"It's really tough to gauge" - When David Robinson pondered between the NBA and the Navy
There are players with seemingly random nicknames, but this doesn't apply to Hall of Famer David Robinson, whose moniker, 'The Admiral,' famously originated during his college years. While attending the Naval Academy, the highly sought-after prospect genuinely enjoyed military life, so much that he even contemplated ignoring the tempting calls from the NBA.
"I really have to look into what details are involved with each option, so I don't have any idea right now which one I want to take," Robinson claimed and continued. "It's really tough to gauge. I know it would be tough to play in the NBA and be in the Navy. It's just going to be incentive. Which drives me more."
Robinson's dilemma
Robinson's journey is genuinely unique, starting far from the basketball court. Before high school, his family, with his father a navy man himself, settled in Virginia. In Old Dominion, young Robinson excelled academically and athletically in every sport except basketball. It only entered the scene after a growth spurt brought him to 6'6".
Without harboring any pro ambitions, he later joined the United States Naval Academy, playing for their basketball team and majoring in math. They were underdogs, but the dominating center led the team within a game of the Final Four, and his name was on everyone's lips. However, the commotion didn't fit into Robinson's world, especially as he had already committed to Navy life.
"I'm not sure. I mean, if someone would take me on the weekends or whenever, and I could play on a not-to-interfere (with active duty) basis, yes. I know a lot of games are at night during the week, and that's already an advantage," he said.
The repercussions of his decision really unraveled Robinson, stating that "Some of the people are going to be upset…But half the people are going to be glad for me." In that uncertain situation, however, he figured the Navy "would be fair and consider what's best for me and what's best for the Navy."
Setting sail for NBA triumph
Naturally, this also didn't escape the notice of the league, and NBA coaches publicly chimed in.
"Of course I'd take him part time. I wouldn't have any problems at all with it because he's that good," said Bucks head coach Don Nelson.
"I don't think having a guy part time is the greatest way to go about it. I think it might be somewhat disruptive," remarked head coach Phil Johnson from the Kings.
Both were left empty-handed anyway, as the Spurs selected Robinson with the first pick in the 1987 NBA Draft. Fortunately, they could find the perfect solution for the future 1995 MVP. David first completed his Navy service before joining his new team for the 1989-90 season.
What happened next was nothing short of amazing as Robinson led the Spurs to the greatest single-season turnaround in history at the time. After becoming a 10-time All-Star and winning championships in 1999 and 2003, 'The Admiral' probably never looked back, except maybe for one thing.
Although Robinson would not have been one of the best big men without the growth spurt, it did prevent something else from happening. He was prevented from serving on any US military ship at some point during his tenure at the Academy because he was too tall, having long exceeded the height restriction of 6-6 at the time.
