53 Rick Robey

Rick Robey was born Frederick Robert Robey on January 30, 1956, in Coral Gables, Florida to Selva Beatrice Morris and Frederic Edwin Robey.  Robey’s family moved across America as he grew up. Robey remembered, “I lived in Coral Gables and Jacksonville, Florida until I was about five, then in Memphis (Tennessee) until I was 8 1/2, in Alaska until I was 11, and in New Orleans ever since.”

Robey’s interest in basketball started early. The Robey family lived in Kodiak, Alaska for two years where Robey’s father worked at the Kodiak Naval Operating Base. His father, Fred Robey was a civilian employee of the US Defense Investigative Service who said Robey’s interest in basketball “…started very young, about five or six. He’d say ‘Dad, come out and throw the ball to me’ and I’d do it. Then he started saying ‘Dad, let’s go out and shoot baskets’ and I’d do that too”.  Robey started playing basketball in the naval station’s gymnasium every day, competing with much older sailors and marines. Robey’s father said, “they were all so much bigger and better than him that he learned he just had to be aggressive”.

Robey played high school basketball as a center for the Brother Martin High School Crusaders in New Orleans, Louisiana.  After joining the team, Robey lost a season due to leaving his home school district.  In the year he sat out, Robey said “I grew five inches – up to 6′ 10″ inches. And I did get to practice and dress for games”.  Beginning to play as a high school junior, Robey quickly became the team leader in scoring, averaging 16.1 points and 10.5 rebounds per game.

As a high school senior, Robey led the Brother Martin Crusaders to win the Louisiana Class AAAA basketball state championship 67–56 over district rival Holy Cross. Robey scored twice in the last 39 seconds of the game, earning a total of 21 points and 18 rebounds during the game.  Robey was voted Most Valuable Player of the state AAAA championship game.  Robey was voted Most Valuable Player in Louisiana for scoring 51 points and 38 rebounds during the tournament by the reporters and broadcasters who covered the games.  Robey was named the Top Twenty tournament’s “Outstanding Player” by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association.  Robey was a unanimous selection to the Louisiana All-State basketball team.

Robey was chosen as one of 1974’s “30 hottest college prospects” by five well-regarded college basketball coaches. Coaches Gene Bartow of Memphis State, Don Haskins of the University of Texas at El Paso, Dick “Digger” Phelps of Notre Dame, George Raveling of Washington State, and Norm Sloan of North Carolina State selected Robey as one of the six most promising centers in America.

Averaging 19.9 points and 15.9 rebounds per game as a high school senior, it was reported Robey had “college coaches drooling” over the prospect of recruiting him.

Robey then ranked fifth in the nation, estimated that 210 college basketball programs had approached him to join their teams. The media closely followed Robey as he narrowed his choice of teams for his college basketball career. In early 1974, it was reported that Robey would choose either Tulane University, the University of Florida, or the University of Kentucky.

In April 1974 Robey chose UK, accepting a scholarship offered by Coach Joe B. Hall. Hall also recruited Jack Givens, James Lee, and Mike Phillips to the 1974 UK lineup. Robey and Phillips were often referred to as “the Twin Towers” while playing together at UK.  Robey said his decision was influenced by Kentucky’s love of basketball. “I felt the coaches here were really good people and of course the fans are tremendous”.

Coach Hall was pleased with Robey’s performance at UK saying “…Rick is not the kind of guy who pouts. He took the elbows, smiled and learned his lessons”.

Robey was a member of UK’s 1974–1975 team that was the 1975 NCAA Championship Runner Up and UK’s 1977–1978 team that won the 1978 NCAA Championship.

Robey played a crucial role in leading Kentucky to the 1978 NCAA Championship. In the championship game against Duke, Robey scored 20 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, helping the Wildcats secure their fifth national title. He was named to the 1978 NCAA All-Tournament Team for his outstanding performance.  While Kentucky’s 1978 championship 94–88 win against the Duke Blue Devils is often remembered for Jack Givens’ 41-point outburst, Sports Illustrated magazine said Robey “made the most spectacular play of the game. With 7:39 to go, (UK Coach Joe B.) Hall charged onto the court during a brief stop in play to chide Robey for some indiscretion. Seconds later Robey responded by grabbing a missed shot and jamming it into the basket in one motion”.

During his time at Kentucky, Robey was known for his strong inside presence, rebounding ability, and efficient scoring. He was a two-time All-SEC selection and played alongside other Kentucky greats, including Jack Givens and Kyle Macy.

After his stellar college career, Robey was selected third overall in the 1978 NBA Draft by the Indiana Pacers. He played only one season in Indiana before being traded to the Boston Celtics in 1979. With the Celtics, Robey provided solid frontcourt depth and was part of the 1981 team that won the NBA Championship, though he played a reserve role behind stars like Larry Bird, Robert Parish, and Kevin McHale.

In 1983, Robey was traded to the Phoenix Suns, where he played until his retirement in 1986. Over his eight-year NBA career, he averaged 7.5 points and 4.7 rebounds per game.

After retiring from professional basketball, Robey pursued a successful career in real estate. He remains involved in Kentucky basketball circles and is regarded as one of the program’s all-time greats.

Rick Robey is celebrated for his contributions to Kentucky’s 1978 championship team and his role in the NBA. His legacy as a tough, skilled big man who excelled at both the college and professional levels continues to be remembered by Wildcats fans and basketball historians alike.