Oscar Robertson - Whenever basketball discussions turn to naming the greatest player in history, Oscar Robertson's name is always prominently mentioned. Red Auerbach, who coached a slew of Hall of Famers with the Boston Celtics, rates Robertson as the best, most versatile player he has ever seen. Most other basketball experts would agree: the "Big O" could do it all. He was an unstoppable offensive player; one who could score from every spot on the court and in any manner he saw fit. Robertson's offensive prowess changed the point guard stereotype from simply a passer and "floor general" to a scorer and offensive weapon. Robertson truly had a presence on the court.
A three-time All-State selection at Indianapolis' Crispus Attucks High School, the "Big O" was heavily recruited and opted to remain close to home at the University of Cincinnati. Robertson's collegiate career (1957-60) was historic: he established 19 school and 14 NCAA records and led the Bearcats to a 79-9 record and two straight NCAA tournament third place finishes in 1959 and 1960. A three-time College Player of the Year and national scoring leader at Cincinnati, Robertson scored 2,973 points (33.8 ppg), placing him seventh all-time in NCAA history.
Robertson co-captained the 1960 United States Olympic gold medal team-considered by many as the greatest assemblage of amateur talent ever-before beginning a prolific 14-year NBA career with the Cincinnati Royals and Milwaukee Bucks. As a rookie in 1961, Robertson won the first of three All-Star Game MVP awards (1961, 1964, 1969) along with being named Rookie of the Year. Robertson captured the 1964 NBA MVP Award with impressive numbers, 31.4 ppg, 11.0 apg and 9.9 rpg, but the "Big O's" best statistical season came in 1961-62. Oscar averaged a triple double for the entire season, averaging 30.8 ppg, 11.4 apg and 12.5 rpg, a feat that has never been duplicated. He earned All-NBA honors 11 times and led the Royals and the Bucks to 10 playoff berths. In 1971, Robertson teamed with Lew Alcindor (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) to land Milwaukee its only NBA title, the Bucks' third year as a professional franchise. Robertson concluded his career with 26,710 points (25.7 per game), 9,887 assists (9.5 per game) and 7,804 rebounds (7.5 per game). Upon retirement, Robertson left a lasting impression on the NBA record books as the all-time leader in career assists and free throws made.
