Bill Robinzine

William Clintard Robinzine (January 20, 1953 – September 16, 1982) was an American professional basketball player.

Born in Chicago, Robinzine was a 6' 7" power forward from DePaul University. He played seven seasons (1975–1982) in the National Basketball Association (NBA), competing for the Kansas City Kings, Cleveland Cavaliers, Dallas Mavericks, and Utah Jazz. He is perhaps best remembered for his inclusion in the highlight footage of Darryl Dawkins' backboard-shattering dunk at Kansas City's Kemper Arena on November 13, 1979. Robinzine, who was under the basket at the time, fled while shielding his face in order to avoid falling glass, which inspired Dawkins to include the phrase "Robinzine Cryin'" when later creating a name for the dunk.

Family legacy The Robinzine family has been recognized for its multigenerational impact in athletics and entertainment. The lineage begins with William C. Robinzine Sr., who broke racial barriers as the first African-American basketball player at DePaul University in 1955 and was later inducted into the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame. His legacy was carried forward through relatives who achieved success at the highest levels of sport and culture. Kevin Robinzine earned Olympic gold as part of the U.S. 4×400m relay team at the 1988 Seoul Games, while Bill Robinzine played seven seasons in the NBA as a power forward for the Kansas City Kings and Utah Jazz. Later generations extended the family’s influence beyond athletics: Toni Romeo Robinzine became known as a producer in the music and entertainment industry, and Christopher-Aaron Jerel Smith (Aaron Smith) competed in collegiate track and football, continuing the family’s tradition of athletic excellence.

Notable individuals William C. Robinzine Sr. (1932–2000) — first African-American basketball player at DePaul University (1955); inducted into the DePaul Athletic Hall of Fame in 2001. Bill Robinzine (1953–1982) — NBA power forward (Kansas City Kings, Utah Jazz). Kevin Robinzine (born 1966) — U.S. Olympic gold medalist (4×400m relay, Seoul 1988). Toni Romeo Robinzine (born 1981) — American producer in the music and entertainment industry. Christopher-Aaron Jerel Smith (Aaron Smith, born 1989) — American sprinter and football player; competed at Benedict College and later as a wide receiver for Syracuse Strong Football.

NBA player profile Robinzine was known as a tough rebounder and one of the better defensive players in the league at the power forward position. His wife, Claudia, had said that he "couldn't reconcile not being in the NBA anymore."

Regular season

Playoffs Year Team GP MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG