Austin "Red" Robbins

Ht. 6-8
Wt. 200
College - Tennessee
ABA Teams: New Orleans Buccaneers (1967-68 to 1969-70), Utah Stars (1970-71 to 1971-72), San Diego Conquistadors (1972-73 to 1973-74); Kentucky Colonels (1973-74 to 1974-75), Virginia Squires (1974-75)

An ABA original, flourished in first several years in ABA under legendary coach Babe McCarthy. Played center for first three years in league (making the ABA All-Star team each of those years). In crucial Game 7 of 1971 ABA Finals, hit 11 out of 12 field goals from field to help Stars win their first and only title. Known for his consistency on the boards. 4th on all-time ABA rebounding list, with 6,155 (trailing only Mel Daniels, Artis Gilmore and Gerald Govan). Known for ignoring injuries. Known for his fiery temper (achieving three technicals in one game several times during his ABA career). Surprisingly good three-point shooter (30.5% career percentage) and foul shooter (81.8% career percentage).

From Jim O'Brien's 1972-73 Complete Handbook of Pro Basketball:
"He looks like a walking one-iron," quipped an opposing player in the ABA, "and he's just about as tough to handle." . . . Other remarks about Red Robbins are of same stripe: "He looks easy," said one opponent, speaking of the slender, orange-haired forward, "you just can't wait to get the ball and put a move on him. You try a shot and that sonuva gun slams the ball right back in your face. You work on him on defense and all you get is six elbows, bruises and wounded feelings. He ends up with 20 points and you end up with a tongue-lashing from your coach." . . . Well, not quite . . . Robbins averages only 12.6 points, but doesn't shoot that much either . . . For four years he's been one of ABA's best rebounders . . . Ranked fifth, second and third in ABA first three years with 12.2, 13.5 and 16.2 rebounding averages, while playing for the New Orleans Buccaneers . . . Consistency is name of his game . . . Those same three years he averaged 15.7, 15.9 and 16.4 in scoring . . . Was center then, but Zelmo Beaty's presence at Utah converted him to cornerman . . . Has temper to match reputation about red-heads angering fast . . . Avid golfer who's making Salt Lake his year round home