Andrew Gaze – Australian Basketball Legend and Media Personality
About Andrew Gaze
Andrew Gaze is widely regarded as one of Australia’s greatest basketball players.
The son of legendary basketball coach Lindsay Gaze, Andrew Gaze built an extraordinary career that made him one of the most respected figures in Australian sport.
Known for his exceptional shooting ability, leadership, and consistency, Andrew Gaze became an icon of Australian basketball.
Andrew Gaze’s Early NBL Career
Andrew Gaze began his professional basketball career in the National Basketball League at just 18 years of age.
In 1984, he was named NBL Rookie of the Year, immediately announcing himself as one of Australia’s brightest basketball talents.
Over his remarkable career, Andrew Gaze became the league’s top scorer for 14 seasons.
Although not known for elite athleticism, his incredible shooting accuracy, especially from three-point range, made him one of the most dangerous scorers in basketball.
Success with the Melbourne Tigers
Playing for the Melbourne Tigers under the coaching of his father, Andrew Gaze helped lead the team to two NBL championships.
He became a crowd favourite through his exciting partnership with American import Lanard Copeland, often delivering memorable alley-oop plays.
Across his career, Andrew Gaze played an incredible 612 NBL games, cementing his place as one of the league’s greatest players.
Andrew Gaze and the Australian Boomers
Andrew Gaze also achieved outstanding success with the Australia men’s national basketball team, known as the Boomers.
He led Australia to a fourth-place finish at the 1996 Summer Olympics, one of the nation’s best Olympic basketball results.
The Boomers also finished fourth at:
- 1988 Summer Olympics
- 2000 Summer Olympics
Five Olympic Games and Flag Bearer Honour
In 2000, Andrew Gaze became only the third basketball player in history to compete at five Olympic Games.
This remarkable achievement placed him alongside basketball legends from around the world.
At the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, Andrew was selected as Australia’s flag bearer during the opening ceremony — one of the highest honours in Australian sport.
He also remains one of the highest scorers in FIBA World Championship history.
Andrew Gaze’s International Career
Andrew Gaze spent the 1988–89 season playing college basketball for Seton Hall University in the United States.
His team reached the 1989 NCAA Championship Final, narrowly losing to University of Michigan in overtime.
He later pursued opportunities in the National Basketball Association.
Andrew played with:
- Washington Bullets
- San Antonio Spurs
Although court time was limited, he received an NBA Championship ring after the Spurs won the 1999 NBA Championship.
Retirement from Professional Basketball
Following the Sydney Olympics, Andrew retired from international competition but continued playing in the NBL.
On 12 May 2005, he officially announced his retirement after 20 years of professional basketball.
His career remains one of the most decorated in Australian basketball history.
Andrew Gaze’s Autobiography
Soon after retiring, Andrew released his autobiography, A Kid, a Ball, a Dream, co-written with Grantley Bernard.
The book shares the story of his remarkable basketball journey.
Andrew Gaze’s Media Career
Following basketball, Andrew Gaze successfully transitioned into media and broadcasting.
He has appeared in television commercials for:
- Dodo
- Voltaren
He has also worked as a basketball commentator for:
- SEN 1116
- Fox Sports Australia
- Network 10
Television Appearances
Andrew Gaze appeared on Dancing with the Stars and became a familiar television personality.
He has also appeared as a presenter on:
- Guide to the Good Life
- After the Bounce
His natural charisma made him a popular figure beyond basketball.
FIBA Hall of Fame Induction
In June 2013, Andrew Gaze was inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame.
He joined his father Lindsay as the only Australians to receive this honour at the time.
This induction confirmed Andrew Gaze’s place among basketball’s all-time greats.
Andrew Gaze’s Sporting Passion
Away from basketball, Andrew Gaze is a passionate supporter of the Hawthorn Football Club in the AFL.
Andrew Gaze’s Legacy
Andrew Gaze remains one of Australia’s greatest sporting icons.
His achievements in basketball, international competition, media, and coaching have made Andrew Gaze a true legend of Australian sport.
