TTM Stats
- Sent: 5/13/2022 | Received: 5/24/2022 | 11 Days
- ’91 Fleer, ’91 Upper Deck, ’92 Fleer, ’93 NBA Hoops
- Address: Home (address from Sports Card Forum)
The Story of the Autograph
Stanley Roberts was a basketball player with rare physical gifts, a powerful presence on the court, and immense potential. Standing at 7 feet tall and weighing over 300 pounds, Roberts was a force to be reckoned with during his career. Though injuries and off-court challenges curtailed his time in the NBA, his story is one of talent, perseverance, and redemption.
Born on February 7, 1970, in Hopkins, South Carolina, Stanley Corvet Roberts grew up with dreams of making it big in basketball. His size and athleticism stood out early, making him a star at Lower Richland High School, where he led his team to success, including two state championships, and became one of the nation’s top recruits.
Roberts attended Louisiana State University (LSU), where he shared the court with Shaquille O’Neal, forming one of the most intimidating frontcourt duos in college basketball history. During the 1989–1990 season, Roberts averaged 14.1 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per game. His incredible size and skill made him a projected NBA star, but academic challenges and eligibility issues ended his college career after just one season.
After a brief stint playing professionally in Spain, Stanley Roberts entered the 1991 NBA Draft and was selected 23rd overall by the Orlando Magic. Despite being overshadowed by the arrival of Shaquille O’Neal the following year, Roberts showcased his potential as a center with soft hands, effective post moves, and strong rebounding abilities.
Roberts later joined the Los Angeles Clippers, where he enjoyed his best seasons. During the 1992–1993 season, he averaged 11.3 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game. His performances hinted at a bright future, but injuries began to take their toll.
Over the course of his career, Roberts played for several teams, including the Minnesota Timberwolves, Houston Rockets, and Philadelphia 76ers. Chronic knee injuries and weight management issues severely limited his time on the court, and by the late 1990s, his NBA career came to an end. In total, Roberts played in 300 NBA games, averaging 8.5 points, 5,2 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game.
Roberts’ post-playing career was marked by personal struggles, including financial difficulties and legal troubles. At one point, he faced a prison sentence for failing to pay child support, which he later described as a wake-up call. In the years that followed, Roberts dedicated himself to turning his life around. He became an advocate for young athletes, speaking openly about the pressures of professional sports and the importance of making smart decisions. His message to aspiring players was clear: talent alone isn’t enough—discipline, education, and planning are just as important.
Roberts also worked to improve his health, shedding significant weight and focusing on his long-term well-being. His journey of self-improvement resonated with fans who remembered his dominance on the court and admired his perseverance off it.
Stanley Roberts may not have reached the heights many envisioned, but his story serves as a reminder of the challenges and complexities faced by professional athletes. His brief flashes of brilliance and ability to overcome adversity have left a lasting impression on those who followed his career.
Today, Roberts is remembered as one of the most physically imposing players of his time, a giant who inspired both awe and curiosity. His efforts to rebuild his life and help others highlight his strength of character, ensuring his legacy goes beyond the game of basketball.
Stanley Roberts’ journey is a testament to the power of redemption and the enduring lessons of perseverance—on and off the court.
The Score on Stanley Roberts – 6.5
Stanley did a great job on these despite the cards being a challenge. Basketball cards are always a challenge but these definitely have some of the busiest and darkest images (outside maybe a 1990 Skybox card). I think the think marker actually does a good job of cutting through the images and I wouldn’t normally say that.
Thanks Mr. Roberts! I’m giving this return a 6.5.
This is my third successful return from him. To see the other successful returns, check out these posts:
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Information gathered using Wikipedia and Basketball Reference.