#KU50: 8 Dave Robisch

In the one-and-done era, I feel comfortable making this statement: no KU player will do what Robisch did and be the back-to-back conference player of the year. Robisch accomplished the feat in 1970, when he averaged 26.5 points and 12.1 rebounds per game, and then again in 1971 when he averaged 19.2 points and 10.1 rebounds per game.

A 6-10 center, only 15 rebounds over the course of three seasons kept Robisch from averaging 20 pts and 10 rebounds per game for his entire career.

Robisch currently ranks 11th in KU history in scoring, one point ahead of Kirk Hinrich (though he did it in just 83 games, 2nd fewest of anyone in the top 20).

Robisch had an interesting, to say the least, college career. The campus was actually shutdown during his junior season due to unrest during the civil rights movement, and Robisch came back to Kansas as a senior and led the Jayhawks to the Final Four, where they lost to eventual champ UCLA 68-60. That game was semi-controversial, as Robisch made a big shot to put the Jayhawks ahead in the 2nd half, but was called for traveling just beforehand (Sam Gilbert paid more than just players in those days apparently). In any event, Robisch finished his career with two 20-win seasons, and an undefeated record in the Big 8 as a senior.

Robisch also pitched in college, and was named All-Conference in 1969. He had an opportunity to play pro baseball, but played 13 seasons in the ABA and NBA instead. He led the team in scoring all three years on campus, and led the team in rebounding as a freshman and sophomore as well.