ANDREW GAZE ELEVATED TO LEGEND STATUS
Andrew Gaze AM OLY has been named as the sixth Australian to be elevated to Australian Basketball Hall of Fame legend status.
He is one of the greatest basketball players in Victorian history and went on to excel across the world in our sport. He represented the Boomers in five Olympic Games (1984, 1988, 1992, 1996 and 2000), played 297 games for Australia and captained the Boomers for eight years.
Gaze was celebrated on home soil in 2000 as he led our delegation as the Australian flag-bearer in Sydney.
His career is highlighted by an incredible three-decade career in the NBL - starting in 1984 with the Melbourne Tigers. The league’s top scorer for 14 seasons, A dual-NBL Champion (1993 and 1997), seven-time NBL MVP, 11 x NBL All-Star and a 15-time NBL First Team player… his resume in the NBL is staggering and highlights his impact on our sport.
The legend of Andrew Gaze extends well beyond Australian borders, following his incredible time in the US with Seton Hall University, taking the Pirates to the NCAA Championship Game in 1989, and winning an NBA title with the San Antonio Spurs in 1999
“I am beyond honoured to be elevated to legend status,” Gaze said. “To follow in my father’s footsteps is a dream I never dared to imagine.
“I am eternally indebted and grateful for the opportunities the game has provided me and my family. I am acutely aware that the recognition I have received would not be possible without the support and guidance of my teammates and coaches.
“Thanks to the awards committee for their support - I am humbled that the selection committee feel I am worthy to sit alongside some of the great contributors of the game.”
Dr Adrian Hurley OAM who coached Andrew at the 1988 and 1992 Olympics and the 1986 and 1990 FIBA World Championships said Gaze signified the heart of Australian basketball as one of ist favourite sons.
“The name Andrew Gaze is synonymous with basketball in Australia ever since he emerged on the world stage as a teenager at the 1984 Olympic Game,” Hurley said. “In the ensuing years he performed at the highest levels all around the world and has become a world recognised figure in basketball. His achievements in the NBL, with the Boomers, in Europe, in US College basketball and in the NBA ensure that he will always be regarded as one of the greats of the game worldwide.
“Andrew is a leader, and this was recognised when he was the flag bearer for the Australian Olympic team at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games. He is the epitome of the “good guy”. His effervescent personality, positive humour, empathy for his fellow players and the public at large, stamp him as an exemplary human being. His elevation to Legend status in the Australian Basketball Hall of Fame is due recognition as a great of our game.”
Alongside past and present icons of the game, Basketball Australia will celebrate Gaze’s achievements and Legend elevation during the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers, set to be hosted at John Cain Arena in Melbourne from June 30- July 4. The Hall of Fame event on July 1 will precede the international basketball double-header between China v Chinese Taipei then Japan v Australia.
Basketball Australia Legends
Alistair Ramsay MBE OAM (dec)
Betty Watson OAM
John Raschke OAM
Lindsay Gaze OAM OLY
Michele Timms OAM OLY
Andrew Gaze AM OLY
