Basketball icon Andrew Gaze has been elevated to Legend status in the Sport Australia Hall of Fame, a prestigious honour recognising his immense contributions to Australian sport. The ceremony, held at Crown Palladium in Melbourne, saw Gaze inducted alongside cricket superstar Belinda Clark AO, marking a significant moment for Australian sports history.

Key Takeaways

• Andrew Gaze, a seven-time NBL MVP and five-time Olympian, has been elevated to Legend status in the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.
• He joins cricket legend Belinda Clark AO as the 52nd and 53rd individuals to receive this distinguished honour.
• The elevation coincides with the 40th anniversary of the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.

A Career Defined by Excellence

Andrew Gaze’s elevation to Legend status is a testament to a career that has left an indelible mark on Australian basketball and sport as a whole. Widely regarded as the NBL’s greatest player, Gaze dominated the league for over two decades with the Melbourne Tigers, amassing a remarkable record of seven MVP awards, 14 scoring championships, and two NBL titles.

His international career was equally stellar, representing Australia at five Olympic Games and four World Cups, and serving as national captain for eight years. Gaze remains the second-highest scorer in Olympic men’s basketball history, a remarkable achievement that underscores his global impact.

A Humble Recognition

Upon receiving the honour, Gaze expressed profound humility and gratitude. “Being elevated to Legend status is something I’ve never really thought about, and it’s an honour I never imagined would be bestowed upon me,” he stated. “It’s very humbling, and there’s always a touch of guilt around it, because when you look at some of the people in there, you think, ‘what the hell am I doing in this type of company?’”

Gaze reflected on his early aspirations, which were deeply influenced by his father and the values of Olympic competition. “Those values were instilled in me at a very early age, so my boyhood dreams and aspirations always centred around the pinnacle of playing for Australia and competing at the Olympics,” he shared.

A Sentiment Shared by Many

Fans and stars alike to to social media to congratulate Gaze, including his Melbourne Tigers backcourt partner, and long-time friend, Lanard Copeland.

Fellow Boomer Phil Smyth, and one of the great point guards in NBL history also paid tribute:

Other comments included:

Mary Ellen Moody
When you think of Australian Basketball, you thing of Andrew.

Martin Foster
If we consider Steph Curry the purest shooter in US basketball history, Andrew Gaze has to be right up there among the purest shooters in Australian basketball history. He was astounding for the Tigers in the NBL, the Boomers and in 1999 when he won an NBA title with the Spurs. When I grew up he was one of my heroes – he still is. A legend of the game.

Mark Thomson
On ya Andrew. To the Aussie basketball world you’ve had legend status for 30 years. Great to have the last piece put into place!!

Brett Be
There is no award to great for the greatest Australian basketballer on and off court. Has given so much to the sport, community, Tigers, NBL, Boomers, NCAA, NBA and continues giving with such heart and energy.

Christian Be
Absolutely the best such a worthy candidate for his leadership, results, contributions and all he brings to the sport of Basketball in and off the court. Priceless memories watching all the Tigers and Boomers games.

Shelley Jackson-Hammett
Fan-bloody-tastic!!! You deserve every accolade Drewy, come a long way from that little fella Mum used to babysit at Albert Park Stadium.

Chris Topher Anderson
Absolute legend in the NBL and with his versatility on Bounce in the AFL season he’s an absolute legend there too. Such a funny and genuinely nice guy and seeing all the comments here just cement that reputation. A person and idol that so many Australians can look up too and a larrikin as well.

Joining Sporting Royalty

As the 53rd Legend inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame, Gaze joins an esteemed group of Australian sporting icons. Belinda Clark AO, a trailblazer in women’s cricket, was also elevated to Legend status, becoming the 52nd inductee. Their inclusion marks a significant celebration as the Sport Australia Hall of Fame commemorates its 40th anniversary.

Sport Australia Hall of Fame Chair John Bertrand AO remarked on the significance of their elevation, stating, “Both icons of their respective sports, Belinda and Andrew have long inspired through excellence, leadership, and grace. Their elevation to Legend status is not merely an honour – it is a recognition of legacies that have shaped the soul of Australian sport and continue to ignite the dreams of generations to come.”

A Lasting Legacy

Gaze’s influence extends beyond his playing career. He has continued to contribute to the sport as a coach and commentator, further solidifying his status as a pivotal figure in Australian basketball. His journey from a young aspiring Olympian to a revered Legend serves as an inspiration for future generations of athletes.