SAN ANTONIO – Twenty years ago this week, a new era was established when the San Antonio Spurs selected Tim Duncan with the first overall pick in the 1997 NBA Draft.
The power forward out of Wake Forest averaged 16.5 points, 12.3 rebounds and 3.5 blocks per game in his four years with the Demon Deacons men’s basketball team.
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Duncan’s college career highlights earned him the titles of 1997 Naismith College Player of the Year, three-time Defensive Player of the Year by the National Association of Basketball Coaches and two-time ACC Player of the Year.
By drafting Duncan, the Spurs were able to create what was known at the time as the “Twin Towers,” with David Robinson leading the frontcourt at the center position.
The Twin Towers. #21DaysOfTD https://t.co/8yHxTaIGtQ
— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) December 14, 2016
Coincidentally, the Spurs selected Robinson thirty years ago with the first overall pick in the 1987 NBA Draft.
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However, the Spurs had to wait two years for Robinson to complete his active-duty obligation with the Navy in order for him to join the team.
Robinson, also known as “The Admiral,” is considered the best basketball player to ever play for the Naval Academy.
Robinson’s four years with the academy, the seven-foot center averaged 21 points, 10.3 rebounds and 4.1 blocks per game.
That moment you win your first @NBA Championship #21DaysOfTD pic.twitter.com/lKMrd56h8h
— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) December 6, 2016
In their first season with the Spurs, both Robinson and Duncan received NBA Rookie of the Year awards.
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Duncan, two-time NBA MVP and Robinson, 1995 NBA MVP, went on to win two championships together, with the first coming in 1999 and the second the year The Admiral was set to retire, 2003.
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