David Robinson Biography

Fast Facts

• Was a member of the bronze medal-winning U․S․ Olympic basketball team in 1988 and the 1992 gold medal-winning "Dream Team" that also included Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird
• For his philanthropic efforts, NBA Commissioner David Stern announced in 2003 that winners of the NBA Community Assist Award would receive the David Robinson Plaque
• Served in the U․S․ Navy for two years before joining the NBA, earning the nickname "The Admiral" from his teammates
• Graduated from the U․S․ Naval Academy with a degree in mathematics in 1987
• Was drafted by the San Antonio Spurs as the first overall pick in the 1987 NBA Draft, even though they had to wait two years for him to join the team officially while he completed his military commitment
• Quote: "The biggest challenge [of my career] was becoming a leader ․․․ Feeling the personal responsibility to take the team to the next level․ Overcoming fear of inadequacy and never getting down on yourself or doubting who you are․"
• Quote: "Winning a championship doesn't make you a better person․ It doesn't validate you․"
• Since retiring from basketball, he has worked as a philanthropist, venture capitalist and financial advisor and co-founded the Admiral Capital Group with Daniel Bassichis
• Former professional basketball player who played center for the San Antonio Spurs
• Was the first player in the history of the NBA to rank in the top five in rebounds, blocks and steals in a single season