Clifford Robinson, the former Portland Trail Blazers player who led the team to two NBA finals, has died.
He was 53. No cause of death was given, The Associated Press reported, but former Huskies coach Jim Calhoun said Robinson had a stroke 2 1/2 years ago.
“It’s really sad to hear of this because he was one of my kids, my players, a guy I watched grow into a man,” Calhoun said. “It’s not an easy thing.”
Before NBA, Robinson was a notable player for the University of Connecticut.
“The UConn Basketball family mourns the loss of a legendary player and person, Clifford Robinson,” the school’s men’s basketball team said on Twitter Saturday. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Cliff’s family at this difficult time. Rest In Peace, Cliff.”
Born in Buffalo, New York, on December 16, 1966, Robinson’s NBA career started with Portland in 1989, where he stayed for eight years.
“His streak of 461 consecutive games played with the Trail Blazers still stands as a franchise record, which is a testament to his hard work and dedication to the team,” the team said in a statement.
He stayed in the NBA for 10 more seasons and played for Phoenix Suns, the Detroit Pistons, the Golden State Warriors and the former New Jersey Nets.
“We’re shocked and saddened with the death of Clifford Robinson at the much-too-young age of 53,” Golden State said in a statement. “Clifford was the consummate professional who loved the game and played with an incredible sense of both joy and intensity during his outstanding 18-year career, including two seasons with the Warriors. We extend our thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of ’Uncle Cliffy’ during this difficult time.”
Other athletes took to social media to mourn Robinson’s death.
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