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David Robinson

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Inducted: 1998
Induction Class: Pelé (Soccer),
Jackie Joyner-Kersee (Track & Field), David Robinson (Basketball)
Sport: Basketball, Olympic Games
Years Active: 1989-2003
Born: Aug. 6, 1965
Birthplace: Key West, Florida
Community Focus: Education, Children & Youth
Foundation: The Carver Academy

David Robinson, a U.S. Naval officer who was widely regarded as one of basketball’s top centers, was inducted into the World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame as a part of the Class of 1998, which included track and field great Jackie Joyner-Kersee, and soccer star Pele.

After graduating from the Naval Academy, David Robinson was taken in the first overall draft pick by the San Antonio Spurs. He began his career as a center with San Antonio in 1989 and stayed with the team for 15 seasons, until his 2003 retirement. Over those 15 seasons, Robinson collected a Rookie of the Year award, a Most Valuable Player award, a Defensive Player of the Year award, recognition as one of the 50 best players of all time, three Olympic medals (two gold, one bronze), and two NBA championships. He is also one of four players to record a quadruple-double.

Robinson was heavily involved in community service all throughout his career. In 1991 he visited fifth graders at a San Antonio school and challenged them to make it all the way through elementary school, high school and college.  He offered a $8,000 scholarship to each individual that made it. In 2001, Robinson and his wife Valerie founded the Carver Academy (named for George Washington Carver), a private school in San Antonio to which the Robinsons have donated over 9 million dollars.