From the Military to the NBA Hall of Fame: David Robinson Opens Up | Undeniable with Joe Buck

NBA Hall of Famer David Robinson sits down with Joe Buck to discuss the journey to becoming an NBA legend. The two discuss David's military upbringing, his near death experience as an infant, and the transition from his military service to the world of professional basketball.
CHAPTERS:
0:00 - David Robinson Introduction
1:57 - Military Family
4:20 - Dad’s Opinions on Sports
5:02 - Introduced to Basketball
7:31 - 1320 SAT Score/Going to Navy
11:27 - POY as a Sophomore/NCAA Tournament
13:00 - Transferring or Staying at Navy
17:05 - Senior Year/NBA Dream
19:45 - Drafted by San Antonio
21:59 - Pressure to Succeed
23:09 - Adjusting back to the NBA
26:52 - Leadership
28:23 - US Olympic Team
30:21 - Playing w/ Rodman
32:40 - Big Man Era
35:58 - Popovich Becomes Coach
37:04 - Competing with Tim Duncan
38:42 - NBA Finals versus Knicks
41:14 - Quote Reflection
42:47 - Retiring/Final Season
47:20 - Basketball Hall of Fame
49:20 - What’s Next/Closing Remarks
#joebuck #davidrobinson #spurs

[@alfa_romeo55yush82]

David Robinson, A Superstar that doesnt act like a Superstar. This dude is amazing.

[@Italiancwb125]

You should look up to him, not Timmy D!

[@erichvonmanstein6876]

​@@Italiancwb125stop

[@beach3408]

This guy is so humble and honorable.

[@kennewton7518]

The world needs a leader like David Robinson today and his faith has always been a shining example.

[@TerminatedAccount.]

Word. It's saddening to see how good examples of people like David Robinson get swept under the rug and we're left with people like Gilbert Arenas or Draymond Greene.

[@michaelsevilla3697]

​@@TerminatedAccount.exactly

[@challenger516]

@@TerminatedAccount. Only American idolize Arenas and Draymond.

[@marcusalves1974]

@@challenger516who tf is idolizing both of them? Both of you are idiots too

[@blakebrown84]

Draymond is becoming a liability in the NBA and Gilbert is just a retired baller

[@nxtwomenfan497]

Man, who doesn't love "The Admiral"? A first-class human being.

[@robertcarlsonrobert5846]

Spurs would not be here in San Antonio without him. People don’t understand that the Spurs almost left San Antonio but because of him we were able to keep the franchise here 😊

[@JoeSmith-zi9kg]

I remember Angelo Drosses not happy with the attendance numbers at that time. That all changed when the Spurs won the 1987 NBA lottery and Bob Bass representing the franchise. What a difference maker David was to the team.

[@user-es2qg4cd5w]

That's a bunch of bullshit, spurs got to SA and stayed Admiral didn't have shit to do with it

[@gotetnies]

He's a role model for us older kids 😆👍

[@texas988]

Not true

[@jrsaenz2322]

@@user-es2qg4cd5w you absolutely don’t know anything about The Spurs.

[@roshangeorge2127]

David Robinson is the perfect example of what a human being should be like. Legendary player and an even greater human being.

[@troofball4]

I know if I was that size I would be showin off everywhere I went.

[@edro3838]

Was at Rupp Arena in 87 and watched his 45 points, 10 blocks, 14 rebounds. The whole place stood and applauded his efforts.

[@pahountisg]

this man is true inspiration even in 2023. Not even an idea of bitterness or negativity for anyone, a true blessed man .

[@user-rr1yp4pt9x]

I watched and became a fan of David Robinson since he was at Navy.

[@CSDonohue11]

I Love David . The NBA should be promoting Him and more guys anything even close to Him Real Super Star human being 🌟 50 David Robinson 💫

[@Cluez31]

Why on earth would the NBA promote someone positive for black people to look up to?

[@XcuzeTheMessDeer]

Exactly him and Harrison Barnes

[@Classicbasketballdvds]

D-Rob aging like fine wine. Still looks the same

[@guillaumeraux]

What a legend! Human, and player. The Basketball world and the World are blessed to have a gentleman like him. Thank you mister Robinson for what you give! It’s a pleasure to hear your thoughtful words and see you healthy and smiling. 🙏🏻

[@ismaelgonzales1816]

The Naval Academy produced 2 solid, quality human beings. David Robinson in basketball and Roger Staubach in football.

[@US_ARMY_25_INF._DIV.]

Roger who served in Vietnam for a year is just like David as far as he would not trade is late entry into the NFL with his years in the Navy...

[@flintfleming3935]

He talked about his Olympic experience.. Very humble, respectful... says somethimg about his character, which led to him being a champion and representing what it takes to be a professional .. In theTop 7 centers of all time...underrated. But appreciated..

[@mohkamaltaha]

David Robinson, a man of God & Basketball...!!!

[@Sayres434]

When a winner speaks it's best to listen

[@realg5276]

We need more David Robinson's in the world.

[@user-cl5zy5qn5d]

The “Admiral”. Was a big fan of his because he served his country first, then did his basketball thing. Love this

[@BiscuiT8858]

He has such a great attitude and I wish more athletes had the same attitude.

[@kengy1991]

An AMAZING ambassador for the game of basketball. David Robinson is a better person than player. His relationship with the Lord is so compelling.

[@MarcAmAlb]

Always a pleasure listening to David Robinson.

[@fidellaboy-negron5816]

I met him in Colorado while he was on vacation with his family. My sons brother in law, was around 14 and he cane out to say hi to Paul and his buddy guard got in the way. David pushed him to the side, and he told him that he was going to talk to the young man and have his picture taken with him. A UNIQUE HJMAN BEING. IT SHOW HIS MILITARY UP BRING....THANK YOU DAVE. THE ADMIRAL

[@carlowens9720]

Officer and a Gentleman

[@CSDonohue11]

Literally

[@yoe91]

I know it's too easy to say this on a David Robinson video, but I genuinely think he is the most underrated big man in NBA history. The Spurs SUCKED in the 80's, won 21 games the year before he came and then won 56 games when he arrived - as a rookie. Got all the individual accolades and when he got that second big talent every team needs, they won titles.

[@BlahBlah-em2ed]

Great American, humble man

[@michaelpaulpadillamdacgrou7904]

I admire David Robinson as a Person and then an Athlete!

[@iqzario4animations203]

Admire… Admiration………. Admirable……………. **Admiral**

[@hermixtonen]

Great human

[@petervancamp4453]

What a man, and what an example for or I should say representation of our lord Christ Jesus.. thankyou David .....

[@johnwillard6198]

Only 18 comments surprised me , what I love about him is his passion for teaching , leading and education of children

[@josevalle613]

Not many comments because he is humble, so many people think that that behavior is boring. David is not a thug so people think he is boring.

[@kylecraig6789]

It was only uploaded recently

[@MikeJones-pf4wd]

​@@josevalle613 Yep too many thugs in sports these days like Sean Payton.

[@timhoward5]

Yes.

[@ggram0551]

"Mr. Robinson's neighborhood," loved his commercials and kicks back in the day when I was a kid.

[@Crunchtime503]

He is such a high character athlete, I really wish we had more guys like him in sports

[@petarbubalo231]

Short answer EVERYTHING STARTS WITH GOOD PARENTS. What a Gentleman 👏👏👏👏

[@timhoward5]

🎯

[@elijioalvarado2532]

Great role model of a man! Big Five O

[@tylercunningham4311]

What a great, humble man. So rare in today's world.

[@jerry2york]

Truly a neat guy with excellent values. America needs more David Robinsons. One of my favorite interviews.

[@Sgv1tm]

The Admiral! Miss watching him

[@blakebrown84]

I wish there were more leaders like him. I also wish there were more people like him in this world today. His faith is what got him through life. He loves playing for Dennis Rodman, so he enjoyed being his teammate.

[@bigpimpinpimp7666]

David is for sure a goat don’t matter he is a great person and great basketball player he saved the spurs💪🏽💪🏽

[@tomaslekis3262]

He was a huge role model of mine when I was a kid. Legitimately an all time great player and person.

[@mdsoulsounds]

Mr. Robinson is class all around. Never did he need the lime light during his career or in retirement. Love him!

[@joelpierce3940]

As a San Antonio native, he was the catalyst for the first and future championships. He is a Great human being.

[@titzer2127]

My favorite NBA player of all time , favorite professional sports player of all time,. A true hero of mine

[@GenEXReviews]

David Robinson is and has always been a leader and role model that has inspired everyone here in San Antonio. I'm blessed to have seen his entire career here in SA.

[@ihsanhasserbetci5457]

great guy, we are so lucky that we watched him play🍀

[@Perfection212]

Probably the best interview by a black NBA athlete past or present.No swearing words like F__K or SH__.It was decent, informative and smart.The Admiral is truly one of the few remaining gentlemen of this sport.

[@RaiderEspo78]

Salute to The GREAT David Robinson! An all time great player and even better human being!

[@manuelcajuguiran9093]

This guy is so humble and honorable. God Bless

[@folusojoseph989]

David Robinson is that legend that is truly beloved no matter what team he had played for. A very humble legend.

[@andrew1970able]

I was through Air Force basic and tech school in the fall of 88. I was fortunate to get Spurs tickets on the night they played the Lakers and gave David a sports car on center court at the old Alamo dome. My first ever NBA game.

[@Flossin1987]

Dude should run for president

[@RedLeo-pf9yo]

Yes !!!

[@cmorales5]

DR is so impressive you get short of adjetives. You hear him speaking and it feels like he got enough fire to go in 2024 and beat some soft players put there in the NBA. Excellent interview btw.

[@IvanGarcia-cx5jm]

One of the greatest players and people the NBA have seen. Deserves a significant spot in the basketball hall of fame.

[@user-lf5bm5tm1q]

The best arms in the history of the NBA!

[@TheSands83]

Oh yeah he was fucking yoked😂 insane athlete but just ended up in the Jordan n Hakeem era of their prime. Once Jordan’s retired n Hakeem got old he got his ring. Even with Duncanon his team… Malone n Stockton beat them down in 98 .

[@kylecraig6789]

Seriously tho, those genetics are truly insane.

[@JimBrave-ri1oc]

@@TheSands83 One thing to note. Everytime he was on the floor he was Double teamed. Yet Avery would still pass to him and David would Still Jam on the double. Avery was never guarded. He was a CBA player that averaged 9 ppg in the CBA. He was a 10 day pick up by Don Nelson in 1991. Then The Spurs saw he was cheap so they signed him for a few years. He was not a PG that could draw a double team like Stockton could. Vinny Del Negro was an ok player in a summer league at a Local Rec Center but he was ranked about 50th amoung SG's in the 90's. Willie Anderson wasn't good either. Elliott was ok. The Spurs without Robinson in those year would've been about a 20-30 win Team each year in that NBA and West. Infact maybe even a 15 win team some years.

[@TheSands83]

@@JimBrave-ri1oc I mean Hakeem n jordan we’re fucking doubled nonstop. David was great player but just wasn’t on that level offensively. Lots of guys dealt with double teams. Shaq was triple teamed 😂 I mean jordan n Hakeem used to take the pass n fade away from the double team n still score.

[@TheSands83]

@@JimBrave-ri1oc Sean Elliot was a damn good player. N he had Rodman in 94 with Elliot n del negro could shoot. Avery wasn’t great I agree but he wasn’t bad. He had a good midrange jumper but was a poor 3 pt shooter definitely. But u deal with it. It wasn’t Avery’s fault Robinson got schooled in 95.

[@alxholic]

Hes one of those perfect human beings. The NBA and USA are lucky to have him.

[@roshangeorge2127]

The world is lucky to have him not just USA

[@HigherPowerWorldWide]

Impressive man, who hears a voice that calls him to things that are bigger than himself. Would love ro coodinat with Him to change the World for the Better. Great voice, great inspiration Praise God from Whom All Blessings flow.

[@christianpicardo2683]

Dave the spurs needs you now to mentor wemby

[@user-fs8cs1sz7c]

David Robinson was one of my favorite players growing up.

[@thatboyunfazed99]

It stuns me how enthusiastic and light hearted he speaks about his journey. He must have had many hard days and sleepless nights in his childhood with a often absent and strict father and a military school yet he seemingly took it like a breeze. That is some serious strength and his incredible physque undermines his bigger than life mentality. A born leader and a inspiring person for sure. Leader as a rookie in the 20th century of the NBA, that's unheard of.

[@coreygalletly723]

Beautiful human being.

[@jandrashriker5861]

I really wish Tim Duncan appears on one of these.

[@MrIslandman59]

I met David when he was assigned to Kings Bay(1987/88), he leaned over to look through my survey instrument and almost knocked it into the Crooked River when he forgot to flip his hard hat backwards! He was very apologetic and a nice guy!

[@frankiegonzalez3122]

I’m way too young to have watched David Robison play but as a spurs fan I do my due diligence and go back and watch as much as possible about Robinson as possible. Fan base is beyond grateful from those who watched to those who saw the foundation he made for the organization

[@ButlerFam]

Class act. Never a negative story about him off the court. Instead of leaving school early he fulfilled his commitment. He made me a Spurs fan. Go Spurs Go.

[@oxthegentlemangentleman4100]

One of the guys who inspired me to play basketball 🏀. Thank you Mr Robinson

[@carrotop96]

The Admiral

[@high-defRJ]

One of my favorite players of all time, my favorite center of all time. I have so much admiration for those who are academically talented and also possess great talent elsewhere, whether it be sports or music.

[@chrissilva2166]

A true god-given humility and understanding of The Human Condition we need more humans like him on this planet... all young people need to watch this video

[@Carl1973100]

David can you talk to KD about weightlifting for strength and size.

[@briancanterberry3085]

Thank you, David Robinson for your service and being a great example. NBA today needs to look at you, Jordan, Larry Bird, Dominique Wilkins, etc as to what professionals are how to act.

[@MAB1907]

I know if I live my life for Jesus Christ and do the right things when no one is looking, I’ll be able to meet David in heaven…. Thank you for some amazing memories all of you that played back then were absolutely the best players on the planet on and off the court…

[@johnsommmers5564]

This is what we ALL strive for truly humble and one of the GREATEST players of all Time!! Blessings Mr Robinson

[@patrickweekes656]

Truly a living epistle

[@bean4332]

DAMN! I DID NOT EXPECT TO FINISH THIS INTERVIEW BUT I WAS HOOKED. DAVID ROBINSON WHAT A STUD!

[@chadchesney3858]

Yeah the “twin towers” monicker had been used before. Buuut because of their talent and SUCCESS David and Tim and it iconic. They are the definitive NBA “Twin Towers”. Great interview. David is just such a great guy. I mean that reputation is even more we’ll known than his play. Everybody knows he was a great player. But he is KNOWN for being a TERRIFIC MAN. That’s why I like Dave.

[@mattpatrick2564]

So true, he was then and continues to be just a top notch human being!

[@horse-4598]

Was

[@5rodan5]

January 2024! What in Inspiration of Tithe and Seed Planting by Mr. David Robinson. I've always respected this man and his Character and I'm a better man for this interview. May we all grow from this interview and grow into our calling in 2024

[@S_Kane]

Great interview! His brother was my OiC in the USAF.

[@surfingtexas]

Legendary human being.

[@jaysonsacobie4617]

Respects to my Fellow Leo David Robinson 🙏

[@pf210]

Leo ♌ here too! Go Spurs Go

[@hoah1158]

My idol

[@nbagoats4819]

David was one of my all time favorite players. To me if he had loved the game a little more he coulda been in the GOAT conversation. He could do everything. He had the body, athleticism, could shoot. Just amazing player.

[@defiantlytrill]

Great to see this in my suggestions, can't wait to watch!

[@igordrakulovic6857]

93'94 ' Admiral had 29pts 10 Reb 4 ast per game in that season.

[@leondarnell1]

These interviews are sooo great!!!

[@shanewoods1980]

My favorite player as a young one was penny hardaway right behind him was the admiral. Both have turned out to be very humble and have done really great things outside of their basketball careers

[@CH-sr1js]

We need more David robinsons in the world

[@domenicdurante966]

An excellent interview. David Robinson...wish we had more like him.

[@johnfarr2738]

Such a humble man but a leader in every way!

[@junebugg1927]

I just started watching this channel. I love, love, love this channel. Joe Buck has a great channel. I had to subscribe.

[@jamesosei6888]

One of my favorite players from the 90s era

[@witmoe]

Thee Admiral David Robinson!!!

[@kylecraig6789]

It's fun to imagine how David would play in today's game. He might have been even more dangerous. The man had a very good midrange jumper. I could see him shooting around 35% from 3. His body type and athleticism are the closest resemblance to Giannis that I can think of.

[@Pegasus_p12]

I agree I see Giannis as the modern David Robinson

[@JimBrave-ri1oc]

He's way Stronger than the Players today Also hadOne of the Best Post up Games and a Very good Mid Range Game. Also he was a Baller and knew how to get points without anyone calling plays for him. Embiid needs 100 plays called for him and is clumsy if someone pushes on him. Robinson had great balance in the post in traffic. He also is maybe the all time leader in Dunks per game. Even back then he was getting about 4 dunks per game today with no defense in the lane he would get 8 dunks per game. He was also the Best 7 foot Finisher on the Fast Break with Jams and Dunks. He was faster than Giannis. Jumped Way higher, Quicker off the floor, more strength and stability. Better at shooting. Better Feel for the Game. WAY BETTER AROUND THE RIM. WAY Better defender. If he played today He would win about 5 MVP's

[@kylecraig6789]

@JimBrave-ri1oc Hey man, I get it. You're an old school fan, so you're gonna rate guys from that era a bit higher. The Admiral was my hero growing up, but in all honesty, he was not stronger or more athletic than Giannis. Comparing the two is a nice debate, because Robinson had a far better post game and jumper. Giannis, however, has that tenacity, aggressiveness, and killer instinct that Robinson did not have. Giannis also has better handles and passing. It's a pretty close call, but I'd still pick Giannis.

[@JimBrave-ri1oc]

@@kylecraig6789 Robinson jumps way higher than Giannis. Giannis is just better at dribbling the Court. Cause back then the Caoches didn't care for Centers to Dribble it up all the time. Robinson is faster and quicker. Robinson is Stronger with better power moves inside. 25 year old Robinson in todays NBA would be 38 ppg 16 rebounds, 5 blocks 2 steals. If you think giannis is quicker off the floor and isn't just a one leg leaper mainly then why doesn't he get 3 blocks per game and 2 steals like Robinson did. That is a skill of Quickness Robinson is Quicker. Also He was more Built. Giannis is kind of weak on blocks and steals for his size. Also his rebounds are low always stopping around 11. Robinson would have 11 by the first half of a game.

[@JimBrave-ri1oc]

@@kylecraig6789 Robinson had that Winning Instinct. You're not one to judge for a player that never had a team HE NEVER HAD A TEAM. Even with Duncan they still didn't have a TEAM. Their PG was the worst in the NBA and I'm big Avery Fan. He was great. But still he was the worst pg in the NBA during the 90's. Also del negro was the worst SG in the NBA. So was willie anderson. Elliott was ok but he was no Pippen. Elliott was about the 15th best SF in the NBA.

[@stephanefortin6497]

What a great gentlemen.....very impress by his humility and intelligence....great interview and conversation

[@roaldrealtornews7143]

Special days in Texas with Da Spurs..

[@keithnelson7629]

Great interview one of my childhood heros

[@stevenguevara2184]

Such a Great Man. Someone You can look up to

[@1017squirrel]

I can't tell u how many times I been on the 🏀court and I'll hear u look like David Robinson 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@jeonglee657]

One of the best interview I ever watches ....thank you!

[@codg3484]

The way the Spurs seamlessly transitioned from the late 90s Twin Towers era to the 2000s/2010s Big 3 era was impeccable

[@haroldlauron7894]

God bless the ADMIRAL CAPITAL!

[@hanshawks5088]

He should run for President