University of Vermont Athletic Hall of Fame
Kevin A. Roberson 1992 - Basketball
Those who saw Kevin Roberson play for UVM were fortunate, however those who knew him personally were perhaps even luckier. A 1993 Hall of Fame inductee, his legacy in basketball is formidable, but his legacy in personal terms is unforgettable.
One of the best basketball players to ever play for the Catamounts, he was the first UVM player to have his jersey (#33) retired. Roberson's basketball legacy is unprecedented. He graduated as the third-leading shotblocker in NCAA history behind Shaquille O'Neal and Alonzo Mourning, and he was among the nation's top centers for three years. He finished with 1,503 points, then second all-time at Vermont behind UVM Hall of Famer Mike Evelti, 1,054 rebounds, still first all-time at Vermont and a school-record 409 blocks. He averaged 3.65 blocks a game for his career and recorded five triple-doubles (believed to be a NCAA record).
In addition to being named North Atlantic Conference Player of the Year in 1991-92, Roberson was first-team All-Conference for two years, and a second-team All-ECAC selection as a senior. In 1998, he was named to the America East 20th Anniversary All-Star Team.
Kevin was killed on May 8, 1993 in an automobile accident that took the life of his sister, Michelle, in Buffalo, N.Y., their hometown. The UVM community, Burlington, Vt., the state and basketball fans throughout the region were stunned.
"Looking back, what really sticks out is the reaction of everyone to Kevin and I mean everyone. As brilliant as Kevin's career was; as electric a player as he was; everyone talked about Kevin as a person," said his college coach, Tom Brennan.
The America East Men's Basketball Player of the Year Award is named in Roberson's memory. In 2002, Vermont's T.J. Sorrentine '05 won the award and recognized Roberson in his acceptance remarks.
"I am very proud to be the first at UVM to win the award since it was named after Kevin Roberson. Before every game at home I see his number hanging up there and think of what he meant to UVM."
