RUSTON, La. (WWJ/AP) - Former Detroit Pistons coach Scotty Robertson has died at age 81.

Robertson, who coached the Pistons from 1980-'83, had battled cancer and suffered a stroke last year.

Robertson died in Ruston, Louisiana. The announcement made by Louisiana Tech, where Robertson coached for ten seasons before going pro.

Louisiana Tech athletic director Bruce Van De Velde said the longtime college and pro coach will be remembered as "one of the all-time greats at Louisiana Tech."

During his years in the NBA, Robertson also served as head coach with the Chicago Bulls.

"He was great for us, Kelly (Tripucka) and I in particular," said former Piston guard Isiah Thomas, currently the head coach at FIU. "He taught us a lot on and off the court. He was an old-school coach who cared about players. He'll be missed."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.