Pumanaw na sa edad na 53-anyos ang NBA “Sixthman” Awardee na si Cliff Robinson Sabado ng umaga sa hindi maipaliwanag na dahilan.

Ito ang kinumpirma ng kanyang dating coach sa UConn na si Jim Calhoun kung saan aniya, ay na-stroke na ito mahigit dalawang taon na ang nakalilipas, bago tuluyang bawian ng buhay kamakalawa.

“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. It’s not an easy thing,” malungkot na pahayag ni Calhoun.

Si Robinson ang isa sa mga naging sandalan ng koponan ng UConn na makaaangat buhat sa ilalim na rekord at siya ring naging sandalan ng Portland Trail Blazers na halos makatuntong sa top spot. isa sa pinakamahusay na sixth man ng NBA kung ilarawan ng kanyang mga dating kasamahan si Robinson.

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“He averaged five points as a freshman and I remember I told him, ‘You have two choices: I can kick you out if you keep doing what you do, or I’m going to watch you play a lot of years in the NBA.He chose the latter, which was good,” ayon kay Calhoun.

Umabot ng 18 taon ang basketball career ni Robinson at ipinagpapasalamat ng knayang mga naging kasama sa Trail Blazers ang kanyang pagiging mabuting ka-teammate.

“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,” ayon sa mga manlalaro ng Trail Blazers.

“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. . ... Uncle Cliffy will be greatly missed by the Trail Blazers and all of Rip City.” dagdag pa nila.