Former UConn basketball player Stanley "Sticks" Robinson, who died Tuesday at his home in Birmingham, Ala., will forever be remembered for his personality off as well as on the court.

He was a gentle, kind and good-hearted person who once quietly interrupted Jim Calhoun's post-game press conference to give his coach a Christmas gift. He was loved by his teammates and genuinely liked by everybody that he met.

He also was a gifted athlete and dunk artist that could dazzle a crowd.

Calhoun, who recruited Robinson and coached him his entire UConn career, was heart-broken when Robinson's mother called with the news on Tuesday night. She found her son upon returning from work.

According to the Associated Press, Birmingham police found no evidence of foul play or trauma. There was no word on the cause of death.

Robinson turned 32 on July 14.

"He had a child-like makeup," Calhoun said in a Wednesday phone conversation. "My grandkids loved him. I've got hundreds of messages on my phone. ... He's one of the best kids I've ever met and one of the best athletes that I've ever had. He was really talented.

"It's sad. He's 32 years old. He was a really good person and a good soul."

Robinson had a memorable career at UConn, appearing in 126 games from 2006 to 2010 and averaging 9.8 points and 6.2 rebounds. He finished with 1,231 career points. As a starting forward, he helped the Huskies win 31 games and reach the 2009 NCAA Final Four.

Teammate Jonanthan Mandeldove connected with Robinson because they both came from the south — the former Stone Mountain, Ga., and the latter Birmingham. They remained in touch over the years.

"One of the biggest things was his genuine smile," Mandeldove said. "He was just one of those guys that would do anything for you, on and off the court. It was a beautiful thing to see. He'll be sorely missed.

"When he was with us, he was all smiles and laughter. Being open with him was easy. He was non-judgmental. He just brought a caring attitude."

Robinson was easy to like but hard to coach sometimes, according to Calhoun. His laid back, caring personality sometimes clashed with Calhoun's demanding, abrasive coaching style.

When Robinson got off track, Calhoun suspended him for a semester. And he went to work at a sheet metal plant in Willimantic.

But they reached an understanding and formed a tight bond over the years.

"He irritated me in a good way and frustrated me in a good way," Calhoun said. "But he was so lovable. He couldn't figure out why if you're nice to people, why aren't they nice to you."

Robinson had his share of struggles. A combination of bad luck and injuries prevented him from achieving his dream of playing in the NBA.

Selected in the second round by the Orlando Magic in the 2010 NBA Draft, he made it all the way to the last day of training camp before being waived. Then the NBA lockout in 2011 hurt his chances of joining a team and he played for the Iowa Energy of the NBA Developmental League. He also played professionally in several countries including Canada, Chile and Iceland.

"Sticks just couldn't ever get the break he needed," Calhoun said. "But no matter what happened, he always had a smile on his face."

Calhoun said he recently talked to Robinson, who was getting ready to move back to Connecticut. Robinson had just secured a job and he spoke with Calhoun about returning to college to complete his degree.

Now Robinson is gone, leaving behind three children.

"I really cared about him and I still do," Calhoun said. "It's sad to me because I wanted to see that smile be much more permanent."

Mandeldove was just starting to come to grips with Robinson's death on Wednesday. He watched some highlights of Robinson's dunks at UConn and saw a player that made a conscious effort to keep moving in the right direction.

He last saw Robinson at a basketball camp in 2019.

"He was helping out a buddy of mine at Masters School with his camp," Mandeldove said. "My nephew was at the camp. I was watching Sticks just work with the kids. I was floored. He was so good with the kids because he has a natural passion for others."

"When I saw him, it was great. I hadn't seen him in almost seven or eight years but I've spoken with him. He's always gone out of his way to contact me just to see how I was doing and how my family was doing."

Members of the UConn basketball family and others paid tribute to Robinson on social media.

The UConn basketball program posted the following on its Twitter account: "The UConn basketball family grieves the loss of a great player and an even greater person, Stanley "Sticks" Robinson. Our thoughts and prayers are with Stanley's family at this difficult time. Rest in Peace, Sticks."

Robinson's high school, Huffman in Birmingham, tweeted: "The Viking family mourns the loss of Stanley Robinson "Sticks." True pioneer for the Huffman Basketball program. Continued prayers for his family and Children."

g.keefe@theday.com