Victoria, Melbourne – Australian basketball icon Andrew Gaze AM was officially announced as the 53rd Legend of Australian Sport last night, marking one of the most significant honours of his remarkable career.
The awards night took place at Crown Towers Melbourne, where Gaze was celebrated by the Sport Australia Hall of Fame (SAHOF) alongside distinguished sporting representatives, media and guests. Basketball Victoria CEO Nick Honey, President Michelle Bruggeman were amongst a number of Basketball Victoria Board members and leadership team in attendance, proudly representing the organisation that Gaze has helped shape through his lifelong contribution to the game.
Hosted by Jason Richardson, Emma Freedman and Hamish McLachlan, the event honoured Gaze’s extraordinary achievements, his longevity at the elite level and his profound impact on basketball in Australia and across the world.
The prestigious evening also saw Belinda Clark AO elevated to Legend status, seven new Hall of Fame Members inducted and the winners of the Dawn and Don Awards announced.
Celebrating a Career Like No Other
Gaze’s recognition acknowledged a career that has reshaped Australian basketball and inspired generations. Across 22 seasons with the Melbourne Tigers, he became the NBL’s most decorated player, with an incredible 18,908 points, seven MVP titles, 14 scoring championships and two NBL titles.
His international career was equally extraordinary. Gaze represented Australia at five Olympic Games, four World Cups, and served as national captain for eight years. He remains the second-highest scorer in Olympic men’s basketball history.
The celebration was a fitting tribute to a player whose influence has extended far beyond the court. Warm reflections, heartfelt congratulations and deep admiration filled the room as peers, supporters and sporting leaders acknowledged a figure who has become synonymous with Australian basketball.
Recognition of career dedicated to sport, Dr Peter Harcourt AM
The night also highlighted the induction of Dr Peter Harcourt AM into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame (SAHOF) in 2025 as a General Member for his outstanding contributions to sports medicine.
Dr Harcourt has been one of Australia’s most respected sports medicine practitioners and anti-doping experts for more than four decades. With an early passion for medicine sparked in childhood, he went on to forge a career that deeply influenced athlete welfare, injury management, concussion research and anti-doping practices across multiple sports.
His extensive career includes work with Basketball Australia (many years with the Boomers and Opals), National Basketball League, the Victorian Institute of Sport, Commonwealth Games Federation, AFL and International Cricket Council. He provided medical leadership at five Olympic Games, served as Chief Medical Officer for Basketball Australia from 1983, and played key roles in integrity and anti-doping programs across Australian sport.
His impact continues to shape national and international sports medicine standards, athlete care and anti-doping frameworks.
