The NBA world is in mourning today after the death of former Portland Trail Blazers star Cliff Robinson. He was 53 years-old.

ESPN reported that while no cause of death was given, former Huskies coach Jim Calhoun said Robinson had a stroke 2½ years ago.

At 6-foot-11, Robinson helped lead the Trail Blazers to two NBA Finals and was known for being a talented outside shooter. He spent 18 seasons in the NBA, winning the 1993 Sixth Man of the Year award and earning an All-Star nod.

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“The Trail Blazers organization is deeply saddened by the passing of Trail Blazers great Cliff Robinson,” the team said in a statement after his death. “… His personality and energy were unmatched, and his contributions on the court were unmistakable, helping the Trail Blazers into the playoffs each of his eight seasons with the team. … We extend our heartfelt condolences to Cliff’s family and loved ones. Uncle Cliffy will be greatly missed by the Trail Blazers and all of Rip City.”

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Robinson’s streak of 461 consecutive games played with the Trail Blazers is still a record for the team, and he ranks among the team’s all-time leaders in blocks (2nd), points (5th), games played (5th), steals (6th), 3-pointers (7th) and rebounds (10th).

Aside from the Trail Blazers, Robinson also played for the Phoenix Suns, Detroit Pistons, Golden State Warriors and New Jersey Nets. The legendary basketball player made the 1994 NBA All-Star Game and was named to two NBA All-Defensive second teams while averaging 14.6 points and 4.6 rebounds in 1,380 career games, the 13th-most in NBA history.

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After growing up in Buffalo, New York, Robinson was the centerpiece of Calhoun’s early teams at UConn from 1985-89. He helped to lead the Huskies from the bottom of the Big East to the 1988 NIT championship.

“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.”

“He was our first great player,” Calhoun added. “He gave legitimacy to the program. As a player coming in, here’s this guy playing on TV for the Trail Blazers, watching him play, watching UConn being mentioned. You could not pay for the exposure that he gave us.”

This piece originally appeared in UpliftingToday.com and is used by permission.

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