Former PBA Best Import Lamont Strothers paid tribute to good friend and former teammate Cliff Robinson, Sunday morning (Manila time).
Robinson (December 16, 1966 – August 29, 2020) passed away after a long battle with cancer.
In a tweet, the 52-year-old Strothers recalled fond memories he had with Robinson, his former teammate in Portland, both on and off the court.
“Rest in peace to my Blazers’ teammate Cliff ‘Uncle Spliffy’ Robinson. Man, 53 years young.
“Just saw him at our celebrity golf tournament! He was an athletic dude! First person to actually get a finger on my floater,” shared Strothers.
A product of Christopher Newport University, Strothers was drafted as the 43rd overall pick in the 1991 NBA Draft by Golden State. Up to this day, he is the highest-ever Division III player to be drafted by the big league.
He would then be traded to Portland where he joined Robinson.
During his only year with the Trailblazers, he played in four games, averaging 4.6 points per contest.
Robinson, on the other hand, played eight season in Portland, helping the team to the 1990 and 1992 NBA Finals. He was also the Sixth Man of the Year in 1993 and an All-Star in 1994.
Despite going overseas the rest of his career — including playing for San Miguel in four conferences and leading the squad to four titles, Strothers remained in touch with Robinson.
“Condolences to his family! Rest Easy Big Fellow!”
