Robert Upshaw
{{short description|American basketball player}}
{{Infobox basketball biography
| name = Robert Upshaw
| image = Upshaw.jpg
| image_size =
| caption = Upshaw with Arka Gdynia in 2019
| position = Center
| height_ft = 7
| height_in = 0
| weight_lb = 250
| league =
| team = Free Agent
| number =
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1994|1|5}}
| birth_place = Fresno, California, U.S.
| high_school = San Joaquin Memorial
(Fresno, California)
| college =
- Fresno State (2012–2013)
- Washington (2014–2015)
| draft_year = 2015
| career_start = 2015
| years1 = 2015–2016
| team1 = Los Angeles D-Fenders
| years2 = 2016
| team2 = Kalev/Cramo
| years3 = 2016–2017
| team3 = Mayrouba Club
| years4 = 2017
| team4 = Chemidor Tehran
| years5 = 2017
| team5 = Guaros de Lara
| years6 = 2017–2018
| team6 = Champville
| years7 = 2018
| team7 = Yakima SunKings
| years8 = 2018–2019
| team8 = Arka Gdynia
| years9 = 2019–2020
| team9 = Arel Üniversitesi Büyükçekmece
| years10 = 2020
| team10 = Fuenlabrada
| years11 = 2020–2021
| team11 = Al-Ahli
| years12 = 2021
| team12 = Buyuksehir Hastanesi Konyaspor
| years13 = 2021
| team13 = BC Tsmoki-Minsk
| years14 = 2022–2023
| team14 = Tainan TSG GhostHawks
| years15 = 2023
| team15 = Shaanxi Wolves
| years16 = 2024
| team16 = Iğdır Basketbol
| years17 = 2024
| team17 = Seattle Super Hawks
| years18 = 2024
| team18 = Taoyuan Taiwan Beer Leopards
| highlights =
}}
Robert Ridjell Upshaw{{Cite web|url=https://www.californiabirthindex.org/birth/robert_ridjell_upshaw_born_1994_23346473|title=Robert Ridjell Upshaw was born on January 5, 1994 in Fresno County, California|website=californiabirthindex.org|publisher=California Birth Index|access-date=May 8, 2020}} (born January 5, 1994) is an American professional basketball player who last played for the Taoyuan Taiwan Beer Leopards of the Taiwan Professional Basketball League (TPBL). He played college basketball for Fresno State and the University of Washington.
College career
Upshaw played high school basketball for San Joaquin Memorial High School in his hometown of Fresno, California. A top 100 recruit, he originally committed to play college basketball for Kansas State University, but was released from his commitment when Wildcats head coach Frank Martin left for another job.{{cite web | last = Dauster| first = Rob| title = K-State commit Robert Upshaw will not follow Frank Martin | work = NBCSports.com | date = March 28, 2012 | url = http://collegebasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/28/k-state-commit-robert-upshaw-will-not-follow-frank-martin/ | accessdate = May 23, 2015}} He then chose local Fresno State, where as a freshman in the 2012–13 season he averaged 4.1 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game. In the summer after his freshman season, Upshaw was dismissed from the Bulldogs for violations of team rules.{{cite web | last = Eisenberg| first = Jeff| title = Fresno State dismisses heralded center Robert Upshaw after one disappointing season | work = Yahoo Sports | date = August 15, 2013 | url = https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/ncaab-the-dagger/fresno-state-dismisses-heralded-center-robert-upshaw-one-144749460.html | accessdate = May 23, 2015}}
The 7'0" center then transferred to Washington. After sitting out the 2013–14 season per NCAA transfer rules, he played 19 games for the Huskies, averaging 10.9 points, 8.2 rebounds and 4.5 blocks per game. On January 26, 2015, Upshaw was dismissed from the Washington program, again for violations of team rules. He was leading the country in blocked shots per game at the time of his dismissal and had led the Huskies in rebounding.{{cite web | last = Jude| first = Adam| title = Huskies center Robert Upshaw dismissed from the program for violation of team rules | work = Seattle Times | date = January 26, 2015| url = http://blogs.seattletimes.com/huskymensbasketball/2015/01/26/huskies-center-robert-upshaw-dismissed-from-the-program-for-violation-of-team-rules/ | accessdate = May 23, 2015}}
Professional career
=Los Angeles D-Fenders (2015–2016)=
Upshaw declared his eligibility for the 2015 NBA draft rather than transfer to another college program. At the NBA Draft Combine, Upshaw measured as one of the tallest players in attendance (an even seven feet tall in shoes) with the longest standing reach and wingspan. He was projected as a late first-round or early second-round selection,{{cite web | last = O'Donnell| first = Ricky| title = Robert Upshaw could be a star if he overcomes his demons | work = SB Nation | date = May 21, 2015| url = https://www.sbnation.com/nba/2015/5/21/8627453/nba-draft-2015-robert-upshaw-washington-sleeper | accessdate = May 23, 2015}} but went undrafted, likely due to his personal issues. In July 2015, he joined the Los Angeles Lakers for the 2015 NBA Summer League,{{cite news|url=http://www.nba.com/lakers/news/15_summerLeagueRoster|title=Lakers Announce 2015 Summer League Roster|work=NBA.com|date=July 2, 2015|accessdate=September 14, 2015}} where he averaged a mere 1.4 points and 2.2 rebounds per game. Upshaw felt there was more in him than his Summer League showing, and after dropping 20 pounds,{{cite news|last=Ramirez|first=Joey|url=http://www.nba.com/lakers/news/150917_robertupshaw|title=Upshaw Slims Down for Training Camp|work=NBA.com|date=September 17, 2015|accessdate=September 18, 2015}} he signed with the Lakers for training camp on September 14, 2015.{{cite news|url=http://www.nba.com/lakers/releases/150914robertupshaw|title=Lakers Sign Robert Upshaw|work=NBA.com|date=September 14, 2015|accessdate=September 14, 2015}} He was later waived by the Lakers on October 20 after appearing in four preseason games.{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/lakers/releases/151020_frazierUpshaw|title=Lakers Waive Frazier II and Upshaw|work=NBA.com|date=October 20, 2015|accessdate=October 20, 2015}} On October 31, 2015, he was acquired by the Los Angeles D-Fenders of the NBA Development League as an affiliate player of the Lakers.{{cite news|url=http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=5065520|title=D-Fenders Finalize 2015 Training Camp Roster|work=OurSportsCentral.com|date=October 31, 2015|accessdate=October 31, 2015}} Upshaw received consistent minutes for the D-Fenders throughout the season before losing his spot in the rotation in late February 2016. On March 11, 2016, his contract was terminated by the D-League for violating the league's anti-drug program.{{cite news|url=http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/robert-upshaws-nba-d-league-playing-services-terminated-for-violating-league-anti-drug-program/n-5109907|title=Robert Upshaw's NBA D-League Playing Services Terminated for Violating League Anti-Drug Program|work=OurSportsCentral.com|date=March 11, 2016|accessdate=March 11, 2016}} In 28 games (two starts) for the D-Fenders in 2015–16, he averaged 7.3 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.4 blocks in 15.6 minutes per game.{{cite news|last=Faigen|first=Harrison|url=http://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2016/3/11/11208416/robert-upshaws-contract-terminated-by-d-league-for-violating-anti|title=Robert Upshaw's contract terminated by D-League for violating anti-drug program|work=silverscreenandroll.com|date=March 11, 2016|accessdate=March 11, 2016}}
=BC Kalev/Cramo (2016)=
On September 1, 2016, Upshaw signed with BC Kalev/Cramo of the Estonian League.{{cite news|url=http://www.sportando.com/en/europe/estonia/210885/robert-upshaw-signs-with-bc-kalev-cramo-in-estonia.html|title=Robert Upshaw signs with BC Kalev/Cramo in Estonia|work=Sportando.com|date=September 1, 2016|accessdate=September 1, 2016}} He appeared in five games for Kalev/Cramo during October before leaving the team in November due to a knee injury.{{cite news|url=http://sport.ohtuleht.ee/773039/kalevcramost-lahkunud-robert-upshaw-liitus-veel-moodunud-hooajal-liibanoni-esiliigas-manginud-meeskonnaga|title=Kalev/Cramost lahkunud Robert Upshaw liitus veel möödunud hooajal Liibanoni esiliigas mänginud meeskonnaga|work=sport.ohtuleht.ee|date=November 26, 2016|accessdate=January 9, 2017|language=Estonian}}
=Mayrouba Club and Chemidor Tehran (2016–2017)=
After leaving Kalev/Cramo, Upshaw joined Mayrouba Club of the Lebanese Basketball League in late November 2016. He made his debut for Mayrouba in their 2016–17 season opener on December 2.{{cite news|url=http://sport.delfi.ee/news/korvpall/eesti/kalevcramost-lahkunud-upshaw-ei-hakka-polve-ravima-vaid-eksootilises-liigas-mangima?id=76401003|title=Kalev/Cramost lahkunud Upshaw ei hakka põlve ravima, vaid eksootilises liigas mängima|work=sport.delfi.ee|date=November 26, 2016|accessdate=January 9, 2017|language=Estonian}} In 18 games for Mayrouba, he averaged 19.7 points, 12.3 rebounds, 1.3 assists 3.6 blocks per game. In April 2017, he joined Iranian team Chemidor Tehran for a three-game stint.
=Guaros de Lara (2017)=
In September 2017, Upshaw signed with Guaros de Lara of the Venezuelan Liga Profesional de Baloncesto for the FIBA Intercontinental Cup.{{cite news|last=Vega|first=Francisco|url=http://www.latinbasket.com/Venezuela/news/505723/Guaros-sign-Robert-Upshaw,-ex-Chemidor,-for-FIBA-Intercontinental-Cup|title=Guaros sign Robert Upshaw, ex Chemidor, for FIBA Intercontinental Cup|work=Latinbasket.com|date=September 6, 2016|accessdate=September 26, 2017}}
=Champville (2017–2018)=
On October 4, 2017, Upshaw signed with Champville of the Lebanese Basketball League.{{cite news|title=Robert Upshaw inks with Champville|url=https://www.sportando.com/en/asia/lebanon/248878/robert-upshaw-inks-with-champville.html|accessdate=November 22, 2017|work=Sportando.com|date=October 4, 2017}} He left the team in February 2018. In 17 games, he averaged 13.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.9 blocks per game.
=Yakima SunKings (2018)=
In March 2018, Upshaw joined the Yakima SunKings of the North American Premier Basketball.{{cite web|last=Thomas|first=Dave|url=http://www.yakimaherald.com/news/news_watch/sunkings-back-home-but-hurting/article_052122b4-2a62-11e8-8159-873f7cd364a4.html|title=SunKings back home but hurting|work=yakimaherald.com|date=March 17, 2018|accessdate=March 17, 2018}} He helped the SunKings win the championship.{{cite web|last=Thomas|first=Dave|url=http://www.yakimaherald.com/sports/sports_watch/sunkings-cap-comeback-season-with-napb-championship/article_77332376-567b-11e8-a379-b744386608c7.html|title=Sunkings Comeback Season with NAPB Championship|work=YakimaHerald.com|date=May 13, 2018|accessdate=August 9, 2018}} In five games, he averaged 11.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, 1.0 assists and 3.0 blocks per game.
=Arka Gdynia (2018–2019)=
=Arel Üniversitesi Büyükçekmece (2019–2020)=
On July 19, 2019, Upshaw signed with Arel Üniversitesi Büyükçekmece of the Turkish Basketbol Süper Ligi.{{Cite web|url=https://sportando.basketball/en/buyukcekmece-signs-robert-upshaw/|title=Buyukcekmece signs Robert Upshaw|date=July 19, 2019|publisher=Sportando|language=En|access-date=July 29, 2019}}
=Fuenlabrada (2020)=
On July 2, 2020, Upshaw signed with Fuenlabrada of the Spanish Liga ACB.{{Cite web|url=https://sportando.basketball/en/robert-upshaw-signs-with-montakit-fuenlabrada/|title=Robert Upshaw signs with Montakit Fuenlabrada|date=July 2, 2020|publisher=Sportando|language=En|access-date=July 2, 2020}} In three games, he averaged 10.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.3 blocks per game.
=Al-Ahli and Buyuksehir Hastanesi Konyaspor (2020–2021)=
On November 19, 2020, Upshaw signed with Al-Ahli of the Bahraini Premier League.{{cite web |last1=Madwar |first1=Ahmad |title=Al-Ahli tabs Robert Upshaw, ex Fuenlabrada |url=https://www.eurobasket.com/Spain/news/653956/Al-Ahli-tabs-Robert-Upshaw,-ex-Fuenlabrada |website=Eurobasket |accessdate=November 19, 2020 |date=November 19, 2020}} In 10 games, he averaged 25.6 points, 15.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.1 steals and 2.4 blocks per game.{{cite web |title=Robert Upshaw |url=https://basketball.eurobasket.com/player/Robert-Upshaw/259100 |website=eurobasket.com |access-date=August 25, 2021 |url-access=subscription}} In March 2021, he joined Buyuksehir Hastanesi Konyaspor of the Turkish Basketball First League. In 12 games, he averaged 21.4 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.3 blocks per game.
=BC Tsmoki-Minsk (2021)=
On August 23, 2021, Upshaw signed with BC Tsmoki-Minsk of the Belarus Premier League and the VTB United League.{{cite web |title=Tsmoki-Minsk announces Robert Upshaw |url=https://sportando.basketball/en/tsmoki-minsk-announces-robert-upshaw/ |website=Sportando |access-date=August 23, 2021 |date=August 23, 2021}} He left the team in November 2021.
=Tainan TSG GhostHawks and Shaanxi Wolves (2022–2023)=
On November 10, 2022, Upshaw signed with Tainan TSG GhostHawks of the T1 League.{{cite news |title=臂展228公分 獵鷹簽下禁區大掃把阿修羅 |url=https://udn.com/news/story/7003/6754054 |accessdate=November 10, 2022 |work=United Daily News |date=November 10, 2022}} In 33 games in the 2022–23 season, he averaged 22.1 points, 11.7 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.5 blocks per game.
On July 4, 2023, Upshaw signed with Shaanxi Wolves of the National Basketball League for the 2023 season, which started on July 2.{{cite news |title=Upshaw III joins NBL side Shaanxi Wolves |url=https://english.news.cn/20230704/e2b37259c60d4763892064fdeb3640aa/c.html |accessdate=July 25, 2023 |work=Xinhua |date=July 4, 2023}}
On July 24, 2023, Upshaw re-signed with the Tainan TSG GhostHawks.{{cite news |title=獵鷹新賽季首位洋將就位 「氣氛大師」阿修羅生涯首獲續約 |url=https://sports.ettoday.net/news/2546185 |accessdate=July 24, 2023 |work=ETtoday |date=July 24, 2023 |language=Chinese}} His contract was terminated by the GhostHawks on November 20, 2023.{{cite news|title=獵鷹「拉拉山」3塔成絕響 阿修羅確定解約走人 |url=https://sports.ettoday.net/news/2626722 |accessdate=November 20, 2023 |work=ETtoday |date=November 20, 2023 |language=Chinese}} He appeared in one game for Tainan to begin the 2023–24 season.
=Iğdır Basketbol (2024)=
=Seattle Super Hawks (2024)=
In May 2024, Upshaw joined the Seattle Super Hawks of The Basketball League.
=Taoyuan Taiwan Beer Leopards (2024)=
On August 31, 2024, Upshaw signed with the Taoyuan Taiwan Beer Leopards of the Taiwan Professional Basketball League (TPBL).{{cite news |title=「最強保全」阿修羅回鍋 雲豹洋將陣容到齊 |url=https://udn.com/news/story/7002/8197910 |accessdate=August 31, 2024 |work=United Daily News |date=August 31, 2024}} On December 19, he was released by the Leopards due to a knee injury.{{cite news|title=雲豹宣布台籃「最強保全」阿修羅離隊 膝傷短期無法復原 |url=https://sports.ettoday.net/news/2877067 |accessdate=December 19, 2024 |work=ETtoday |date=December 19, 2024 }}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- [http://stats.nbadleague.com/player/#!/1626193/ NBA D-League profile]
- [http://www.gobulldogs.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/robert_upshaw_809306.html Fresno State Bulldogs bio]
- [https://www.tblstat.net/player/3060 TBLStat.net profile]
{{DEFAULTSORT:Upshaw, Robert}}
Category:21st-century American sportsmen
Category:Al-Ahli Club (Manama) basketball players
Category:American expatriate basketball people in Belarus
Category:American expatriate basketball people in Estonia
Category:American expatriate basketball people in Iran
Category:American expatriate basketball people in Lebanon
Category:American expatriate basketball people in Poland
Category:American expatriate basketball people in Venezuela
Category:American men's basketball players
Category:Arka Gdynia (basketball) players
Category:Baloncesto Fuenlabrada players
Category:Basketball players from Fresno, California
Category:BC Kalev/Cramo players
Category:BC Tsmoki-Minsk players
Category:Büyükçekmece Basketbol players
Category:Fresno State Bulldogs men's basketball players
Category:Guaros de Lara players
Category:Iranian Basketball Super League players
Category:Los Angeles D-Fenders players
Category:Mayrouba Club players
Category:Shaanxi Wolves players
Category:Tainan TSG GhostHawks players
Category:Taiwan Professional Basketball League imports
Category:Taoyuan Taiwan Beer Leopards players
Category:Washington Huskies men's basketball players
Category:Chemidor Tehran BC players