Dimitris Kouimtsidis
FORMER Malaga and Great Britain basketball international Robert Archibald has died at the age of 39.
University of Illinois athletics officials confirmed Archibald’s death, but the circumstances around his passing still remain unclear.
The seven foot giant is the only Scotsman to ever play in the NBA when he was drafted in 2002 by the Memphis Grizzlies.
He moved back to Europe in 2004 and had a successful career in the Euroleague – Europe’s top tier competition.
He played for four Spanish teams during that period, including Valencia, Badalona and Zaragoza.
Malaga was the team he made the biggest impact for however, when he spent three seasons there from 2008 to 2011.
Archibald also had 37 caps as a Great Britain international, representing Team GB at the London Olympic Games in 2012, after which he subsequently retired from international duty.
Tributes have come in from around the globe, including from Spanish legend Pau Gasol – who was his teammate in Memphis.
British Basketball Federation chairman Maurice Watkins said: “He was a fantastic ambassador for Scottish and British basketball and will be fondly remembered for his great contribution to the game in our country, his talent and his achievements.”
