Former UConn standout, NBA All-Star and sixth man of the year with the Trail Blazers dies from a stroke at the age of 53
By Dom Amore
Cliff Robinson, who starred at UConn in the 1980s and went on to a long NBA career, helping to redefine the role of big men in basketball, died in Portland early Saturday morning. He was 53.
“Cliff was ‘Uncle Cliff,’” said Jim Calhoun, who coached Robinson at UConn. “He really overcame an awful lot to become something special for the school, for the program and for himself.”
Robinson’s family confirmed his passing to WGRZ-TV in Buffalo, according to reporter Claudine Ewing. Robinson, who recovered from a brain hemorrhage in 2017, apparently died from a stroke, lapsing into a coma earlier this week, according to Calhoun, and he was sent home when it was determined nothing more could be done.
Robinson, from Riverside High near Buffalo, arrived at UConn in 1985 to play for Dom Perno, who was fired after that season. One of the players inherited by Jim Calhoun, Robinson ultimately adapted to the change in coaching and helped the Huskies win the NIT championship in 1988, the program’s first major breakthrough on a national stage, signaling the start of future prominence.
“I still remember the first conversation we had,” Calhoun said. “He had averaged five points as a freshman and he had struggled, but he was a great talent. I said, ‘Cliff, two things can happen, you’re going to get your butt kicked out of here by my size 12s, or you’re going to someday have a terrific NBA career.’ He chose the latter, and I give him great credit for that.”
Robinson averaged 15.6 points and 6.1 rebounds in 109 games for the Huskies. His number, 00, was retired at UConn as he entered the Huskies of Honor in 2007, and he was named to the program’s all-century team in 1999.
“The big thing he did for us,” Calhoun said, “during the time, we needed legitimacy.