Key Takeaways
- Oscar Robertson, known as “The Big O,” the legendary basketball player, is alive and well.
- Throughout his 14-season career, Robertson achieved remarkable milestones, including leading the Milwaukee Bucks to their first NBA championship and being enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame.
- Beyond his on-court achievements, Robertson has been a revolutionary in breaking racial barriers and inspiring future generations of basketball players.
Oscar Robertson, often revered as “The Big O,” is alive and well at the age of 86.
As the last surviving member of the NBA’s 1960s All-Decade First Team, Robertson represents a bridge to an era that laid the foundation for modern basketball.
While legends like Wilt Chamberlain, Elgin Baylor, Bill Russell, and Jerry West have passed, Oscar continues to be celebrated for his unparalleled contributions to the game and his impact off the court.
A legendary meet up pregame! #EmiratesNBACup
— NBA Canada (@NBACanada) December 15, 2024
📸: Oscar Robertson & SGA pic.twitter.com/YSgtwewqNr
Born on November 24, 1938, in Charlotte, Tennessee, Robertson rose from humble beginnings to redefine basketball.
He remains one of the sport’s greatest players, known for his versatility, statistical milestones, and advocacy for players’ rights.
A Trailblazing Career
Oscar Robertson’s basketball journey began at Crispus Attucks High School in Indianapolis, where he led the team to back-to-back state championships, breaking racial barriers in the process.
At the University of Cincinnati, Robertson shattered NCAA records, earning three College Player of the Year awards and averaging 33.8 points per game.
His professional career was equally remarkable. Drafted by the Cincinnati Royals in 1960, he wasted no time making history.
In his second season, Robertson became the first player to average a triple-double—30.8 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 11.4 assists per game—a feat unmatched for more than five decades until Russell Westbrook achieved it in 2016-17.
Over 14 seasons with the Royals and the Milwaukee Bucks, Robertson amassed 26,710 points, 9,887 assists, and 7,804 rebounds.
He led the Bucks to their first NBA championship in 1971 alongside Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, capping a career filled with accolades: 12 All-Star selections, an MVP award, and six assist titles.
Legacy Beyond The Court
Oscar Robertson’s influence extended far beyond the basketball.
In recognition of his contributions, Robertson has been enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame twice—once individually and once as a member of the 1960 U.S. Olympic basketball team.
The Big O, Oscar Robertson arrives in OKC! pic.twitter.com/9g0UI0xNi2
— NBA (@NBA) April 12, 2017
In 2022, the NBA renamed the Western Conference championship trophy in his honor, further solidifying his place in the sport’s history.
Robertson’s achievements continue to inspire new generations of players and fans.
Big O and the letter O. pic.twitter.com/p3de9Cq3Kv
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) December 14, 2024
His ability to dominate as a scorer, rebounder, and playmaker redefined the role of the guard in basketball.
At 6’5″, he paved the way for larger, more versatile guards like Magic Johnson and LeBron James.
Even in retirement, Oscar remains an active voice in the basketball community.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- The University of Cincinnati awarded Oscar Robertson an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters in 2007, recognizing his significant contributions to philanthropy and entrepreneurship.
- He donated a kidney to his daughter Tia in 1997 after she experienced kidney failure due to lupus.
- Despite being in his eighties, Robertson remains actively engaged with basketball, consistently watching games on television and attending home games at the University of Cincinnati.
