May 31, 2008

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ---- Former UAB great Oliver Robinson will be inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame Saturday, May 31.

Other members of the Class of 2008 include: Sim Byrd, Dr. Gregg Carr, Condredge Holloway, Steve Lowery, Don McNeal, Don Mincher, Jerry Wilson and the 2008 Distinguished American Sportsman Joseph E. Gibbs, creator of the Golf Channel.

The 2008 induction banquet will take place in the Sheraton Hotel Birmingham Ballroom.

Robinson was Gene Bartow's first high profile signee when the legendary coach began the athletic program in 1978. Robinson closed his career with 1,577 points, which currently ranks fourth on the school's all-time scoring list, and was the first UAB player to ever score 1,000 points. He also ranks second in UAB lore in field goals made (625), ninth in assists (290), fourth in steals (176), fifth in free throws made (327) and sixth in blocked shots (67).

Robinson also helped the Blazers establish the men's basketball program, helping lead UAB to an NIT and two NCAA appearances during his career. He was the most valuable player of the NCAA Mideast Regional in 1982.

His most memorable game came in March of 1982 in that Mideast Regional during the NCAA tournament as the Blazers were matched up against the Virginia Cavaliers and Ralph Sampson. He scored 23 points to help led the UAB to a 68-66 upset victory and spot in the Elite Eight of the tournament.

For his play he was named the Most Valuable Player of the Mid-East Regional tournament and was a member of the Mid-East Regional All-Tournament team. Robinson also earned Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year ('82) and Sun Belt Conference Senior of the Year ('82). He became UAB's first All-America, as he was tabbed Honorable Mention, All-America by the Associated Press ('82).

As a senior he was named the Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year, Most Valuable Player in the Sun Belt Conference Tournament and Sun Belt Conference Senior of the Year. He was named UPI All-American and honorable mention AP All-American. He was named to the All-South team by the National Association of Basketball Coaches two consecutive years (1981-'82), as well as by Basketball Weekly. He was the first round draft choice of the San Antonio Spurs in the 1982 NBA Draft.