Dalton Ross of EW.com writes that former Portland Trail Blazers forward Cliff Robinson has been officially announced as a cast member for the next season of the reality television show "Survivor: Cagayan."
Robinson played 18 seasons in the NBA for the Portland Trail Blazers, Phoenix Suns, Detroit Pistons, Golden State Warriors and New Jersey Nets - averaging over 14 points a game and making the playoffs every season but one (sorry, 2004). So how did he end up on Survivor? "He's a fan of the show," says host Jeff Probst, who in the past has also welcomed other professional athletes or coaches like Gary Hogeboom, Jimmy Johnson and Jeff Kent to compete on the reality hit.
"There's a common thread through all the former athletes and people that have been involved in sports like Jimmy Johnson, and it's the competition. Jeff Kent talked about it a lot. He said, ‘This won't define me, but it is something I want to try.' Cliff was the same way. He made a lot of references during casting to the high he got from having to win in order to eat. He'd say, ‘Because if I don't win, I might not be asked back, and if I'm not asked back I don't make my money, and if I don't make my money I don't eat. So I have to win to eat.' And that's the essence of Survivor: You have to win to stick around.'"
"Uncle Cliffy" will reportedly compete as a member of the "Brawn tribe."
Here's his cast biography.
Inspiration in Life: Muhammad Ali, because of his strong belief system and what he stood for.
Hobbies: Golf, off roading/camping, and bowling.
Pet Peeves: People who chew their food with their mouth open.
3 Words to Describe You: Adventurous, funny and loyal.
If You Could Have 3 Things on The Island What Would They Be and Why? A rain coat to keep dry, soap so I can keep myself clean, and a Leatherman because it's a multi-tool.
SURVIVOR Contestant You Are Most Like: Boston Rob, because he had a good way of getting people to trust him.
Reason for Being on SURVIVOR: The challenge of the show being so tough, and the million dollars.
Why You Think You'll "Survive" SURVIVOR: I know how to fish, cook, and have good athleticism.
Why You Think You Will Be the Sole SURVIVOR: I think I would do well in challenges. I also have a good ability to make people feel comfortable with me.
The show will premiere on Feb. 26.
Trey Kerby at The Starters noted back in November that Robinson might be a cast member.
Robinson, 47, was a 1989 second-round pick and he played for the Blazers from 1989 until 1997, winning 1993 Sixth Man of the Year and 1994 All-Star honors. He eventually retired from the NBA in 2007 after an 18-year career.
Dwight Jaynes of CSNNW.com recently interviewed Robinson after he returned from a trip to North Korea with Dennis Rodman.
Big thanks to CheeseMonkey42 in the FanShots.
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-- Ben Golliver | benjamin.golliver@gmail.com |Twitter