In recent news, the NBA, in partnership with Pacers Sports & Entertainment, has commissioned a statue to honor Crispus Attucks legend and Naismith Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson.
According to several reports, the statue, which will be unveiled during a ceremony in 2025, will be permanently placed at Crispus Attucks High School.
Robertson, also known as the “Big O,” played for the Cincinnati Royals and Milwaukee Bucks in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Robertson played point guard and was a 12-time All-Star, 11-time member of the All-NBA Team, and one-time winner of the MVP award in 14 seasons, according to his bio.
In 1962, he became the first player in NBA history to average a triple-double for a season (the only player in history besides Russell Westbrook). In the 1970–71 NBA season, he was a key player on the team that brought the Bucks their first NBA title. His playing career, especially during high school and college, was plagued by racism, added his bio.
Robertson’s Highlights also include, being an NBA champion (1971), NBA Most Valuable Player (1964), 12× NBA All-Star (1961–1972), 3× NBA All-Star Game MVP (1961, 1964, 1969), 9× All-NBA First Team (1961–1969), 2× All-NBA Second Team (1970, 1971), NBA Rookie of the Year (1961), 6× NBA assists leader (1961, 1962, 1964–1966, 1969), NBA Lifetime Achievement Award (2018), NBA anniversary team (35th, 50th, 75th), No. 14 retired by Sacramento Kings, No. 1 retired by Milwaukee Bucks, 2× Helms College Player of the Year (1959, 1960).
In addition to Robertson’s other accolades, he was also a 3× UPI College Player of the Year (1958–1960), 2× USBWA College Player of the Year (1959, 1960), 3× Sporting News College Player of the Year (1958–1960), 3× Consensus first-team All-American (1958–1960), 3× NCAA season scoring leader (1958–1960), 3× First-team All-MVC (1958–1960), has his No. 12 retired by the Cincinnati Bearcats and was named Mr. Basketball USA in 1956.
Joseph Phillips is the Sports Editor for the Chicago Crusader Newspaper. He is a Chicago native, who has been a sports writer for over 17 years. He also hosts the SC Media News and Sports Network Q&A radio show on WHPK 88.5 FM Chicago.
