Andrew Gaze Elevated to Legend Status

The Hungry Jack’s National Basketball League (NBL) congratulates Andrew Gaze on being elevated to legend status in the Australian basketball Hall of Fame.

Gaze today became just the sixth Hall of Famer to be bestowed a legend. He is one of the greatest basketballers in Australian history and enjoyed a celebrated NBL career.

Gaze began his NBL career with the Melbourne Tigers in 1984 and went on to win the league MVP seven times. The MVP award is now named after him, with the winner receiving The Andrew Gaze Trophy. 

Known for his incredible offensive talent, Gaze led the NBL in scoring for 14 seasons. He scored 18,908 points across his storied career, the most in league history.

Gaze won two NBL championships with the Tigers in 1993 and 1997, while he was also named to the All-NBL First Team 15 times and was an 11-time All-Star.

Gaze played his last season for Melbourne in 2005. He coached the Sydney Kings from 2016-2019.

“There is nobody more deserving of legend status than Andrew Gaze. His contribution to the NBL, and to the sport of basketball in Australia, is unmatched,” Hungry Jack’s NBL Commissioner Jeremy Loeliger said.

“Andrew’s love and passion for basketball is infectious. His positive personality towards the sport, and his drive to constantly grow the game, has played a massive role in helping basketball become one of Australia’s most popular sports. 

“Andrew is synonymous with Australian basketball, and everyone would have their own Andrew Gaze memory. Whether it was one of his many unstoppable performances with the Tigers, his inspiring acts with Australia, his flamboyant coaching with the Sydney Kings or his highly entertaining commentary, everyone loves Gazey for multiple reasons. 

“Andrew Gaze has inspired generations of basketball lovers and has left an untouchable mark on Australian basketball. The NBL congratulates Andrew Gaze on becoming a legend, and we thank him for his priceless contribution to our sport.” 

Gaze joins his father, Lindsay Gaze, as a legend, and in a Basketball Australia statement, Andrew said he was “beyond honoured”.

“I am beyond honoured to be elevated to legend status. To follow in my father’s footsteps is a dream I never dared to imagine,” Gaze said.

“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.”

Gaze represented Australia in five Olympic Games (1984, 1988, 1992, 1996, 2000), was captain of the national team for eight years, and played 297 matches for the Boomers.

Gaze was the Australian flag-bearer at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. He remains the second all-time leading scorer at the Olympic games with 789 points.

He won an NBA championship with the San Antonio Spurs in 1999 and led USA college Seton Hall to the NCAA Final against Michigan in 1989.

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