at the 1992 Olympics, being on the original Dream Team with guys like Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird. AUSTIN, TX APRIL 10, 2014: David Robinson, former NBA player, speaks about social justice in the 21st century at the Civil Rights Summit at the LBJ Presidential Library. But I see our team being at full strength. Over his 19 seasons, San Antonio went 1,072-438 in regular-season games, the best winning percentage over that time among all N.B.A., N.F.L., N.H.L. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. You always get the question: What would you change? Tim was never going out to get 35 or 40 [points]. When Did Dennis Rodman Hit His Growth Spurt? Seeing how the other guys look into your eyes, and how they feed off of what energy you have. Additionally, we invested alongside KKR in Academy Sports and Outdoors, a Texas based sporting goods chain. Popovich said he was fortunate to be able to coach Duncan. Duncan and Popovich bonded on and off the court. Ive known for years its in there. Ben Hunt. Robinson averaged 24.3 points, 12.0 rebounds and 3.89 blocks, shooting 53.1% from the floor. Thank you.. Here comes this skinny kid, walks in the gym I didnt know who he was named Tim Duncan. Robinson is living proof of the old adage that good things come to those who wait. We just knew it and you could feel it. Whereas a lot of franchise players in Davids position, they would maybe have some animosity or resentment toward the new No. With this performance, Robinson became the first player in the league to score at least 70 points since David Thompson in 1978and joined George Gervin as the only other player in Spurs history to win an NBA scoring title. That season, Robinson became the fourth player in NBA history to record a quadruple-double. He puts me in a game to play five-on-five with the group. While growing, he kept his lithe athleticism, which turned him from a backup winger to a very versatile center. Afterward, you look at it and you just say, Lord, thank You. The SPORTS REFERENCE and STATHEAD trademarks are owned exclusively by Sports Reference LLC. To me, this is exciting, to be around this community and these kids. We are now working on ways to expand the program and take it to other cities. Wake Forest went 97-31 in his four years and finished 26-6 in two of those seasons, 1994-95 and 1995-96. David Robinson averaged 21.1 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game. I couldnt care less about my own reputation. Legends profile: David Robinson | NBA.com And this week, hell be inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in a heralded class alongside Kevin Garnett and the late Kobe Bryant. They were also about to benefit from a movie that was about to come out about Naval Aviators that featured a young star named Tom Cruise, awesome action sequences and an amazing soundtrack. Teammate Steve Kerr said Robinson was quick to remind the Spurs that Winning a championship doesnt make you a better person. How could you write a better script than this? Robinson asked. After getting some attention for basketball and enrolling at Navy, Robinson grew even further to 70. Like God was saying, The championship was not something you did. Robinson averaged 24.3 points, 12.0 rebounds and 3.89 blocks, shooting 53.1% from the floor. A torn ligament in his left hand sidelined him on March 16. Robinsons regular-season production slipped to 15.8 points and 10 rebounds, but the team prospered and Robinson was still an integral part of the Spurs championship effort. After the season, Robinson traveled to Barcelona with the Dream Team, a spectacular collection of NBA stars including Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and Bird that would go on to win the gold medal at the 1992 Summer Olympic Games. The Spurs raced through the playoffs, losing only twice and recorded an NBA record of 12 consecutive wins at one point while becoming the first former American Basketball Association team to win an NBA championship. In their second campaign together, Robinson unselfishly redefined his game to accentuate the skills and strengths of Duncan. We work together with the company to maximize the impact they are making in the communities where they do business. Would he want to pursue the Navy that would restrict him from advancing in rank while missing out on millions of dollars? And it was the first time he had played the game and I just could not understand it. I have written extensively about Dennis Rodmans nicknames, his ability on defense, and where he ranks in NBA history. Robinson also finished that season as MVP runner-up to Olajuwon. Duncan and David Robinson celebrated their 2002-3 championship win over New Jersey. Dan Schawbel is a workplace speaker and the New York Times best-selling author of Promote Yourself. This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. (In an ironic twist, that U.S. team lost which partly spurned officials to create an Olympic team with NBA stars in 1992. Mike Budenholzer (Spurs assistant coach, 1996-2013. However, Robinson joined elite company by becoming the third player in NBA history to rank among the leagues top 10 in five categories, joining Cliff Hagan (1959-60) and Larry Bird (1985-86). Meet NBA Legend David Robinson's Kids Who Are into Sports - AmoMama David Robinson was born in Key West, Florida. In their second season as teammates, the Robinson-Duncan-led Spurs put it all together. He also was a devoted philanthropist and man of faith; so much so that in 2003 the NBA gave recipients of its Community Assist award the David Robinson plaque. Before he became an award-winning television personality, Barkley was an NBA superstar like no other. > Archive 75: David Robinson| 75 Stories: David Robinson. I leaned in and it was Tim. That is why I am really excited about this, my final season. RotoWire considers the best player values in Yahoo fantasy leagues for Friday's 10-game slate. Did Not Play(military serviceU.S. and M.L.B. But it turned out that awesome growth spurt that gave birth to his basketball superstardom also was about to limit his Naval Career. "I. People see Him before they see you. For the second consecutive season, the Spurs also set an NBA record for lowest opponent field-goal percentage (40.2), bettering the previous seasons mark of .411. Robinson became a two-time NBA champion, NBA MVP, 10-time All-Star, and led the league in scoring, rebounds and blocks several times. David Robinson weighed 235 lbs (106 kg) when playing. I wouldnt trade the experiences my family and I have enjoyed here in San Antonio for anything. Five total Most Valuable Player Awards, three in the finals, two in the regular season. I blessed you because you were faithful to me. That was a great experience for me. Spurs David Robinson with the slam dunk in a 2003 NBA game. His excellence earned him a second consecutive All-NBA First Team selection and his third straight All-Star berth. I havent jumped into it already because, as God says, teachers have the greatest responsibility (James 3:1). It might be the only thing in my life where I can tell you exactly where I was and exactly what I did and just how impactful it was. Spend the time here, stay here with this team and this community? The best example of this community work is with a Hilton Garden Inn that we own in Houston. After escaping real trouble, Rodman grew 9 inches at age 20 going from 511 to 68.