SUMMARY
- Oscar Robertson played for 14 seasons in the NBA and represented two teams, the Cincinnati Royals (now known as the Sacramento Kings) and the Milwaukee Bucks.
- He debuted in the league in 1960 after being picked by the Cincinnati Royals and was the first overall pick.
Oscar Robertson, popularly known as ‘the Big O’ is an NBA veteran player. His journey has been nothing short of remarkable and the NBA and the Indiana Pacers recently decided to honor it with a statue. This has got the former basketball player back into the headlines and fans have been curious to know more about his career and personal life including his nationality and ethnicity.
Notably, he debuted in the league in 1960 after being picked by the Cincinnati Royals. Being the first overall pick, everyone had high expectations of Robertson. He successfully surpassed expectations and was named Rookie of the Year. Just in the second year of his professional career, Robertson made history by being the first player to average a triple-double for an entire season.
Furthermore, he played for 14 seasons in the NBA and represented two teams, the Cincinnati Royals (now known as the Sacramento Kings) and the Milwaukee Bucks. Roberston played a total of 1040 games and had an average score of 25.7 points, 7.5 total rebounds, and 9.5 assists per game. Additionally, he built an impressive resume including awards such as being named NBA’s MVP once, 12x NBA All-Stars, and much more.
Before joining the league, the two-time Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductee attended the University of Cincinnati. He had a stellar college career and made 19 school and 14 NCAA. In addition to this, he led the Bearcats to a 79-9 record and two straight NCAA Final Fours. Furthermore, Robertson met his love of life, Yvonne Crittenden to whom he is still married at the University.
Oscar Robertson was born in Charlotte, Tennessee
The former basketball player was born on November 24, 1938, in Charlotte, Tennessee making his nationality American. His parents, Mazell Bell Robertson and Bailey Robertson, Sr. moved to Indianapolis, Indiana when Oscar Robertson was barely 18 months old. Notably, the star’s ethnicity is African American, and he faced financial difficulties growing up.
Oscar Robertson’s offensive prowess changed the point guard role from simply a passer and floor general to a scorer and offensive weapon. Playing 14 years in the NBA with the Cincinnati Royals and Milwaukee Bucks, he amassed 26,710 points and 9,887 assists. #BHM pic.twitter.com/KOhNi7jf64
— NBA (@NBA) February 16, 2021
To divert his mind, the NBA veteran started hooping at an early age. He learned and honored his basketball skills from his brothers, Bailey Jr. and Henry. Furthermore, Roberston joined Crispus Attucks High School and soon became a household name. He played a key role in winning two state championships and made history by being the first all-Black team to win a state championship.
Oscar Robertson faced racism growing up
From humble beginnings to having an estimated net worth of around $4 million, Oscar Robertson’s journey has been an inspirational one. Apart from financial struggles, the former Bucks player faced racism during his high school and college career. Back in high school, when he won two state championships, he wasn’t allowed to celebrate within the city.
“The mayor didn’t want crowds of blacks congregating in his city,” Robertson revealed himself. When he joined the University of Cincinnati, he again met the evils of society. The former basketball player used to travel with his team to the south but couldn’t eat in southern restaurants. Additionally, he had to stay in college dorms rather than hotels which further shows how he was treated.