Scotland’s basketball community mourns the passing of basketball legend Robert Archibald

The basketball community in Scotland is deeply saddened to learn of the unexpected passing of Scottish basketball legend Robert Archibald at 39 years of age.

Robert was the first and only Scot to have played in the prestigious NBA, playing as power forward and centre for the Memphis Grizzlies, Phoenix Suns, Orlando Magic and Toronto Raptors.

Born in Paisley, Robert began his basketball journey with Dunfermline Reign before moving to the US to pursue his dreams.  Following an outstanding four-year NCAA career at the University of Illinois he was drafted to the NBA in 2002. Internationally, he represented Scotland throughout his teenage years before joining the GB programme in 2007. He went on to feature at three major international tournaments: EuroBasket 2009, EuroBasket 2011 and London Olympics 2012 – one of only three Scots to play basketball at an Olympic games.  Archibald followed in the footsteps of his father, Bobby, who captained Scotland and GB in the 1980s.

Kevin Pringle, Chief Executive of basketballscotland said: “The news of Robert’s death is a complete shock to us all. He was a wonderful man and a great friend, as well as being a trailblazer and an inspiration to others. Robert loved the sport and demonstrated what can be achieved through hard work and the right attitude. Throughout his extraordinary career he always played with pride and determination, and was always a credit to his country, whether representing Scotland or GB at home or abroad. The basketball community has lost a great role model and a true friend, and the thoughts of the whole community are with his family at this difficult time.  We will miss him.”