Lindsay Gaze elected into Naismith Hall of Fame
SPRINGFIELD (Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame) - He's been described as the father of Australian basketball, so great was his impact on the sport Down Under.
Now Lindsay Gaze is to be recognized for his efforts with induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts.
The International Committee has directly elected the Adelaide-born basketball icon, making him part of the 2015 Hall of Fame class.
His enshrinement will take place on 11 September in Springfield.
Veteran Australian coach Lindsay Gaze named as a Direct-Elect to @Hoophall.
→ http://t.co/Zz6q9Dwo9Q
#NBAinAus pic.twitter.com/sGpiVuuW9n
— NBA Australia (@NBA_AU) February 14, 2015
A three-time Olympian as a player, Gaze later coached the Boomers at the Olympic Games in 1972, 1976, 1980 and 1984.
He also held the reins to the Australian sides that competed at the FIBA Basketball World Cups in 1974, 1978 and 1982.
Gaze, who is in the FIBA Hall of Fame and the Australian Basketball Hall of Fame, was once asked why he and other Australians were so fierce in the sporting arena.
"I'm just a part of what is evident in sport in Australia - the spirit of sport, the willingness to accept the challenge and recognise that it is a learning experience to go on and do something better next time," he said.
"It's really just us."
On the club scene, Gaze had a huge impact.
He coached the Melbourne Tigers of the National Basketball League (NBL) and steered the team to championships in 1993 and 1997.
On three occasions, Gaze was named as the NBL Coach of the Year (1989, 1997, 1999).
The Gaze name is about as famous as they come Down Under.
Gaze's son, Andrew, played at five Olympics and was the flag-bearer for Australia at the Opening Ceremony when it hosted the 2000 Sydney Games.
Andrew, who like his father is in the FIBA Hall of Fame, was among the first to announce the big news that his father was heading to Springfield.
Incredibly proud of my dad who was today elected into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. Will be inducted in Sept. pic.twitter.com/L8LVn5uf7l
— Andrew Gaze (@AndrewGaze10) February 15, 2015
FIBA