Andersen ends title-filled career

One of Australia’s most decorated basketball players has today made the decision to hang up the boots.

Fresh off his second NBL title with Melbourne United, David Andersen has called it a career.

Andersen, who won two titles in three stints with Melbourne United, says he is thankful he was in full control of when to decide he would end his illustrious career.

“I'm happy, I’m at peace with it,” DA told Melbourne United.

“A lot of athletes don’t get to go out on their own terms, so I’m very happy to be able to make my own decision to hang up the boots.

“It’s emotional, there’s always going to be some sadness that you’re going to miss the game you love… but I’m ready for the next phase of my career.

“But basketball will always be in my blood, in my DNA.”

DA played a pivotal role off the bench for much of Melbourne United’s 2018 championship season, coming up with some key baskets and finding open teammates for good looks.

In 2021, Andersen re-joined the squad late in their campaign, helping to mentor some of the younger players, particularly Jock Landale, as the team pushed towards the title.

United head coach Dean Vickerman praised Andersen’s ability to motivate teammates and bring people together, on and off the court.

“It’s quite incredible how he influenced winning wherever he was,” Vickerman said.

“For him to come in late [in the] season and have such a positive influence on the group just shows how much of a connector of people he is.”

One of the original fashion icons of Australian basketball, Vickerman recalls a time when he had to borrow a belt from the man affectionately known as ‘Mr GQ’.

“We were on the road, and I had forgotten my belt, and DA was the only person to put his hand up to lend me a belt.

“Little did I know it was one of his Gucci belts… I had to really wrestle with myself on whether to actually wear it or not,” Vickerman laughed.

It’s moments like that that Andersen said will be the hardest to give up.

“The thing I’ll miss are all the moments of comradery with the guys after games and on the road.

“It’s the little things, like Dean asking for a belt and giving him one of my nice Gucci belts with a big badge… all the boys took the mickey out of him for that.

“There were lots of great times, sharing a glass of wine or having a coffee, it’s all those moments that make a career special.”

The two-time NBL champion won’t be lost to the sport, as he will be joining the NBL in a new Player Liaison and Special Projects role.

Melbourne United would like to thank DA for all the hard work, dedication and passion he brought to the club during his time here and wish him the best with all future endeavours.

David Andersen’s accomplishments:

• 2x NBL champion, both with Melbourne United (2018, 2021)
• 4x Olympian (2004, 2008, 2012, 2016)
• 3x EuroLeague champion (2001, 2006, 2008)
• 3x Italian League champion (2001, 2004, 2012)
• 3x Italian Cup winner (2001, 2002, 2012)
• Italian Supercup winner (2011)
• Spanish League champion (2009)
• 4x Russian League champion (2005-2008)
• 3x Russian Cup winner (2005-2007)
• Turkish Cup winner (2013)
• French League champion (2016)
• All-EuroLeague First Team (2005)
• Italian League Finals MVP (2004)
• Italian Cup MVP (2012)
• Turkish Cup Final MVP (2013)
• Albert Schweitzer Tournament MVP (1998)
• 37th pick in 2002 NBA Draft by Atlanta Hawks