NICKNAME/S: Drewey, The Factor

BIO: Andrew Barry Casson was born in Melbourne (VIC) and began playing basketball as a junior with the Melbourne basketball program. Gaze grew up at Albert Park Basketball Stadium where his father, Lindsey operated as the general manager. Growing up Gaze attended Albert Park College and played basketball for the Melbourne Tigers junior and state league (Victorian Basketball Association) team. During this time he also studied at Victoria University in Melbourne.

When the Melbourne Tigers were elevated from the VBA to the NBL in 1984 Andrew and Lindsey, the head coach of the Tigers, began their NBL careers.

FAMILY: He has an older sister, Janet. Gaze is also the nephew of former Australian Opals coach Tony Gaze and the cousin of Mark Gaze, who played 182 games in the NBL (1983–1991) and represented Australia at the 1982 FIBA World Championships. Additionally he is the second cousin of Canberra Capitals guard Kate Gaze, the daughter of Mark Gaze and former WNBL player Michelle O’Connor.

NBL EXPERIENCE

Andrew Gaze made his NBL debut with the Melbourne Tigers at 18 years of age. He scored 16 points in his first game.

Andrew Gaze joined the Melbourne Tigers during their inaugural season in the NBL as an 18-year-old. The Tigers finished their first year with an 11-13 record, narrowly missing the playoffs. Despite the team’s struggles, Gaze had a remarkable debut season, earning the NBL Rookie of the Year Award after averaging 29.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.6 steals in 24 games.

1985
In his second NBL season, Gaze continued his stellar form, averaging 30.4 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.4 assists. His statistical output at just 19 years of age remains unmatched to this day.. However, the Tigers regressed, finishing with a disappointing 5-21 record.

1986
By 1986, Gaze established himself as the league’s premier scorer, averaging 36.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 4.4 assists. Teaming up with import Paul Stanley, who averaged 33.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.8 assists, the duo combined for an extraordinary 71 points per game. Gaze claimed his first NBL scoring title, a feat he would repeat every year until 2001.

Despite their offensive firepower, the Tigers managed only six wins and 20 losses. Gaze’s efforts were recognized with his first All-NBL First Team selection, setting the stage for a record-breaking career.

1987
At 21, Gaze delivered one of the greatest individual seasons in NBL history. He averaged 44.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 5.8 assists, setting the record for the highest points per game in a season—a record that still stands today. Gaze’s standout performances included a career-high 60-point game against the Newcastle Falcons and five additional 50-point games.

However, the Tigers’ on-court struggles persisted, finishing the season with a dismal 3-23 record and losing every away game.

1988
Following his historic 1987 season, Gaze’s scoring dipped slightly to 37 points per game, which still ranks as the fourth-highest scoring season in NBL history. The Tigers improved marginally, finishing with an 8-16 record, their best result since entering the league.

1989
The 1989 season marked a turning point for the Melbourne Tigers. The team restructured its roster, moving on from imports James Bullock and Alvis Rogers while adding Dave Simmons and David Colbert, both of whom provided significant contributions. The team also signed local talents Ray Gordon, Warrick Giddey, and rookie Stephen Whitehead, laying the foundation for future success.

Gaze led the league in both scoring (34.5 points) and assists (7.2), while also contributing 5.3 rebounds per game. Simmons (26.3 points, 9.9 rebounds) and Colbert (25.8 points, 11.8 rebounds) provided strong support, helping the Tigers achieve a 17-10 record and secure their first-ever playoff berth.

In the postseason, Melbourne’s inexperience showed, as they were eliminated in the first round by the Sydney Kings. Despite the early exit, Gaze’s efforts earned him the MVP award in the 1989 NBL All-Star Game.

1990
Coming off their first-ever playoff appearance in 1989, the Melbourne Tigers retained their core group and looked to build on their success in 1990. While the team lost naturalized swingman Eric Bailey to the Gold Coast, they secured an even stronger replacement in Cecil Exum (via North Melbourne), who had played a key role in the Giants’ 1989 championship. Imports Dave Colbert and Dave Simmons were also re-signed, providing stability and talent to the roster.

Andrew Gaze returned to the team after an offseason stint with Seton Hall University and narrowly missing out on an NBA contract with the Seattle Supersonics. Gaze was ready to dominate the NBL, and he didn’t disappoint. He averaged an incredible 37.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, 6.9 assists, and 2.6 steals per game. Colbert (31.1 points, 10.7 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.6 blocks) and Simmons (27.4 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 3.2 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1.3 blocks) complemented Gaze, with the trio combining for a staggering 96 points per game.

The Tigers hit a major setback late in the season when Gaze was diagnosed with a blood clot in his right shoulder, an issue that nearly ended his career. As a result, Gaze was sidelined for the team’s final two regular-season games and the playoffs due to a blood clot in his right shoulder. Despite this, Melbourne finished the regular season in fourth place with a 17-9 record.

In the elimination finals, the Tigers faced fifth-seed Perth Wildcats. In Game 1, Dave Colbert stepped up in Gaze’s absence with a career-high 52 points, along with 9 rebounds and 4 steals. However, Perth’s well-rounded attack, led by Ricky Grace (30 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists) and David Close (25 points and 6 rebounds), proved too much, as the Wildcats claimed a 122-100 victory.

Game 2 saw another dominant performance from Colbert, who tallied 42 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 blocks, while Simmons added 29 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists. Despite their efforts, Perth shut down the rest of Melbourne’s roster and secured a 123-113 win, ending the Tigers’ season.

1991
By 1991, Melbourne had established itself as a formidable force in the NBL. Andrew Gaze returned healthy and delivered another MVP-caliber season, averaging 38.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, 6.0 assists, and 2.7 steals per game. Dave Colbert (24.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1.5 blocks) and Dave Simmons (24.1 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1.1 blocks) continued to shine, while Stephen Whitehead emerged as a key contributor, doubling his production with 9.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game after being moved to the starting lineup.

On July 27, the Tigers made history in a game against Illawarra, recording the highest-scoring match in NBL history with a combined 344 points. Melbourne secured a 186-158 victory, with Gaze (59 points, 11 assists, and 4 steals), Colbert (42 points, 20 rebounds, and 5 assists), and Simmons (36 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists) doing most of the scoring. Illawarra’s Patrick Fairs (41 points and 10 rebounds) and Greg Hubbard (36 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists) led their team, which shot an astonishing 76% from the field—a record for a losing team.

Melbourne entered the playoffs with high hopes but faced the Adelaide 36ers in the elimination finals. The Tigers lost Game 1 (115-129) despite Gaze’s scoring brilliance. Game 2 ended similarly, with Melbourne falling 96-132, resulting in a first-round exit.

Despite the playoff disappointment, Gaze’s remarkable season earned him the NBL Most Valuable Player award, the first of his career. This accolade marked the beginning of an unprecedented era of dominance, as Gaze went on to claim the MVP award in seven of the next eight seasons.

1992
Melbourne entered the 1992 season with a revamped roster, replacing forward David Colbert with former NBA guard Lanard Copeland. Together with Andrew Gaze, the two formed one of the most dynamic backcourt duos in the league. Gaze (33.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 6.3 assists) led the league in scoring, while Copeland (28.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.0 assists) quickly established himself as one of the NBL’s best imports.

The Tigers adopted a faster-paced style of play with their new lineup, propelling them to a third-place finish in the regular season with a 15-9 record. Once in the playoffs, Melbourne faced the Perth Wildcats in the quarterfinals, defeating them in a best-of-three series (2-1). This set up a semifinal showdown against the Sydney Kings, who had eliminated the Brisbane Bullets in their own quarterfinal matchup.

Melbourne overcame Sydney’s high-profile import Dwayne McClain (36 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists) in Game 1, securing a 122-112 victory behind Gaze (34 points, 10 rebounds, and 9 assists) and Copeland (40 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 blocks). The Kings returned home for Game 2 at the Sydney Entertainment Centre, with a sellout crowd providing an electrifying atmosphere from tip-off to the final buzzer.

Melbourne started Game 2 on fire, with Gaze draining three triples to help the Tigers race to a 16-4 lead. However, Sydney clawed their way back, shooting an astonishing 75% from the field in the first half and taking a 68-64 lead into halftime. Sydney turned up the intensity in the third quarter, outscoring Melbourne 33-19. McClain torched the Tigers for 14 points in the period, helping Sydney build a 20-point lead early in the fourth quarter. While Melbourne mounted a late comeback behind Gaze (37 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 6 steals) and Copeland (35 points, 2 rebounds, and 3 steals), the Kings held on for a 124-118 victory, relying on four clutch free throws from McClain in the final minute to secure the win.

Sydney’s McClain (45 points) delivered the best performance of his NBL career, shooting 15-of-21 from the field, 15-of-18 from the free-throw line, while adding 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and a remarkable 7 steals. To this day, it remains the best-ever postseason output by a Sydney player. Sydney’s 73.8% shooting from the field set the record for the best shooting performance in NBL playoff history and the second-best in any NBL game. Gaze later described the crowd as the loudest he had ever heard.

With the series tied at 1-1, Game 3 returned to Melbourne. Despite McClain’s heroic effort (34 points, 1 rebound, 6 assists, and 4 steals while playing all 48 minutes), the Tigers proved too strong. Gaze led Melbourne with 29 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists, while the Tigers received crucial contributions from their lesser-heralded teammates. Robert Sibley (19 points, 14 rebounds, and 5 assists) dominated inside, while Stephen Whitehead (18 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists) and David Simmons (10 points, 12 rebounds, and 2 steals) also delivered key efforts. The Tigers secured the series with a hard-fought victory, eliminating the Kings and advancing to their first-ever NBL Grand Final.

In the Grand Final, Melbourne faced the newly formed South East Melbourne Magic, created through a merger of the South Melbourne Saints and the Eastside Melbourne Spectres. The Magic had finished the regular season as the top seed and swept their way through the playoffs, defeating the Canberra Cannons in the quarterfinals and the North Melbourne Giants in the semifinals.

Game 1 of the Grand Final series saw Melbourne dominate behind stellar performances from their backcourt. Copeland (34 points, 2 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals, and 3 blocks) and Gaze (26 points) led the Tigers to a commanding 116-98 victory. However, the game came at a cost for the Magic, as starting point guard Darren Perry suffered a torn ACL and was ruled out for the remainder of the series.

Despite losing Perry, the Magic bounced back in Game 2. Darren Lucas stepped up in Perry’s absence, delivering a season-high 19 points while providing lockdown defense on Copeland, limiting him to only 14 points on 6-of-19 shooting. Rob Rose (20 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals) controlled the offense, and Bruce Bolden (22 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals, and 4 blocks) dominated inside. The Magic overpowered the Tigers, securing a 115-93 victory to even the series at 1-1.

In the deciding Game 3, the Magic’s defense once again proved the difference. They held Gaze to just 18 points on 5-of-19 shooting and kept Copeland below his season average with 24 points. Despite a valiant effort from the Tigers, the Magic ground out a 95-88 win to claim the NBL Championship. Rose (26 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks) and Bolden (21 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 3 blocks) were outstanding, with Bolden receiving the NBL Finals MVP award from NBA Commissioner David Stern, who was in attendance.

Although Melbourne fell short of the championship, the 1992 season was a breakthrough year for the Tigers, marking their first-ever Grand Final appearance. Gaze and Copeland established themselves as one of the most electrifying duos in NBL history, and their playoff run set the foundation for future success.

1993 – THE TIGERS FIRST CHAMPIONSHIP
The Melbourne Tigers entered the 1993 season with high expectations after their Grand Final loss the previous year. Their roster received a significant boost with the signing of star center Mark Bradtke. His arrival made national headlines, as he had spent the off-season playing in Spain and had previously given Adelaide a verbal agreement that he would return to the 36ers. However, upon his return to Australia, Bradtke refused to play out the final year of his contract with Adelaide, amid rumors that the Tigers were actively recruiting him. After failed negotiations, the 36ers gave permission for a buyout, but the NBL vetoed the move, allowing Bradtke to leave for Melbourne without Adelaide receiving compensation. It was later revealed that Bradtke had chosen to relocate to Melbourne to be closer to his girlfriend (and future wife), professional tennis player Nicole Provis.

Despite coming off a Grand Final appearance, the Tigers began the season poorly, starting 2-7. At midseason, they were not considered championship contenders. However, the team found its rhythm and finished strong, winning 14 of their final 17 games to end the regular season in third place. Bradtke (17.0 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists) provided the interior presence Melbourne had long lacked, while Andrew Gaze (32.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, 6.1 assists, and 2.7 steals) and Lanard Copeland (22.2 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.9 steals) led the Tigers’ high-powered offense.

Once in the postseason, Melbourne breezed through the quarterfinals, sweeping Illawarra (2-0) to set up a highly anticipated rematch of the previous season’s Grand Final against South East Melbourne in the semifinals.

Adding to the intrigue, this was the only season between 1991 and 1998 where Andrew Gaze, despite his continued dominance in the league, did not win the NBL MVP award, with voters instead awarding the honor to the Magic’s Robert Rose.

The semifinal series was defined by Mark Bradtke’s outstanding performances. Bradtke torched his former crosstown rivals, scoring 21 points and grabbing 9 rebounds in a dramatic 108-106 Game 1 victory. He then followed it up with a commanding 28-point, 15-rebound effort in an 89-72 Game 2 win, eliminating the Magic and securing the Tigers’ spot in the Grand Final.

On the other side of the bracket, the top-seeded Perth Wildcats (21-5) had powered their way through the playoffs and awaited the Tigers in the championship series.

Game 1 was held in Melbourne, and by the second quarter, the Tigers were in control, holding a 19-point lead. However, foul trouble became a major issue, with Robert Sibley (13 points and 4 rebounds) and Bradtke (4 points, 11 rebounds) both fouling out. Bradtke, who struggled against Perth’s interior defense, shot just 1-of-9 from the field. The Wildcats, led by Ricky Grace (23 points, 3 rebounds, 8 assists, and 2 steals), stormed back to close the gap to four points in the final minutes. Despite Perth’s late push, Gaze (41 points, 6 rebounds, and 9 assists) remained ice-cold from the free-throw line, knocking down all ten of his free throws in the fourth quarter to secure a 117-113 Tigers victory.

Game 2 followed a similar pattern, with Melbourne jumping out to an early 32-22 lead behind Bradtke’s dominance (24 points, 13 rebounds, and 4 assists). However, Perth’s formidable frontline—James Crawford (32 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 blocks), Andrew Vlahov (23 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 blocks), and Scott Fisher (16 points and 6 rebounds)—clawed their way back, leading 60-54 at halftime.

Melbourne’s foul issues resurfaced in the second half, as both Gaze (22 points, 3 rebounds, and 6 assists) and Dave Simmons (12 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 assists) fouled out. Grace (23 points, 8 rebounds, and 13 assists) orchestrated Perth’s offense, feeding Crawford inside as he shot an efficient 11-of-15 from the field. The Wildcats held off a late Tigers rally, winning 112-105 in front of a sellout crowd of 8,000 at the Perth Entertainment Centre. The victory extended Perth’s home-winning streak to 17 games and set up a decisive Game 3 in Perth, where Melbourne had never won.

Heading into the final game, Perth was the clear favorite, having never lost a home playoff game in their 17-game winning streak. However, the Tigers came out fearless, determined to overcome history. They built a 15-point lead early, only for Perth to mount a furious comeback. With just seconds remaining, Melbourne clung to a two-point lead (104-102) after Gaze hit a crucial free throw. On the final possession, Vlahov (31 points, 15 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals) attempted a game-tying shot, but the ball rattled in and out, sealing Melbourne’s first-ever NBL Championship.

For Lindsay and Andrew Gaze, the championship was the culmination of a decade-long journey with the Melbourne Tigers. The iconic moment of the series came after the final buzzer when Andrew, overcome with emotion, embraced his father and longtime coach in celebration. It was an image that symbolized not just the Tigers’ triumph but also the perseverance of two figures who had dedicated their lives to Australian basketball.

Lanard Copeland (35 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 assists) led all scorers, while Bradtke (23 points, 19 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks) finally broke free from Perth’s defensive pressure to dominate inside. In a surprising decision, Grand Final MVP honors were awarded to Ricky Grace despite playing for the losing team.

1994
Coming off their first NBL championship, the Melbourne Tigers returned in 1994 with nearly the entire roster intact. The only key departure was backup big man Robert Sibley (to Brisbane), with the team adding a promising young Chris Anstey in his place. The defending champions built on their momentum from the previous season, recording their best regular-season result in franchise history with a 19-7 record, securing second place on the ladder.

Andrew Gaze (33.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, 7.2 assists, and 2.4 steals) was at his brilliant best, leading the league in scoring while also taking home the NBL Most Valuable Player award—his fourth overall and the first in a streak of five consecutive MVPs. Mark Bradtke (20.2 points, 14.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.3 blocks) was dominant inside, leading the league in rebounding, and both players were selected to the All-NBL First Team.

Melbourne entered the playoffs in strong form, making light work of Illawarra in the quarterfinals. The Tigers dominated Game 1 (107-85) and Game 2 (119-83), advancing to the semifinals against an exceptionally talented Adelaide 36ers squad. The 36ers, who had finished fourth on the ladder, featured a stacked lineup including reigning NBL MVP Robert Rose (18.6 points, 7.5 rebounds, 8.5 assists, and 3.0 steals), Mark Davis (21.7 points and 12.9 rebounds in the regular season), Willie Simmons, Phil Smyth (6.6 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 2.8 assists), Brett Maher, and Chris Blakemore.

Despite Melbourne’s strong regular season, Adelaide proved too deep and too well-balanced in the semifinals. The 36ers took Game 1 in Adelaide (101-88), and despite a strong effort from Gaze (29 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists) in Game 2, the Tigers fell again (110-101) on their home floor, ending their season and securing Adelaide’s place in the Grand Final against North Melbourne.

For Gaze, 1994 was yet another individual triumph as he reclaimed the MVP award and reaffirmed his place as the league’s premier player.

1995
In 1995, Mark Bradtke requested some time off to allow him to support his wife Nicole’s tennis career as she traveled abroad, causing him to miss the first two-thirds of the season. Around the same time, Chris Anstey, a part of the Tigers’ junior program, also informed the club that he would return, having signed a deal to play with rival club South East Melbourne. Melbourne coach Lindsay Gaze appealed via the NBL tribunal, which ruled that Anstey could not leave the Tigers as long as they could match the contract, which they did.

After some extremely creative salary tweaking, the Magic then signed Anstey to a one-year deal worth $180,000, which the Tigers had no interest in matching, allowing Anstey to shift clubs. Once Anstey had signed with the Magic, he renegotiated his contract to a three-year, $181,000 contract, remaining higher than the Tigers’ contract not to break any NBL salary cap rules of the time.

The Tigers added forward Matt Reece (via Gold Coast) and center Blair Smith (via Brisbane) to cover the loss of Bradtke and Anstey.

Andrew Gaze (33.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, 8.0 assists, and 2.3 steals), Lanard Copeland (25.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.7 steals), and Dave Simmons (14.7 points, 9.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.0 blocks) led the team offensively during a season which saw a merry-go-round of league leaders. During the regular season, Brisbane, Sydney, North Melbourne, South East Melbourne, and Melbourne all sat in the number one spot on the ladder at some point. With Melbourne narrowly sitting among the top eight teams (10-7), Bradtke (11.2 points, 7.9 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.2 blocks) would return to play out the Tigers’ last nine games of the season.

The Tigers narrowly secured a playoff berth, finishing with a 14-12 record—their worst result since 1988—as the eighth seed. Despite their struggles, Melbourne stunned the top-seeded Perth Wildcats in Game 1 of the quarterfinals with a 103-91 upset, fueled by standout performances from Andrew Gaze (28 points, 5 rebounds, and 10 assists) and Lanard Copeland (29 points).

However, with Bradtke still finding his rhythm after returning late in the season, the Tigers were unable to maintain their momentum. In Game 2, Andrew Vlahov (30 points and 11 rebounds) delivered a dominant performance, ensuring the Wildcats stayed alive with a nine-point victory (108-99). Perth then closed out the series in a tightly contested Game 3 (96-92), with all five starters—Crawford (20 points), Vlahov (18 points), Grace (18 points), Scott Fisher (17 points), and Cattalini (11 points)—scoring in double figures to eliminate Melbourne.

The Wildcats carried their strong form through the remainder of the playoffs, ultimately winning the 1995 NBL championship.

1996
The Tigers entered the 1996 season with high expectations, bringing back a full-strength Mark Bradtke and retaining their core group, with the only departure being Stephen Whitehead (to Sydney). After a disappointing 1995 campaign, Melbourne quickly reestablished themselves as a title contender, finishing with the best regular-season record in franchise history (21-5). Andrew Gaze (31.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, 8.1 assists, and 1.7 steals) earned his sixth MVP award while leading the league in scoring, with strong support from Lanard Copeland (21.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.4 steals) and a rejuvenated Bradtke (22.6 points, 11.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.6 blocks).

Melbourne’s playoff run began against eighth-seeded Brisbane (14-12), but the Tigers were caught off guard in Game 1, suffering a 118-97 loss. They bounced back in Game 2, winning 96-87 behind strong performances from Gaze (30 points, 4 rebounds, and 7 assists) and Bradtke (24 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists). In the decisive Game 3, the duo again led the way, with Gaze (29 points, 3 rebounds, and 6 assists) and Bradtke (29 points, 13 rebounds, and 4 blocks) dominating in a 111-93 victory to advance to the semifinals.

Facing the Canberra Cannons, Melbourne once again dropped the opening game (98-87), with Robert Rose (22 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists), Darnell Mee (21 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks), and Simon Dwight (20 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 blocks) proving too much to handle. However, the Tigers responded in Game 2 with Gaze (30 points, 8 rebounds, 9 assists, and 4 steals) narrowly missing a triple-double in a 100-82 win. In the decisive Game 3, Gaze (29 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 blocks) and Bradtke (26 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 blocks) combined to score half of Melbourne’s points, securing a hard-fought 91-87 win and a place in the Grand Final.

In a rematch of their 1992 Grand Final, the Tigers faced the South East Melbourne Magic (19-7), who finished second in the regular season. Melbourne took control in Game 1 with a 100-89 win, as Gaze (35 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists) delivered his best game of the series, while Bradtke (24 points and 15 rebounds) and Copeland (23 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists) combined with him for 82 points.

Game 2 saw the Magic bounce back with an 88-84 win in front of a Grand Final record crowd of 15,064 at the National Tennis Centre at Flinders Park, still the highest-attended NBL game in Melbourne history. Gaze (21 points, 5 rebounds, and 9 assists) led the Tigers in scoring, but the Magic countered with Tony Ronaldson (28 points) and Mike Kelly (19 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals), who played a crucial role in evening the series.

Less than 48 hours later, the deciding Game 3 proved to be a nightmare for Melbourne. The Magic’s younger, fitter squad took full advantage of the short turnaround, demolishing the Tigers 107-70. Billy McCaffrey (24 points and 5 assists) led the way, while Sam MacKinnon (18 points and 9 rebounds) shot an incredible 9/10 from the field, and John Dorge (16 points and 8 rebounds) was equally efficient, making 8 of his 11 shots. South East Melbourne’s superior shooting—54% (46/85) compared to Melbourne’s 38% (23/60)—was the deciding factor in the 30-point blowout.

The 1996 NBL Grand Final series set a new aggregate attendance record of 43,605 (average 14,535), the highest ever for a three-game series. Magic guard Mike Kelly was named Finals MVP after averaging 16 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2.3 steals across the series.

1997 – 17-0 AND THE SECOND CHAMPIONSHIP
After the blowout loss the Tigers suffered at the hands of the South East Melbourne Magic in Game 3 of the 1996 NBL Finals, the team made a tough decision to part ways with long-time import Dave Simmons, who had been a key piece in their 1993 championship-winning squad. To replace him, they brought in athletic wing Jarvis Lang, hoping his skill set would provide a much-needed spark.

The season, however, began disastrously for Melbourne. Lang (19.1 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 2.0 assists) showed flashes of his ability but was severely hampered by knee problems, limiting both his playing time and overall impact. Meanwhile, the team suffered another setback when they were stripped of a win against Adelaide after Mark Bradtke returned from the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers without receiving the proper clearance. With a 3-9 record, Melbourne found itself at the bottom of the standings, and pressure mounted on coach Lindsay Gaze. Calls from fans and media for him to step down grew louder, but inside the locker room, the players knew the responsibility for the poor start rested on their shoulders.

“We sat down and talked about it. It was unfair, Lindsay didn’t have anything to do with us being poor,” recalled Lanard Copeland. “Lindsay is the kind of coach who will do all his coaching in training, but he would lay back and let you play your game. 100% it wasn’t Lindsay, it was us, and we knew that and that’s why everyone galvanised and got themselves together.”

Desperate for a turnaround, Melbourne made a bold mid-season decision—sacking Lang and replacing him with Marcus Timmons. Timmons had played for Illawarra the previous season and had been among the league leaders in steals (10th), scoring (3rd), and rebounding (3rd), grabbing more boards than Bradtke himself. His signing happened almost by accident, thanks to a tip from North Melbourne coach Brett Brown. As Andrew Gaze recalled, “Brett called me up and said, ‘I’ve just been in the lobby at the hotel and Marcus Timmons has just walked by. If you’re looking for someone quick, at least you know he is in the country.’” After just one trial practice, the Tigers signed Timmons, and everything fell into place.

With Timmons (17.5 points, 9.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.5 blocks) fitting seamlessly into the system alongside Gaze (30.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, 6.7 assists, and 1.4 steals), Copeland (23.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.0 steals), and Bradtke (20.4 points, 12.4 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.6 blocks), the Tigers flipped the script on their season. They embarked on a 14-game winning streak to close out the regular season, finishing in second place (19-11), just behind South East Melbourne (22-8). Gaze once again led the league in scoring for the 12th time and secured his seventh MVP award.

The Tigers carried their red-hot form into the playoffs, receiving a first-round bye before facing North Melbourne in the semifinals. They claimed Game 1 on the road (107-99) and then closed out the series at home (112-105), advancing to the Grand Final to set up a highly anticipated rematch with the Magic. South East Melbourne, the reigning champions, had eliminated Perth in the other semifinal.

Game 1 of the Grand Final was an emphatic statement from Melbourne. The Tigers obliterated the Magic by 37 points (111-74), with Copeland (29 points and 4 rebounds), Timmons (24 points and 9 rebounds), and Gaze (23 points, 9 assists) leading the charge. The Tigers’ defensive focus was clear—limit Chris Anstey—and they did just that, holding him to a mere six points. The win extended Melbourne’s remarkable winning streak to 17 games, solidifying them as the hottest team in the league.

Knowing he had to adjust, Magic coach Brian Goorjian made a key change for Game 2, inserting veteran John Dorge into the starting lineup over Anstey. The move paid off, as Anstey responded with a standout performance (21 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 blocks), while the Magic’s increased physicality disrupted Melbourne’s offensive rhythm. The Magic grinded out a hard-fought 84-78 win, snapping the Tigers’ winning streak and forcing a deciding Game 3.

The decisive game was a fitting finale for one of the most intense rivalries in NBL history. The opening quarter ended with the teams deadlocked, but a second-quarter scoring burst from Melbourne, coupled with relentless defensive pressure that held Anstey to just eight points, swung the momentum in their favor. With the game all but decided by halftime, the Tigers never looked back, sealing their second NBL championship with a 93-83 victory.

A great Australian sporting rivalry!! pic.twitter.com/qVrlKwROkN

— RANDOM HOOPS (@HoopsRandom) March 21, 2023

Tony Ronaldson (26 points) led the Magic in scoring, but with Copeland (26 points and 6 rebounds), Gaze (22 points, 5 rebounds, and 9 assists), Bradtke (21 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 assists), and Timmons (20 points, 13 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals) combining for 89 points, Melbourne’s “Big Four” outscored the Magic by themselves, leaving no doubt about the outcome.

Copeland was named Finals MVP after averaging 27.6 points and 3.3 rebounds on 56% shooting over the three-game series. Yet, despite his offensive brilliance, it was blue-collar forward Warrick Giddey who became the unlikely hero in Game 3. Though his stat line was unremarkable—zero points, four rebounds, three assists, and one block—his defensive plays swung the momentum when it mattered most. First, he delivered a hard foul on Sam MacKinnon, breaking the Magic star’s nose. Next, he came up with a massive block on Frank Drmic. Finally, he set a mid-court screen on Defensive Player of the Year Mike Kelly that sent him sprawling, disrupting the Magic’s defensive flow.

Gaze later reflected on Giddey’s contribution, saying, “Warrick was very much the heart and soul of the team. He personifies blue-collar basketball.” Copeland echoed the sentiment: “Warrick Giddey was the glue for us for the whole year. He is the most unselfish basketball player I’ve played with in my entire life, and I’ve played with a lot of guys.”

The 1997 Melbourne Tigers completed one of the greatest turnarounds in NBL history, transforming a 3-9 start into a championship-winning season. Their fast-paced, high-scoring style, combined with their resilience and mental toughness, cemented their legacy as one of the defining teams of the 1990s. “The biggest takeaway from it was the overcoming of adversity,” Gaze reflected. “To have the media calling for people to be sacked, and then to play your way through it and win it all—that’s something really special.”

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1998
Melbourne entered the 1998 season with high expectations, returning their entire Grand Final roster from the previous year. After a dominant 1997 campaign that included a historic 17-game winning streak and an NBL championship, the Tigers were once again considered title contenders. However, as the season unfolded, it became clear that Melbourne was no longer the same team that had captured the league by storm the year before. The Tigers’ core group had reached the downside of their careers, with Andrew Gaze and Lanard Copeland (both 33 years old), Ray Gordon (32), and Warrick Giddey (30) all on the wrong side of 30, while the average age of an NBL player in 1998 was 26 years old. This left Mark Bradtke (28) and Marcus Timmons (26) as the only key players under 30 averaging more than six points per game. The decline in athleticism and depth saw Melbourne struggle early, losing six of their first ten games before regaining some momentum late in the season. The Tigers finished the regular season in fifth place with a 16-14 record, closing out the year on a four-game winning streak.

Once into the playoffs, Melbourne faced a formidable Brisbane Bullets team that featured a versatile and potent four-man rotation. Steve Woodberry (26.4 points) led the way for Brisbane, while 40-year-old veteran Leroy Loggins (17.8 points) continued to defy his age as the team’s starting small forward. Alongside them, Chuck Kornegay (16.7 points) provided interior toughness, while rookie CJ Bruton (15.4 points) added perimeter scoring and playmaking. The combination of these four players proved too much for the Tigers, as Brisbane eliminated Melbourne in two straight games.

Game 1 saw the Bullets dominate on their home floor, securing a 93-80 victory behind a well-balanced offensive attack. Woodberry was exceptional, controlling the tempo and leading Brisbane’s offense, while Loggins and Bruton capitalized on Melbourne’s defensive struggles. Despite Andrew Gaze’s best efforts, the Tigers’ supporting cast was unable to match the energy and production of Brisbane’s deep rotation.

Game 2 was a complete disaster for Melbourne. The Bullets overwhelmed the Tigers in a 114-81 demolition, one of the worst playoff defeats in franchise history. Brisbane’s perimeter attack was unstoppable, with Woodberry, Loggins, Bruton, and Kornegay all making major contributions. Melbourne’s aging roster simply could not keep up, and the loss marked a significant turning point for the franchise. The defeat also ended a four-year streak of playoff success, as the Tigers, once perennial contenders, now faced uncertainty about their future.

Lanard Copeland (22.7 points) remained a key contributor, but his production saw a slight dip from the previous season. Mark Bradtke (15.1 points) continued to provide a strong presence inside, but Melbourne’s lack of depth and reliance on aging veterans became apparent. Ray Gordon (4.1 points) and Warrick Giddey (3.7 points) both saw their numbers decline, further illustrating the team’s struggles. Marcus Timmons was the lone bright spot outside of Gaze, improving on his championship season by averaging 19.8 points, but it was not enough to compensate for the Tigers’ overall regression.

Despite Melbourne’s struggles, Andrew Gaze remained the league’s most dominant offensive player. He led the NBL in scoring for the 12th time, averaging 31.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, 6.5 assists, and 1.4 steals per game. His individual brilliance earned him a spot on the All-NBL First Team, and he was awarded his eighth and final NBL MVP, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players in league history.

1998/99
With the NBL shifting to a summer schedule in 1998, the Melbourne Tigers found renewed energy, resulting in an impressive second-place finish during the 1998/99 regular season. The core group of Andrew Gaze, Lanard Copeland, Marcus Timmons, and Mark Bradtke formed one of the most potent offensive units in the league, combining to average an astonishing 97 points per game. Gaze (33.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 5.5 assists) once again led the league in scoring, while Copeland (25.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 3.4 assists) provided his usual high-scoring firepower. Timmons (20.9 points, 9.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.3 blocks) continued his all-around excellence, and Bradtke (17.1 points, 13.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.9 blocks) anchored the interior, leading the league in rebounding.

Melbourne finished the regular season with 17 wins and secured a first-round playoff rematch against the Brisbane Bullets, the team that had eliminated them from the postseason the year before. This time, however, the Tigers would get their revenge, sweeping Brisbane in two straight games to advance to the semifinals.

In Game 1 of the semifinals, the Tigers faced longtime rivals Brian Goorjian and the Victoria Titans in a tightly contested battle. Despite a dominant performance from Marcus Timmons (31 points and 9 rebounds), Melbourne fell short, losing 80-77. Tony Ronaldson (17 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists) led the Titans in scoring, while Paul Maley (16 points) provided a key boost off the bench, making seven of his nine shots in just 22 minutes of play.

Game 2 saw the Titans control the tempo from start to finish, leading in all four quarters and securing a 94-87 victory to eliminate the Tigers. Mike Kelly (19 points and 7 rebounds) stepped up for Victoria, hitting 7 of 12 shots, while Ben Pepper (15 points, 13 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 blocks) delivered his best game of the series, shooting an efficient 7 of 12 from the field. Melbourne’s offensive firepower was not enough to overcome the Titans’ defensive intensity, and for the second straight season, the Tigers fell short of the Grand Final.

Despite the playoff disappointment, Andrew Gaze’s individual brilliance continued to be a defining factor. His 33.5 points per game once again made him the league’s top scorer, and his leadership kept the Tigers among the NBL’s elite.

1999/00
The 1999/00 season saw significant roster changes for the Melbourne Tigers, with Blair Smith departing for West Sydney and import Marcus Timmons joining the Perth Wildcats. To fill the void left by Timmons, Melbourne brought in athletic young big man Pero Vasiljevic from Canberra and signed American forward Bennett Davison. However, Davison arrived injured and was unable to join the team until six games into the season. Additionally, the retirement of long-time Tigers veteran Ray Gordon opened up another roster spot, which coach Lindsay Gaze used to sign rookie Luke McMillan.

Despite the midseason integration of Davison, he quickly established himself as a crucial addition, filling the gap left by Timmons with strong all-around play. Davison (19.7 points, 9.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.6 steals, and 2.4 blocks) provided energy on both ends of the floor and brought a level of defensive presence that the Tigers had lacked in previous seasons. However, the aging core of the team, including Mark Bradtke (17.9 points, 14.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.6 blocks), Lanard Copeland (21.8 points, 3.7 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.5 steals), and Andrew Gaze (29.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 5.8 assists), all struggled to maintain their dominance against the league’s top contenders. Both Copeland and Gaze celebrated their 34th birthdays during the season, and while they remained productive, the team no longer had the firepower to consistently compete with younger, deeper rosters.

Melbourne finished the regular season in fifth place with a 14-14 record, barely scraping into the playoffs. It was the first time since 1988 that the Tigers had finished a season without a winning record, signaling a decline in their status as perennial contenders. In the quarterfinals, Melbourne faced their cross-town rivals, the Victoria Titans, in a hard-fought three-game series but ultimately fell short (1-2).

Gaze, despite the team’s struggles, continued to be a dominant offensive force. He was named to the All-NBL First Team for a record fifteenth time, marking the final time he would receive the honor. This season ultimately marked the decline of the Gaze-led Tigers, as the team would not finish higher than fifth place again until after both Andrew and Lindsay Gaze had retired.

At the conclusion of the NBL season, Gaze and Bradtke played key roles in guiding the Australian Boomers to an equal-best fourth-place finish at the Sydney Olympics, where both players announced their retirement from international basketball.

2000/01
The 2000/01 season saw the Melbourne Tigers undergo several roster changes following the departure of Bennett Davison, who signed to play in Europe, and the loss of veteran Warrick Giddey to injury. To fill the gaps, Melbourne added David Smith (via North Melbourne), Stephen Hoare (via West Sydney), and Nathan Taylor (via Victoria). In addition, the team signed American guard Phil Handy as an import replacement for Davison. Despite the roster adjustments, the Tigers opened the season on a strong note, winning five of their first eight games.

In the midst of this early success, Melbourne suffered a significant setback when Handy (10.1 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 2.3 assists) joined Giddey on the injury list, forcing him to miss eight games. To address the loss, Melbourne brought in Jason Sedlock (3.7 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.7 assists) as an injury replacement. Despite his contributions, the Tigers struggled to maintain consistency as injuries disrupted the team’s rhythm.

At the midseason mark, Melbourne received a major boost when long-time guard Lanard Copeland officially gained Australian citizenship, allowing him to qualify as a local player. This provided the Tigers with an additional import slot, which they used to sign former Townsville star Clarence Tyson (3.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.6 assists) for the remainder of the season. The move added frontcourt depth, but with the team still adjusting to lineup changes, wins were hard to come by.

Throughout the season, Daniel Egan (11.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.0 blocks) emerged as a key rotation player, making significant strides in his development. Copeland (20.9 points, 4.0 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.0 steals) continued to be an offensive weapon, while Andrew Gaze (29.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 5.8 assists) led the league in scoring once again. Mark Bradtke (21.3 points, 14.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.1 blocks) dominated the glass, finishing as the league’s top rebounder and earning a spot on the All-NBL First Team.

As Melbourne entered the final stretch of the season, they sat just outside the top six and remained within reach of a playoff berth. However, as coach Lindsay Gaze attempted to integrate the new additions into the team’s existing core, the Tigers struggled to find cohesion. A costly five-game losing streak during this critical period effectively ended their postseason hopes. Despite finishing the season on a three-game winning streak, the late surge came too late to salvage their playoff chances. Melbourne concluded the season in seventh place with a 13-15 record, missing the playoffs by three wins.

This marked the first time the Tigers had finished with a losing record and failed to qualify for the playoffs since 1988, signaling a further decline from their championship-contending years.

2001/02
The 2001/02 season saw the return of Marcus Timmons to the Melbourne Tigers, replacing Phil Handy, who departed for West Sydney. Timmons (16.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.0 blocks) seamlessly reintegrated into the squad, providing a strong presence that helped propel Melbourne back to the top of the standings. Lanard Copeland (25.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.1 steals) also delivered a standout season, with hopes of earning selection to the Australian Boomers squad after his recent naturalisation.

With Melbourne sitting on a promising 9-5 record, their momentum took a devastating blow when Andrew Gaze suffered an ankle injury just three minutes into a matchup against Townsville. The Tigers went on to lose that game in a narrow two-point defeat (98-100), and Gaze (19.1 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 5.0 assists) was sidelined for twelve games. Without their longtime leader, Melbourne struggled, posting a 7-9 record in his absence and slipping from the top of the standings to fifth place.

During this stretch, Mark Bradtke (22.6 points, 13.1 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.3 blocks) took on a larger role, leading the league in rebounding for the sixth time and ultimately earning NBL MVP honors at the end of the season. Despite the adversity, the Tigers managed to finish the regular season in sixth place with a 16-14 record, setting up a Qualifying Final matchup against their crosstown rivals, the Victoria Titans (21-9).

Victoria entered the series as the top seed and clear favorites, and they demonstrated their strength by securing a win in game one (107-113). Facing elimination, Melbourne responded with a heroic performance from Copeland (41 points, 5 assists, and 2 steals), who shot 14-of-27 from the field (52%), and Timmons (19 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists), leading the Tigers to a narrow victory in game two (107-105).

In the decisive game three, Copeland (37 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists) and Timmons (21 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 blocks) once again delivered, securing a 103-97 win and eliminating the top-seeded Titans. Gaze, still recovering from his ankle injury, played in all three games but was limited, scoring a total of just 11 points in the series.

Moving on to the semifinals, Melbourne faced the fifth-placed West Sydney Razorbacks (16-14) at home. Timmons (36 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 steals) and Bradtke (21 points, 14 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals) led the charge as the Tigers claimed a dominant game one victory (114-93).

However, once the series shifted to Sydney, West Sydney took control. In game two, the Razorbacks’ offense overwhelmed Melbourne in a high-scoring contest (109-125). Gaze, still not at full strength, struggled to make an impact, and Melbourne was unable to match the Razorbacks’ firepower.

Game three saw a similar story unfold, with West Sydney securing the series win (103-115) and ending Melbourne’s playoff run. The Razorbacks would go on to reach the NBL Grand Final, where they were ultimately defeated by the Adelaide 36ers.

This season marked a significant shift for the Tigers, as for the first time since the club entered the NBL in 1984, Gaze did not lead the team in scoring. Instead, Bradtke’s dominant performance earned him the league’s Most Valuable Player award. Despite this, Gaze still managed to lead the league in free throw shooting (88.4%), continuing to contribute in key areas.

Stephen Hoare (9.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.2 assists), David Smith (5.5 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists), and Daniel Egan (0.6 steals, 0.7 blocks) provided depth throughout the season, while Warrick Giddey (0.8 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 1.9 assists) played in all 36 games, continuing to provide leadership despite his reduced role. The contributions of role players helped Melbourne remain competitive, but ultimately, the team’s struggles without Gaze and their inability to contain West Sydney’s offensive firepower in the semifinals saw them fall short of another Grand Final appearance.

2002/03
After narrowly missing an NBL Grand Final berth the previous season—a run many believed could have been successful had Andrew Gaze not been sidelined with an ankle injury—the Melbourne Tigers made minor roster adjustments heading into the 2002/03 season. Departing the team were Daniel Egan (to Brisbane) and longtime Tiger Warrick Giddey (retirement), while the team added Neil Mottram (via Perth), Greg Blake, and import Matt Rueter, both of whom had been playing in the state league.

Melbourne had a sluggish start to the season (2-4) but soon found their rhythm, stringing together four consecutive wins to climb back into the top six by Round 10 (6-4). The Tigers’ progress was derailed when Gaze (22.1 points, 4.0 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.1 steals) was sidelined with a knee infection that forced him to miss four games. In his absence, Melbourne struggled, managing just one win in four contests, with David Smith (5.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.4 assists) stepping into the starting lineup.

Upon his return, Gaze was visibly weakened, several kilograms lighter, and struggling to regain peak form. Compounding the Tigers’ problems, they lost Mark Bradtke (17.4 points, 12.9 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.2 blocks) for six games due to back and hamstring issues. The absence of both Gaze and Bradtke saw Melbourne drop out of the playoff picture (9-11).

In addition to Gaze and Bradtke, the Tigers leaned on Lanard Copeland (18.0 points, 4.4 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.4 steals) and Marcus Timmons (13.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.0 assists) to provide offensive firepower. Meanwhile, Neil Mottram (10.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.0 assists) and Stephen Hoare (9.8 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 2.1 assists) stepped up in Bradtke’s absence.

Heading into the final round of the regular season, Melbourne (14-14) needed an extra win to secure the sixth playoff spot ahead of West Sydney (12-16), who held the head-to-head advantage. The Tigers locked in their playoff berth with a victory over Illawarra (108-99) but dropped their final game against Townsville (104-106), finishing the regular season at an even 15-15.

Melbourne entered the playoffs as the sixth seed, facing the first-seeded Sydney Kings (22-8) in the Qualifying Finals. The Kings took control of game one (101-89), with standout performances from Shane Heal (25 points), Kavossy Franklin (19 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists), and David Stiff (18 points, 11 rebounds, and 2 blocks).

In game two, Bradtke (21 points, 20 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 steals) battled Kings star import Chris Williams (32 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals, and 4 blocks) in a historic head-to-head showdown. While Williams stuffed the stat sheet, Melbourne’s defense clamped down on Sydney’s backcourt, limiting Heal (14 points) and Franklin (16 points). Thanks to strong performances from Gaze (25 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists) and Copeland (22 points and 5 assists), the Tigers forced a deciding game three with a narrow 108-104 victory.

Returning to Sydney for game three, the Kings overwhelmed the Tigers (114-89), with Williams (25 points, 13 rebounds, 9 assists, 5 steals, and 2 blocks) delivering one of the most dominant individual performances in NBL Finals history. Sydney’s defense shut down Melbourne’s ‘Big Three’ of Gaze, Copeland, and Bradtke, holding them to a combined 34 points, while Stephen Hoare (15 points and 12 rebounds) led the Tigers in scoring.

Despite the early playoff exit, Gaze (22.1 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 4.7 assists) once again led Melbourne in scoring, with Bradtke finishing as the league’s leading rebounder (12.9 rebounds per game) while also making history by surpassing the all-time rebound record (5,200), previously held by Mark Davis. The Tigers finished sixth during the regular season but were ultimately unable to contain the Kings, who went on to win the 2003 NBL Championship.

2003/04
At 38 years old, Andrew Gaze continued to prove why he was one of the most dominant players in NBL history. Although his rebounding and assist numbers dipped to career lows, he remained an elite scorer, averaging 21.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. The Melbourne Tigers finished the regular season in fifth place with a 20-13 record, securing a playoff berth for the 16th time in Gaze’s career.

Melbourne opened their season with a commanding 105-77 win over the Hunter Pirates, followed by another victory over the Brisbane Bullets (97-88). Their strong start continued with a dominant performance against Perth (116-99), but they suffered their first setback in Round 3, falling to the Sydney Kings (90-101). The Tigers rebounded quickly, defeating the New Zealand Breakers (108-97) before suffering a lopsided home loss to the Wollongong Hawks (76-105).

The Tigers’ inconsistency throughout the season was evident as they alternated between impressive wins and disappointing losses. They registered strong victories over Adelaide (111-99), Hunter (117-96), and Victoria (95-90) but struggled against playoff-bound teams such as Wollongong (78-84) and Sydney (83-92). Melbourne’s most thrilling game of the regular season came in their New Year’s Eve matchup against the Victoria Giants, where they lost in overtime (111-116) despite Gaze and Lanard Copeland combining for 47 points.

As the season progressed, Melbourne found their rhythm, stringing together five consecutive wins, including key victories over Townsville (126-117), Perth (95-87), and Sydney (109-94). This strong finish secured them the fifth seed entering the playoffs.

In the Elimination Finals, the Tigers faced the Adelaide 36ers in front of 2,459 fans at the State Netball and Hockey Centre. Gaze played a crucial role in the 111-107 victory, ensuring Melbourne advanced to the next round. However, in the Quarterfinals, the Tigers fell to the Brisbane Bullets (112-101) at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, ending their championship hopes.

Gaze’s long-time teammate Mark Bradtke (selected to the All-NBL First Team) was dominant inside, averaging 14.1 rebounds per game, while Copeland (20.7 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.9 assists) continued to provide scoring support. Melbourne’s depth was bolstered by Darryl McDonald, who won the NBL Best Sixth Man award after a strong season off the bench.

Despite the early playoff exit, Gaze remained one of the league’s most potent offensive threats. The 2003/04 season marked another chapter in his legendary career, as he continued to lead Melbourne’s offense while transitioning into the final years of his playing days. The Tigers finished outside the top four for the fourth straight year, and with Gaze approaching retirement, their championship window was quickly closing.

2004/05
The 2004/05 season marked the final chapter in the legendary career of Andrew Gaze. At 39 years old, Gaze remained one of the league’s most potent scorers, averaging 20.5 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game. Despite his continued offensive production, Melbourne struggled with consistency throughout the season, finishing in sixth place with a 17-15 record.

Melbourne opened their season with a 96-88 loss to Wollongong before rebounding with a narrow 99-96 win over Cairns at home. The Tigers continued their up-and-down form through the opening rounds, defeating Townsville (112-95) but suffering defeats to Sydney (89-90, 109-112). A mid-season addition, Rashad Tucker, was brought in after being released by Perth due to attitude issues. However, he showed no signs of trouble in Melbourne, slotting into the second unit and averaging 5.8 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in a reduced role.

The Tigers secured crucial mid-season wins against Perth (119-100), Adelaide (111-94), and New Zealand (103-88), but losses to Hunter (94-112) and Wollongong (96-118) kept them from moving into the league’s upper echelon. Melbourne’s home form remained strong (12-4), but they struggled on the road (5-11), which ultimately limited their ability to challenge for a higher playoff seed.

Gaze’s long-time running mates, Mark Bradtke (17.8 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists) and Lanard Copeland (13.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.9 assists), provided solid contributions, but it was clear that the team was nearing the end of an era. Melbourne finished in a three-way tie with Brisbane and Perth for the final playoff spots, securing sixth place based on head-to-head results.

In the Elimination Finals, Melbourne faced Perth at the State Netball and Hockey Centre, where they secured a 108-88 victory in front of 2,352 fans. However, their postseason run was short-lived, as they fell to Townsville in their second playoff elimination game (100-112), ending their championship hopes.

Following the loss, Andrew Gaze and his father, Lindsay Gaze, announced their retirement from the NBL. Andrew, who turned 40 in July, cited the physical toll of playing as the main reason for his decision. “I’ve been backwards and forwards about retiring since the end of the season,” Gaze stated. “My desire is to keep playing, and it pains me not to, but I want to live a long life and have a good quality of life.”

Gaze finished his career as the all-time leading scorer in NBL history, amassing 18,908 points across 612 games while averaging 30.9 points, 5.06 rebounds, 5.76 assists, and 1.75 steals per game. His departure, along with Lindsay Gaze stepping down as head coach after 22 seasons, marked the end of an era for the Melbourne Tigers and Australian basketball.

Bradtke and Copeland also moved on at the conclusion of the season, both signing with the Brisbane Bullets. The Tigers, who had been perennial contenders throughout Gaze’s career, now faced an uncertain future as they transitioned into a new era without their iconic leader.

Gaze has been described as one of the greatest players Australia has ever produced. He was inducted into the Australian Basketball Hall of Fame in 2004, and the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 2005, after becoming a member of the Order of Australia in 2002.

In 2013, he joined his father, Lindsay, in the FIBA Hall of Fame, after being elected as a player, to become just the third Australian inductee. Two Australian basketball awards have been named in Gaze’s honour: the NBL MVP award is named the Andrew Gaze Trophy, and the Australian International Player of the Year award is named the Gaze Medal.

Gaze played under his father Lindsey, as coach, for 22 NBL seasons won the NBL MVP award seven times and was the league’s leading scorer across 14 seasons.Andrew Gaze played twenty-two seasons the Melbourne Tigers. He averaged 30.8 points, 5 rebounds, and 5.7 assists in 612 NBL games.

CAREER RANKINGS:
– 2nd in total games played.
– 1st in total points
– 15th in total rebounds
– 1st in total assists
– 3rd in total steals
– 44th in total blocks
– 7th in points per game.
– 34th in assists per game.

HIGHLIGHTS:

Dan Boyce (827 Posts)

Dan Boyce is a die-hard Sydney Kings fan who grew up in Melbourne during the roaring 90's of Australian Basketball and spent far too much time collecting Futera NBL Basketball cards.