International Career:

Archibald, who represented the Scotland national team at junior level as well as Great Britain in the World University Games, made an immediate impact upon his call-up to the GB senior side, playing a crucial part as promotion was won to the A Division of European basketball in the summer of 2007, scoring an international career-best 23 points against Switzerland. Injuries ruled the Scotsman out of the 2008 campaign but he returned to take his place on Chris Finch’s squad at the 2009 EuroBasket in Poland. Injured again in 2010, he was limited by illness at the 2011 EuroBasket in Lithuania but returned to make his presence felt as Britain picked up their first-ever pair of victories in a major tournament.

Year by Year Stats:

Club career:

Zaragoza, Spain (2011- ), Unicaja Malaga, Spain (2008-11), Azovmash Mariupol, Ukraine (2007-8), Joventut Badalona, Spain (2005-7), Scavolino Pesaro, Italy (2004-5), Valencia, Spain (2004), Toronto Raptors, Canada (2004), Orlando Magic, USA (2004), Phoenix Suns, USA (2004), Memphis Grizzlies, USA (2002-4), University of Illinois (1998-2002), Lafayette HS, USA (1997-98), Dunfermline Reign, UK (1993-1997)

A 6’11” forward-centre from Paisley, Archibald was the first Scot to play in the NBA. Originally drafted in 2002 (31st overall) by Memphis, he spent over a year with the Grizzlies before stints with the Phoenix Suns, Orlando Magic and Toronto Raptors, averaging 1.2 points and 1.6 rebounds in 44 appearances in the league.

He began his career with Scottish League club Dunfermline Reign, winning the Under-18 and Under-23 league titles in 1997, before a family move saw him complete his final year of high school in Missouri where his class-mates included future Major League Basketball MVP Ryan Howard. He then earned a scholarship to the University of Illinois where he enjoyed an impressive college career.

After returning to Europe, Archibald spent a brief spell in Spain with Valencia before a strong season in Italy, with Scavolini Pesaro in 2004-05, earned him a move to Joventut Badalona where he teamed up with future GB teammates Drew Sullivan and Andy Betts. Archibald signed a lucrative one-year contract with Ukrainian side Azovmash Mariupol winning the country’s league and cup titles as well as being named as the league’s Most Valuable Player. He returned to Spain in 2008 on a two-year deal with Euroleague participants Unicaja Malaga. He signed for Zaragoza in 2011.

Personal:

Archibald is the son of former GB international Robert, who spent much of his club career with Livingston. He cites his father as his greatest influence. His sister Jemma is a former track and field athlete. Robert’s favourite Olympic memory is the 1992 USA Dream Team. Nickname is Tree. He attended Queen Anne High School in Dunfermline, Fife. Married to college sweetheart Molly with one son.

Trivia:

Spending much of his free time playing golf, Archibald plays off a handicap of 16.

Twitter:

@RobertArchibald