Photo credit: Olympics.com.au
The over 40s men’s basketball competition at next week’s Pan Pacific Masters Games is shaping as a boomer of a competition.
That’s due in part to the presence of the modestly named Has Beens, a team featuring a star-studded lineup of international representatives.
And while there’s a fine line between respecting their credentials and scaring the bejesus out of their opposition, you can’t help but admire the stellar star power about to hit the boards.
Leading the charge is David Andersen, one of Australia’s most decorated players.
Andersen, a four-time Olympian and 12-time champion across European leagues, also has two NBL titles under his belt, having won with Melbourne United in 2018 and 2021.
Recently retired after a mighty 23 seasons, his 211cm presence on the court won’t go unnoticed.
Joining Andersen is another Boomers legend, Chris Anstey.
Anstey represented Australia at the 2000 and 2008 Olympic Games and had a long career in the NBA and European leagues.
He was drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers in the first round of the 1997 NBA Draft and played for several NBL teams, including the Melbourne Tigers.
Anstey’s illustrious playing career ended in 2010, before he became head coach of the Tigers in 2012.
Warrick Giddey, the father of current NBA star Josh Giddey, will also take to the floor.
Giddey senior played 449 games in the NBL, winning two championships with the Melbourne Tigers in 1993 and 1997.
His famous number 6 jersey hangs proudly in the rafters of John Cain Arena, a testament to his enduring legacy in Australian basketball.
Also beefing up the Has Beens lineup is Greg Goorjian, brother of the legendary Boomers coach Brian Goorjian.
Greg was drafted by the Golden State Warriors in 1983, and although his playing career didn’t take off in the NBA, his basketball pedigree is undeniable.
Yet another in the star-studded team is Cam Rigby, who played collegiate basketball in the U.S. before returning to Australia to enjoy a seven-season career in the NBL.
Rigby helped lead the Wollongong Hawks to the NBL Grand Final in 2005, earning the team’s Most Improved Player award that season.
Mark Bisby, Shane Bright, Musti Erdas, Thalo Green, Peter Lawler, Darren Lucas, Andrew Parkinson and Jarren Scoffern will also suit up.
The 2024 basketball competition will be held at the Coomera Sports Centre and Runaway Bay Indoor Stadium from Sunday 3 – Saturday 9 November from 9:00am – 5:00pm daily.
