“I wouldn’t trade it [kidney disease] for the world. This is my story, and this is my journey.” In 2022, Nate Robinson revealed his battle with kidney disease. Since then, he remained hopeful, waiting for a donor to step forward. After years of waiting and hoping for a donor, the former three-time NBA Dunk Champion finally received a life-saving kidney transplant. A month after his successful surgery, Robinson is back courtside, cherishing every moment. And the basketball community couldn’t be happier to see him.

Robinson made a triumphant return to the sidelines, cheering on his alma mater, the University of Washington. “Welcome back home, Nate Rob!” The Huskies on Instagram added a post. Nate Robinson gave a prompt reply. “🔥 Born a dawg , s/o to my pops @jacquerob28 for giving bf me the game, and for giving me the blueprint on how to be a husky legend #bigupstoPOPs & much love to husky nation love yall #BowDown.”

His alma mater played a key role in his search for a donor. Last fall, the process started, and finally, this year, they found an ideal match. ESPN’s Baxter Holmes broke the positive news about the surgery. “The ex-NBA guard received the new organ during an hours long transplant surgery that began Friday morning at the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle.”

Fulfilling a promise he made before the transplant, Robinson has since attended his children’s games, something he longed to do once he recovered. The Seattle native also shared a photo from the hospital alongside his mother to symbolize his tough journey. That’s why the former Bulls star is receiving support in abundance.

Fans push for Washington to retire Nate Robinson’s jersey

Former veterans like Carlos Boozer “🔥🔥🔥” and Rip Hamilton “🫡👏🏾👑” also shared their reactions, watching the point guard in good health. Being selected in the NBA in 2005, and a year later, he learned about his damaged kidneys. Nate Robinson always knew his kidney would fail but was not sure when. Last year, in April, the former guard spoke to The Daily Mail, “I know that I don’t have long if I can’t get a kidney.”

The two-decade battle came to an end after a successful transplant. Fans couldn’t be happier to see Robinson back where he belongs. “I’m so happy he found his donor, want to see him at games for years to come!” Even Nate Robinson thanked his donor in a dedicated Instagram post and urged people to follow him. But the love from Huskies fans did not stop there!

After seeing him at Alaska Airlines Arena, they want the program to retire his jersey. Recently, it was Kelsey Plum who received the honor as she became the first women’s basketball player in UW history to have a jersey retired. Overall, she is the sixth Husky to have her threads hang from the rafters. Before her were the 3 men’s basketball stars, Bob Houbregs, Brandon Roy, and Isaiah Thomas. Apart from the basketball stars, two volleyball players, Courtney Thompson and Krista Vansant, also received that honor.

A fan wants Nate Robinson next in line for the honor. “Now hang that man’s jersey!” Fans remember the 40-year-old and his contributions. During his three-year spell. Robinson was a two-sport standout! He led UW in scoring during his three years and was the guiding force on two NCAA tournament teams.