Basketball New Zealand

February 2, 2010

Burger King NZ Breakers forward Tony Ronaldson, universally known as “The Bear”, has called time on his outstanding Australian NBL career, today confirming that this season will be his last.

Ronaldson’s career stretches back an incredible 20 years and 662 games (with the remainder of this season still to be played). Among the many records he holds is the greatest number of NBL games by any player, a mark he took off the great Andrew Gaze (612) last season.

Ronaldson also figures highly on most top-10 statistical lists, this season surpassing 10,000 career points at 15.4 per game.

The 37-year-old has no regrets in the game and can reflect fondly on some great memories.

“It is hard to pick out individual moments, but representing my country on any occasion has to rank as a highlight for me. Whether it was the Olympic Games, world champs, Commonwealth Games [gold medal] or a tour to the States where you play against top sides, it was always an honour to play in the green and gold.

“Of course, winning two ANBL championships and hoping there is one more yet with the Breakers, they are the best memories of playing in this league.”

When asked to nominate those who have been pivotal to his career, Ronaldson prefers not to single people out.

“There are too many people to name. The reason I played for so long is down to the relationships I have made.

“Whether or not the friendship is maintained on a daily basis is not the point. Once you have been on a team with someone you might not see them for 20 years, but when you do it is like only a day has passed by.

“Few other work environments can provide that, so that is what I’ll take home - the relationships and catching up with lifelong friends, even if I see them sporadically.”

Ronaldson admits he had no idea his career would prove as lengthy as he recalls first starting out as a raw 17-year-old.

“My first contract was for $15,000 and, no, I never knew where this thing was going. At that stage, it was purely about playing, as the money didn’t support you.

“My goals then were making the Aussie team and playing well each game. I certainly didn’t think of a 20-year career.

“I can be very satisfied at the time I have had in the game, few get to play as long as I have, I’m lucky.”

Ronaldson has thought about the future, but as yet, is undecided about where it will take him.

“I have no specific trade … I have an interest in the construction industry and will put some feelers out. But I’ve had one job in my life.

“I am going into the unknown, but as with basketball, I back myself to pick something up and run with a new challenge.

“I am excited about that. It is frightening, but exciting, whatever it may be.

“I will, however, stay involved with the media, which is one option to develop over time. I have enjoyed some opportunities in the past few years and would certainly like to continue in that area.”

Appearing in seven NBL Grand Finals and being part of two championship-winning teams in 1992 and 1996. No player has won more NBL matches than “Bear”, a former Australian Boomer, double Olympian and a gold medalist at the 2006 Commonwealth Games.

Burger King Breakers head coach Andrej Lemanis was full of praise for one of the NBL’s true greats.

“I actually played alongside Tony at the South East Melbourne Magic and have since had the pleasure of coaching him of course with the Breakers. The thing that most impresses me about Tony, aside from the obvious stats that he has put up in his career, has been his ability to re-invent himself and find ways to contribute to different teams in different ways.

“He is clearly not the player he was when he debuted 20 years ago as a raw 17-year-old, but his ability to adapt to each environment he has been in, and mature as a player and a person has been enormous.

“It has kept him in the game when others have since long departed.

“Of late, with the Breakers, that has meant great leadership and maturity, on and off the court. That, and his continued ability to influence a game at key moments, has been invaluable to us as a group and to me as a coach.

“It has been a pleasure being involved in his career – he will be remembered as one of the greats of the game and an NBL Hall of Famer, of that I am certain. I wish him well in the next phase of his life.

“Knowing his personality, he will certainly find a way to make it successful.”

CJ Bruton spoke on behalf of the players of his club and former international team-mate.

“Bear is a classy player, always committed to the team and always wants desperately to win. Every club would love to have Tony on the team.

“We have certainly enjoyed him here at the Breakers. He has always been a big-game player and can be relied on down the stretch.

“He has always put his country first, as well. When he could have been earning big money overseas, he put his club and country first … that is the guy he is.

“I have seen the sacrifices and hard work he has put in over the years to reach goals with the ultimate one being the Olympic Games. We shared the captaincy, too, at the Melbourne Commonwealth Games when we beat NZ for the gold medal - that will always be a special memory for us both.

“I don’t think people and the game of basketball quite realize how much they will miss the Bear.”

Ronaldson will suit up at home at least two more times, starting this Thursday night against the Wollongong Hawks in a game that has “must win” written all over it for the North Shore-based side.

Victory on Thursday will keep the championship dream alive for the club, and for the departing Tony Ronaldson.