Tigers All Time

The Melbourne Tigers is one of the most successful clubs in the NBL alongside Perth and Adelaide with 4 championships. They have been around the for 25 years and have a rich heritage that spans 16 finals appearance and 8 GF appearances.

After many successful years spent in the Gaze era that saw Lindsay Gaze coach his son Andrew Gaze they were eventually replaced by long time assistant Al Westover and the return of Chris Anstey. Without further or do the Tigers greatest 6.

Point Guard: Darryl McDonald

Even though D-Mac came to the Tigers at the end of his 14 seasons as a professional he was a genetic freak that retired at the age of 44. Playing against him first hand he was the master of changing speed, feeding the open man and getting a deflection on any pass in his area. 

Shooting Guard: Andrew Gaze (c)

Do I really have to explain this one? Rookie of the year in 1984, 7 time MVP, 15 time All First Team. Played 612 games and amassed a whopping 18,908 points which is undoubtedly a record that will never be broken. He averaged 44.1 points a game in 1987 and had a individual high of 60 points in a single game. He recorded 4 triple doubles in his career his best a 44 pt, 12 ass and 12 reb game against Sydney in 1986. Out of all of his accomplishments I would say that his 2 NBL Championships and his 5 Olympic appearances would of been his highlights. Either way he will go down in history as one of the greatest.

Small Forward: Lanard Copeland

Lanard played 448 games for the Tigers and accumulated 9,843 points. Remembered for being on the other end of the half court alley oops from Andrew Gaze and able to walk the walk after talking the talk his number 21 was retired in front of the Tigers faithful. Copes is second all time in games, points, assists and steals. He is also third in block shots and 5th in rebounds. He played bigger than his frame should of allowed him to and was a true entertainer, he was also the 1997 GF MVP.

Power Forward: Chris Anstey

Putting Anstey in the power forward roll allows him to shoot the three in this team. He is a three time NBL Championship winner, 2 time MVP winner (2006, 2008), a 4 time All First Team member and the 2008 NBL Best Defensive Player. He is currently the best big man in the competition with his ability to dominate inside, rebound over everyone and dishearten teams with his deadly touch all over the half court. To top it off he has represented our country twice at the Olympics.

Center: Mark Bradtke

This mountain of a man played 375 games for the Tigers and was the enforcer in the Gaze era. His ability to score and rebound also made him the 2002 MVP. Hogey is a three time NBL championship winner, two with the Tigers. He is also a 4 time Olympian and is the Tigers all time leader in blocks and rebounds. Overall even though his presence was intimidating on the court this gentle giant is a great guy off the court.

6th Man: David Simmons

Dave played 240 games for the Tigers and was almost the fourth Beatle surrounded by Gaze, Copeland and Bradtke. He netted 4,266 points in his career and sits second all time at the Tigers in blocks, third in steals and rebounds and fourth in points. 

Honorable Mentions: Dave Thomas, Marcus Timmons and Brian Goorjian

Until next time when we I feature the New Zealand Breakers

Have a beer for me

Wortho