The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) paid tribute to triple Olympian Andrew Bogut following today’s announcement that he is retiring from professional basketball.
Competing at Athens 2004, Beijing 2008 and Rio 2016, with an ankle injury ruling him out of London 2012, Bogut has been a cornerstone of the Australian basketball team for a generation.
Bogut’s incredible accomplishments include being the first Australian selected first overall in the NBA draft when he was taken number one by Milwaukee in 2005 and one of only six Australians to win an NBA title, playing a pivotal role in Golden State’s 2015 NBA championship.
AOC President and Chef de Mission of the Australian Olympic Team at Athens and Beijing, John Coates AC said Bogut was a special athlete.
"Andrew was so much more than a big man, he had an aura about him," Mr Coates said. "He was an inspirational figure for the Australian Olympic Team and a leader on and off the court."
"Countless athletes across those Olympic Teams respected and looked up to Andrew. This is not just a loss for basketball in Australia but a loss for the Australian Olympic movement.
"I know it must have been a difficult decision for him, but the great athletes know when it’s time. I wish Andrew all the best for the future – if he takes to his next endeavour with the tenacity and passion he displayed across his basketball career I’m sure he will continue to find great success."
Bogut’s career highlights include:
· Olympic Games – 2004 (9th), 2008 (7th), 2016 (4th, equalling Australia’s highest ever Olympic finish in men’s basketball)
· NBA – played for Milwaukee, Golden State, Dallas, Cleveland and Los Angeles Lakers, winning a Championship and NBA All-Defensive second team (2015 with Golden State); All Rookie First team (2006 with Milwaukee)
· NBL – played for Sydney Kings, winning NBL MVP and Defensive Player of the Year in 2019
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