Spurs’ David Robinson Unanimous Choice as NBA Rookie of the Year

David Robinson, who led the San Antonio Spurs to the greatest single-season improvement in NBA history, today was unanimously named the league’s Rookie of the Year.

Robinson, who averaged 24.3 points, 12 rebounds and 3.9 blocks per game, was the first unanimous selection since Ralph Sampson in 1984. The 7-foot-1 center received all 92 votes from a nationwide panel of sports writers and broadcasters.

Robinson, whose NBA career was delayed two years by a Navy commitment, led the Spurs to the Midwest Division title with a 56-26 record--a 35-game improvement over the previous season and the most victories ever by a San Antonio team.

He finished 10th in the league in scoring, second in rebounding behind Akeem Olajuwon and third in blocked shots. Robinson also led all rookies with a .531 field-goal percentage.

“I’m sure people are surprised I’ve done as much so fast,” Robinson said. “But it counts more that the team also has played well. I think any player would tell you that individual accomplishments help your ego. But if you don’t win, it makes for a very, very long season.”

San Antonio coach Larry Brown said the Spurs are “David’s team.”

“He is the heart and soul,” Brown said. “I’m not sure he realizes that yet because everything has happened so quickly.”

The Spurs, who beat Denver 119-103 Thursday night in their playoff opener, made Robinson the No. 1 pick in the 1987 draft. But he spent the next two years stationed at a submarine base in Georgia.

Robinson said the basketball layoff may actually have helped, rather than hurt, him.

“I learned to be patient, not to fight things and keep my stress level down,” he said. “It’s helped me greatly this season. I’m mellow and I refuse to let things bother me.”