Robinson, David M.
Basketball
b. Aug. 6, 1965, Key West, FL
When he entered the U. S. Naval Academy in 1984, Robinson was 6-foot-4. He grew to 7-foot-1 by the time he graduated and was a consensus All-American center and college player of the year in 1987 after averaging 28.2 points a game. During his four years as a starter, he averaged 21.0 points and nearly 10 rebounds per game.
Robinson was chosen by the San Antonio Spurs in the first round of the NBA draft, although he faced four years in the Navy after graduating. There were reports that Robinson would be excused from service because of his height, which exceeded the Navy's maximum. He did serve, but was released after only two years.
Reporting to the Spurs for the 1989-90 season, the 235-pound Robinson averaged 24.3 points a game and was named the league's rookie of the year. He was chosen to the All-NBA first team each of the next two years, in 1995, and in 1996.
Nicknamed the "Admiral," Robinson led the NBA in rebounds in 1991, in blocked shots in in 1992, and in scoring in 1994. He and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar are the only two players ever to lead the league in each of those three categories. In 1995, Robinson was named the league's most valuable player.
Tim Duncan joined the Spurs in 1997-98, when he was named Rookie of the Year. The 6-11 Duncan combined with Robinson to give the Spurs a formidable front line. San Antonio won the 1998-99 NBA championship, largely because of team defense led by Robinson and Duncan. In 2002-03, Robinson's final season, the Spurs won their second championship. His Number 50 was retired by the team in a ceremony that November.
Robinson is the most prolific player in the history of America's international competition. He's the only male player to play on three Olympic teams, in 1988, 1992, and 1996, and he also played for the 1986 world championship team and the 1987 Pan-American Games champion. He's the country's all-time Olympic leader with 270 points, 124 rebounds, and 34 blocked shots.