The dad of tragic Scots basketball star has spoken of his pride in his son after his death aged just 39.
The only Scot to ever make it all the way to NBA basketball league in the US, the Paisley-born star earned fame and fortune on both sides of the Atlantic.
He played for sides including the Memphis Grizzlies and the Toronto Raptors as well as Spain’s Joventut Badalona.
Living near Chicago following his retirement after the London 2012 Olympics, the dad-of-one was found dead at home on Thursday.
Dad Bobby – who captained Scotland and GB during his own playing career – admitted his pain at his son’s passing after recent personal struggles.
He said: “We were so proud of him. He pushed personal envelopes for his sport by making it to the NBA with his dedication to his craft.
“But we’ve had so many messages from old team-mates about him since he died.
“Pau Gasol reached out. Old team-mates from Dunfermline and elsewhere. He touched a lot of people in his life.
“Unfortunately, he went through a tough patch over the last few years and now he’s gone. And his whole family are just devastated.”
No official cause of death has yet been released.
Former team-mates of Archibald at his boyhood club Dunfermline Reign and ex-GB colleagues were last night making arrangements to travel to the USA for his funeral, while a minute’s silence was held at the BBL Cup final in Birmingham between Bristol and Worcester.
Former GB head coach Chris Finch, now working at the NBA’s New Orleans Hornets, spoke of an inspirational leader who had brought much to his locker room.
He said: “He possessed all the attributes a winner could ask for – skilled, smart and fearless.
“His experience and leadership proved to be invaluable for our young players.
“He gave us strength and credibility and represented Great Britain and his native Scotland with all the toughness and determination that those nations’ best athletes are renowned for.
“Rob was more than just an elite basketball player.
“He was a caring soul who loved his teammates and kept the environment fun and loose with his great sense of humour and outlook on life. He will be missed by all those that shared his journey.
“It truly is a sad day .”
