26
Oct
4 min read
Best Players in NBL History: Andrew Gaze
Andrew Gaze #10 of the Melbourne Tigers shoots a free throw during the 1999 NBL game between the Melbourne Tigers and the Adelaide 36ers played at Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia. The 36ers won 104-84. Photo: Stuart Milligan/ALLSPORT
Australian basketball legend, 7-Time NBL MVP, and 5-Time Olympian
- Seven-time NBL MVP (1991, 1992, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998)
- Two-time NBL champion (1993, 1997)
- Australian national team captain and Olympic flag bearer (2000)
Andrew Gaze is widely regarded as the greatest player in NBL history, dominating the league for more than two decades with his exceptional scoring ability and leadership.
Overview
Andrew Gaze's impact on Australian basketball is immeasurable. Born in Melbourne on July 24, 1965, Gaze became the face of the National Basketball League (NBL) throughout his illustrious career. Standing at 6'7" (2.01m), he possessed a unique combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ that made him a nightmare for opponents. Gaze was a beast from the get-go, with his first triple double coming in August 1986 against Sydney. It was a monster: 44 points, 12 rebounds and 12 assists. Gaze finished his NBL career with four triple doubles, the last coming in 2003.
Career snapshot
Gaze's professional career spanned an incredible 22 seasons with the Melbourne Tigers. His loyalty to the Tigers and the NBL was unwavering, despite opportunities to play abroad, including the NBA. Gaze's consistency and longevity were remarkable, maintaining a high level of play well into his late 30s. He was, incredibly, a 15-time All-NBL First Teamer from 1986 to 2000.
Playing style
Gaze was renowned for his deadly accurate shooting, particularly from beyond the arc. His ability to score in bunches made him a constant threat, capable of taking over games at any moment. While not the most athletic player, Gaze's basketball intelligence and positioning allowed him to contribute in multiple facets of the game, including rebounding and playmaking.
Why Andrew Gaze is on our list
Andrew Gaze's inclusion on the list of most dominant NBL players is indisputable. His seven MVP awards are a testament to his sustained excellence and impact on the league. Gaze's scoring prowess was unmatched, leading the NBL in scoring a record 14 times. His career average of 30.9 points per game (612 games) remains the second highest in league history behind Paul Stanley's 32.6 ppg in 69 games.
Beyond individual accolades, Gaze was instrumental in elevating the profile of Australian basketball both domestically and internationally. He represented Australia at five Olympic Games, serving as the flag bearer at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, where he led the Boomers to a fourth-place finish.
Even more remarkable is that Andrew Gaze set SEVEN of the top 10 single season scoring averages:
- 1987: Andrew Gaze — 44.1 ppg (20 games)
- 1984: Al Green — 39.5 ppg (21 games)
- 1991: Andrew Gaze — 38.8 ppg (28 games)
- 1990: Andrew Gaze — 37.6 ppg(22 games)
- 1988: Andrew Gaze — 36.9 ppg (24 games)
- 1986: Andrew Gaze — 36.9 ppg (25 games)
- 1987: Paul Stanley — 35.4 ppg(26 games)
- 1989: Andrew Gaze — 34.5 ppg(27 games)
- 1990: Wayne McDaniel — 33.9 ppg (25 games)
- 1995: Andrew Gaze — 33.9 (29 games)
Five Fast Facts
- Gaze scored a career-high 60 points in a game against the Newcastle Falcons in 1987, showcasing his scoring ability early on.
- He holds the NBL record for most points scored in a career with 18,908.
- Gaze played 612 games in the NBL, the third-most in league history.
- He briefly played in the NBA, winning a championship with the San Antonio Spurs in 1999.
- Gaze was inducted into the Australian Basketball Hall of Fame in 2004 and the FIBA Hall of Fame in 2013
Career Highlights Timeline
- 1984: Debuts for the Melbourne Tigers in the NBL at age 18
- 1984: Makes his Olympic debut for Australia in Los Angeles
- 1991: Wins his first NBL MVP award
- 1993: Leads the Melbourne Tigers to their first NBL championship
- 1996: Represents Australia at the Atlanta Olympics, his fourth Olympic appearance
- 1998: Plays for the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA
- 1999: Wins an NBA championship with the San Antonio Spurs
- 2000: Serves as Australia’s Olympic flag bearer and leads the Boomers to a fourth-place finish at the Sydney Olympics
- 2005: Plays his final NBL game, retiring as the league's all-time leading scorer
Andrew Gaze’s legacy in the NBL and international basketball remains unparalleled. His dedication to the sport, both as a player and later as a coach and commentator, has inspired generations of Australian basketball players.
Gaze's record-setting career and his ability to adapt his playing style over time further highlight his basketball intelligence and sustained impact on the game.
