Australian basketball great Andrew Gaze elevated to legend status in hall of fame

His list of achievements may never be matched, and now Australian basketball icon Andrew Gaze has received the ultimate honour.

Russell Gould

@gouldynews

2 min read

June 16, 2022 - 1:37PM

NCA NewsWire

Andrew Gaze is officially a legend (AAP Image/Daniel Munoz)

There is little doubt in the mind of any Australian that Andrew Gaze is a legend.

But it’s now official, with the five-time Olympian set to be elevated to legend status in the Australian Basketball Hall of Fame joining his dad, Lindsay, as one of only six people to be given the ultimate accolade.

Hailed as “The Factor” by three-time NBA champion and long-time Australian teammate Luc Longley, Gaze’s long list of accomplishments both in Australia and at international level bear repeating.

Gaze played 297 games for Australia across five Olympics, where he is the second all-time leading scorer at the Games with 789 points. and four world cups, where he’s still the third highest all-time scorer.

Andrew Gaze as the flag bearer at the Sydney Olympics Pic.Gregg/Porteous

Locally, his record will be hard to match. A two-time NBL champion, seven-time league MVP, top scorer for 14 seasons, points record holder (18,212) and all across 578 games, also an NBL record. The NBL season’s MVP award is also named after him.

“I knew Andrew Gaze by the code name The Factor. And that he was,” Longley said, paying tribute to Gaze.

“As his teammate with the national team spanning 22 years, he lived up to his name without fail. His ability to get it done every night and find ways to score when others couldn’t was consistent with greatness.

“In an era when Australian basketball was finding its feet internationally, The Factor was our spearhead and foundation. When you had Andrew on your team you always felt like you were in the game, and he kept us in lots and won us even more.

Gaze and Luc Longley at the Sydney 2000 Olympics.

“I took special delight watching confounded weary Euro and US defenders who had misjudged him badly during the pre-game eye test.

“The Factor was a legend as far as I was concerned and I’m proud to see it recognised. Now that he’s not The Factor anymore I might just start calling him Legend.”

Gaze said he was “beyond honoured” to be elevated to legend status and join his father on the esteemed list.

“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,” he said.

“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’s elevation will be celebrated at a hall of fame event on July 1.