'Big Dog' Shows Big Heart: Purdue Hoops Legend Aids Hometown With Generous Donation

Purdue legend Glenn "Big Dog" Robinson donated back to his hometown community to help those impacted by storms in August.

Former Purdue Boilermakers forward Glenn Robinson (13). | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Throughout his basketball career, Glenn Robinson earned the nickname "Big Dog." Now in his hometown, he may be referred to as the "Big Heart."

Robinson recently donated $100,000 to the Gary, Ind., community, which was heavily impacted by storms on Aug. 11, according to a report from NWITimes.com. The money will be used to help residents in need, providing them with food, water and health and hygiene supplies. The city will also use some of that money for debris removal.

"Gary will always be a part of who I am. It's where I'm from, and I will never forget the people and the community that helped shape me," Robinson said in a video posted on Facebook. "I'm honored and blessed to give back with a contribution to help out with the storm relief.

"This is more than a donation; this is an investment in the City of Gary, its families, and its future. I hope this contribution inspires others to remember where they're from and reach back whenever they can. I love you, and I will always be proud to call you home."

Storms swept across Northwest Indiana on Aug. 11, downing trees and power lines in the area. Gary and surrounding areas have been without power for more than a week, and local schools have been closed as a result of the impact.

Robinson was a standout basketball player at Gary Roosevelt High School and attended Purdue, where he played under legendary head coach Gene Keady. In 1994, the "Big Dog" was named the National Player of the Year.

Robinson is also the father of current Purdue guard Gicarri Harris.

Glenn Robinson is an Indiana basketball legend

Former Purdue Boilermakers forward Glenn Robinson (13) in action. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Robinson is one of the best players the state has seen in its long basketball history. He's a member of the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame and has received many accolades throughout his career.

In 1991, Robinson was a first-team McDonald's All-American and was named Indiana's Mr. Basketball after guiding Roosevelt to a 30-1 record and a state title, averaging 25.6 points and 14.6 rebounds per game.

Following his high school career, Robinson played under Keady at Purdue. He had a dominant 1993-94 campaign, averaging 30.3 points and 10.1 rebounds per game and finishing the year with 1,030 points. He was the NCAA scoring champion, a first-team All-American and received Big Ten Player of the Year and National Player of the Year accolades.

That season, Purdue finished with a 29-5 record, won the Big Ten title and reached the Elite Eight round of the NCAA Tournament. Robinson was selected No. 1 overall in the 1994 NBA Draft by the Milwaukee Bucks.

Robinson was a two-time NBA All-Star with the Bucks and was a member of the 2005 San Antonio Spurs team that won an NBA championship. He enjoyed an 11-year career in the league, scoring more than 14,000 points and collecting more than 4,000 rebounds.

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