Clifford Robinson
NBA
NBA All-Star (1994)
2× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2000, 2002)
NBA Sixth Man of the Year (1993)
Second-team All-Big East (1989)
Third-team All-Big East (1988)
About Clifford Robinson
Clifford Robinson: Buffalo’s Basketball Trailblazer
On December 16, 1966, in Buffalo, New York, a basketball legend was born—Clifford Robinson. Known for his versatility, resilience, and iconic style, Robinson carved out an illustrious 18-year career in the NBA, leaving an indelible mark on the sport. From his humble beginnings in Buffalo to becoming an NBA All-Star, “Uncle Cliffy”—as fans affectionately called him—was a shining example of Buffalo grit on the world stage.
Early Years in Buffalo
Clifford Robinson grew up in Buffalo, where he began developing his basketball skills at Riverside High School. Despite averaging an impressive 22.3 points and 12 rebounds per game as a high school senior, he wasn’t initially considered a standout on the national stage. But Buffalo’s hardworking ethos shaped his outlook, and Robinson’s potential caught the attention of University of Connecticut coach Jim Calhoun.
At UConn, Robinson blossomed into a force on the court. Over four seasons, he averaged more than 15 points per game while competing in the highly competitive Big East Conference. He helped lead the Huskies to an NIT Championship in 1988, earning a spot on the all-tournament team, and finished his college career ranked fourth in scoring in school history. His contributions earned him a place on UConn’s All-Century team, solidifying his status as one of the program’s greats.
An NBA Career That Shattered Expectations
The Portland Trail Blazers selected Robinson with the 36th overall pick in the 1989 NBA draft, and that moment marked the beginning of an extraordinary professional career. Known for his headband—a practical solution to keep sweat out of his eyes that became his signature look—Robinson quickly made a name for himself as a player with tremendous versatility.
During his eight seasons with Portland, Robinson played a key role in leading the Trail Blazers to the playoffs every year, including trips to the NBA Finals in 1990 and 1992. In 1993, Robinson was honored as the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year, and the following year, he became an All-Star. His ability to contribute on both ends of the court, whether as a starter or coming off the bench, set him apart.
Robinson’s NBA career extended through stints with the Phoenix Suns, Detroit Pistons, Golden State Warriors, and New Jersey Nets. Over the course of 18 seasons, he tallied 19,951 career points, ranking him among the league’s all-time greats. Robinson was also a two-time NBA All-Defensive Second Team selection and the tallest player in NBA history to hit more than 1,000 three-pointers until superseded by Dirk Nowitzki.
Cliff’s durability was legendary. He played in 1,380 NBA games, ranking eighth all-time, and participated in the playoffs in 17 of his 18 seasons—a testament to his consistency and commitment to the game.
The Legacy of Uncle Cliffy
Robinson’s impact on the NBA went beyond stats. He was a trailblazer in the evolution of the modern basketball big man—showing that a player of his size (6’10”) could stretch the floor with three-point shooting, defend multiple positions, and play with a unique blend of skill and athleticism. His famous victory dance, the “Uncle Cliffy,” became a fan favorite during the 1992 Western Conference Finals and encapsulated his playful yet competitive spirit.
Off the court, Robinson became an advocate for cannabis legalization, founding his brand “Uncle Cliffy” and speaking openly about the need for reform in sports and society. He credited cannabis with helping him manage pain during his playing career and spent his post-basketball years advocating for its medical use and legal regulation.
A Buffalo Icon
For his contributions to basketball, Clifford Robinson was inducted into the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame, a fitting honor for someone who proudly represented his hometown on the global stage. Buffalo’s values of resilience, determination, and community were evident throughout his life and career.
Though Robinson passed away in 2020 at the age of 53, his legacy remains as strong as ever. From Riverside High School to NBA All-Star status, Clifford Robinson will always be remembered as one of Buffalo’s finest—a trailblazer on and off the court, and an inspiration to anyone chasing their dreams.
Here’s to Uncle Cliffy, Buffalo’s basketball icon whose headband helped keep the sweat out of his eyes as he focused on greatness.