Oscar Robertson Monument

Oscar Palmer Robertson was born November 24th, 1938 in Charlotte, Tennessee. He grew up in a working class neighborhood and like many other athletes, he picked up the sport of basketball because it did not require specialized equipment or other expensive gear. Robertson attended Crispus Attucks High School in Indianapolis, a school that was only attended by other African Americans despite Ohio's 19th century law prohibiting segregation. With the help of his coach Ray Crowe, Robertson went on to average 24 points per game and was awarded with the state of Indianapolis's “Mr. Basketball” award for the most outstanding high school player. His team was very talented and went to win a record of 45 games in just two years. However African American athletes enjoyed little support and their behavior was heavily policed. Robertson and his teammates were not allowed to gather or celebrate their victories in public partly owing to the fear of the police and also as a reflection that young Black men were expected to be deferential.  

After a very accomplished high school career, Robertson became only the fifth African American men's basketball player at the University of Cincinnati. More than other new players, Robertson was required to constantly "prove" that he belonged on the team while also being excluded from some of the team's accommodations when they traveled. Robertson was often required to stay on campus dorms at visiting schools rather than joining his teammates in their hotel. Despite this and many other injustices, Robertson led the Bearcats to two final fours and a 79-9 record in three seasons. Robertson averaged 33.8 points per game and won the national scoring title, College Player of the Year, and was named an All-American. 

Robertson was selected by the Cincinnati Royals in 1960. In his second season with the team, Robertson averaged a triple double and led the Royals to six playoff appearances. Later in his career, Robertson joined a young Kareem Abdul-Jabbar of the Milwaukee Bucks and together they won an NBA championship. The only player to go onto beat Robertson's points and assist average was Russel Westbrook as a member of the Oklahoma City Thunder. 

This statue not only commemorates Robertson's success as a basketball player, but his legacy off the court which included prevailing over racism and blatant discrimination. Even after his career as a player, Robertson confronted things he believed were unfair. He led efforts to file an anti-trust suit resulting from limitations placed on players by team owners at the time of the NBA and American Basketball Association merger. As a result of this suit, in 1976, NBA players became the first league to gain free agency rights. The “Oscar Robertson Rule” shifted power more towards the players and was one of many actions he took to assist players following his career.

Amick, Sam. “Oscar Robertson's Legacy Much Greater than Triple-Doubles.” USA Today, Gannett Satellite Information Network, 10 Feb. 2017, www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/columnist/sam-amick/2017/02/08/oscar-robertson-legacy-triple-double-russell-westbrook/97637180/.

NBA.com. “Legends Profile: Oscar Robertson.” NBA.com, NBA.com, 24 Aug. 2017, www.nba.com/history/legends/profiles/oscar-robertson.

Xxxxx. Oscar Robertson: African American Basketball Legend, www.myBlackhistory.net/Oscar_Robertson.htm.