17 Facts About Robert Traylor

Robert DeShaun "Tractor" Traylor was an American professional basketball player.

Robert Traylor got his nickname because of his hulking frame.

Robert Traylor averaged 4.8 points per game, mainly as a reserve center and forward.

Robert Traylor was a McDonald's All-American the same year as Kevin Garnett, Vince Carter and Paul Pierce.

That year, Robert Traylor broke a backboard while dunking in a game against Ball State.

Robert Traylor helped lead the Wolverines to the 1997 National Invitation Tournament title, and was named the tournament's most valuable player.

Robert Traylor was one of four Michigan players whose ties to booster Ed Martin roiled the program.

The school vacated the records of every game in which Robert Traylor played from its record book.

Robert Traylor had to surrender his MVP award for the 1997 NIT, as well as his MVP award from the 1998 Big Ten tournament.

Nowitzki "would go on to have a distinguished 21-year career where he was an All-Star 14 times, a member of the All-NBA team 12 times, a league and Finals MVP, and an NBA champion in 2011", while Robert Traylor struggled in the NBA.

Robert Traylor averaged 4.8 points and 3.7 rebounds per game.

Robert Traylor played in Turkey for Antalya Kepez Belediyesi, in Italy with the Lega Basket Serie A club NSB Napoli, in Mexico for Halcones UV Xalapa, and in Puerto Rico with the Cangrejeros de Santurce and Vaqueros de Bayamon.

Robert Traylor was selected as 2010 Defensive Player of the Year of Baloncesto Superior Nacional.

In 2007, Robert Traylor pleaded guilty to tax evasion and was sentenced to three years' probation.

On May 11,2011, Robert Traylor had been talking to his wife Raye on the phone; the connection was suddenly lost, so she alerted team officials to investigate.

Robert Traylor was found dead at his apartment in Isla Verde, Puerto Rico, of an apparent massive heart attack.

Robert Traylor was survived by Raye and his two sons at the time of his death.