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David Andersen
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David Emil Andersen (born 23 June 1980) is an Australian-Danish former professional basketball player. One of Australia's most experienced and successful players, Andersen won 12 league championships (9 European national domestic league championships and 3 EuroLeague championships) abroad and played in Italy, Russia, Spain, Turkey and France. He also played in the NBA, spending two years in the league between 2009 and 2011. In 2018 and 2021, he won championships with Melbourne United in the National Basketball League (NBL).
Key Information
Early life
[edit]Andersen was born in Melbourne, Victoria, in the suburb of Carlton,[1] to parents Mary and Danny. He started playing basketball at Frankston East Primary School. His mother coached him and his brother, Stuart, at Frankston East and because there was only one team at the school. Andersen always played a year above his age.[2]
At the age of 11, Andersen joined his local basketball association, the Frankston Blues, and in his first year at the club, the under 12 team he played in, won the championship. He played with the Frankston Blues Junior Program until he was 15 years old and then joined the Frankston Blues men's team, going on to play in the 1995 CBA Grand Final. After a successful Under 16 Australian Junior Championships with Victoria, Andersen was selected to join the Australian Institute of Sport Basketball Development Program.[2] He subsequently moved to Canberra and in conjunction with the AIS, he attended Lake Ginninderra Secondary College. A three-year scholarship holder, Andersen played for the AIS in the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) from 1996 to 1998 where he was named the Australian Junior Male Basketballer of the Year in 1998.[2][3]
Professional career
[edit]Australia and Italy (1998–2004)
[edit]Following the conclusion of his time at the Australian Institute of Sport, Andersen signed a two-year deal with the Wollongong Hawks of the Australian National Basketball League.[2] In 1998–99, he played 25 games while averaging 6.2 points and 4.0 rebounds per game.[4]
In 1999, Andersen left Wollongong and signed a multi-year deal with Kinder Bologna of the Italian LBA. In the 2000–01 season, he helped Kinder Bologna win the Italian Cup, the LBA championship, and the EuroLeague 2000–01 season championship.[2]
On 26 June 2002, Andersen was selected with the 37th overall pick in the 2002 NBA draft by the Atlanta Hawks. He returned to Kinder Bologna for the 2002–03 season, where he was named to the LBA All-Star Game for the first time.[2]
In 2003, Andersen was forced to leave Bologna, after the club went into bankruptcy. He subsequently signed with Montepaschi Siena for the 2003–04 season, and went on to win the LBA Finals MVP award, after helping Montepaschi Siena win their first title. He also helped the club reach the EuroLeague Final Four, for the first time as well.[2]
Russia (2004–2008)
[edit]In 2004, Andersen signed a two-year deal with CSKA Moscow, then of the Russian Basketball Super League. In his first season with CSKA, the team were crowned Russian League champions and Russian National Cup champions, along with also making the 2005 Final Four of the EuroLeague. Andersen was also named to the All-EuroLeague First Team of the 2004–05 season. In January of the 2005–06 season, Andersen dislocated his ankle and fractured his fibula, forcing him to return to Australia for surgery, specialist treatment and rehabilitation, before heading back to Russia to continue rehab and to support his team for their 2006 EuroLeague Final Four campaign. Andersen went on to re-sign with CSKA Moscow, and subsequently helped them win the 2007 and 2008 Russian Super League championships, as well as the 2008 EuroLeague championship.[2]
Spain (2008–2009)
[edit]In June 2008, Andersen signed a three-year deal with FC Barcelona of the Spanish Liga ACB.[5] Barcelona went on to win the 2008–09 ACB season championship.
NBA (2009–2011)
[edit]On 14 July 2009, the Atlanta Hawks traded Andersen's rights to the Houston Rockets in exchange for cash and future draft considerations.[6] On 11 August 2009, he signed a multi-year deal with the Rockets.[7]
Although being drafted in 2002, Andersen did not play in an NBA game until October 27, 2009, where he recorded 11 points and 5 rebounds in his debut against the Portland Trail Blazers. On 15 November 2009, he scored a career-high 19 points in a 101–91 win over the Los Angeles Lakers.[8]
On 28 July 2010, Andersen was traded, along with cash considerations, to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for a 2015 protected second-round pick.[9] On 20 November 2010, he was traded, along with Jarrett Jack and Marcus Banks, to the New Orleans Hornets in exchange for Jerryd Bayless and Peja Stojaković.[10] On 2 February 2011, he scored a season-high 13 points in a 104–93 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.[11]
Andersen's final NBA game was on April 1, 2011, in an 81–93 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies where he recorded 2 rebounds and 1 assist.
Return to Italy (2011–2012)
[edit]On 28 June 2011, Andersen signed a three-year deal with Montepaschi Siena, returning to the club for a second stint.[12] On 19 December 2011, he was formally waived by the New Orleans Hornets following the conclusion of the NBA lockout.[13]
Turkey (2012–2013)
[edit]In August 2012, Andersen and Montepaschi agreed on an €800,000 buyout, and he subsequently signed a two-year deal with Fenerbahçe of the Turkish Super League (BSL).[14][15] On 12 June 2013, he parted ways with Fenerbahçe.[16]
France and Australia (2014–2021)
[edit]On 22 January 2014, Andersen signed with SIG Strasbourg of the French LNB Pro A for the rest of the 2013–14 season.[17]
On 11 September 2014, Andersen signed a two-year deal with ASVEL Basket of the LNB Pro A.[18] He helped ASVEL win the championship for the 2015–16 season.[19]
On 16 July 2016, Andersen signed a two-year deal with Melbourne United, returning to the NBL for the first time since 1999.[20][21] For his return season in the NBL, he was named captain of United.[22] In December and January of the 2016–17 season, he was sidelined for roughly six weeks with a knee injury.[23] Following the NBL season, he returned to ASVEL Basket for the rest of the 2016–17 Pro A season.[24]
In the 2017–18 NBL season,[25] Andersen helped United win the championship with a 3–2 grand final series win over the Adelaide 36ers. At 37 years old, he became the oldest player to win his first NBL championship.[26]
On 4 June 2018, Andersen signed with the Illawarra Hawks for the 2018–19 NBL season, returning to the franchise for a second stint, a full twenty years after his first.[27] Following the NBL season, he joined SIG Strasbourg for the rest of the 2018–19 Pro A season, returning to the team for a second stint.[28]
On 15 July 2019, Andersen re-signed with the Hawks for the 2019–20 season.[29]
In April 2021, Andersen joined the Frankston Blues for the NBL1 South season.[30]
On 8 May 2021, Andersen signed with Melbourne United as an injury replacement for Jack White.[31] The following month, he won his second NBL championship after United defeated the Perth Wildcats 3–0 in the grand final series.[32]
On 27 October 2021, Andersen announced his retirement from basketball after 23 professional seasons and 22 league/cup championships.[33]
National team career
[edit]Andersen has represented the national teams of Australia on many occasions. As a junior national team member in 1996 and in 1998, he played at the Albert Schweitzer Tournament, where he was voted the tournament MVP. In 1999, he travelled to Portugal with the Australian men's Under-19 team to play in the FIBA Under-19 World Championship for Junior Men, and then to Japan in 2001, for the FIBA Under-21 World Championship for Junior Men.[2]
In the 2003 off-season, Andersen was selected to play for the Australian Boomers in the Olympic Qualifying FIBA Oceania Championship against New Zealand. The Boomers won the series, and secured a place in the 2004 Summer Olympics. He went on to play for Australia in Athens, where the Boomers finished in ninth place.[2]
Andersen went on to win gold at the 2005 and 2007 FIBA Oceania Championships. He also represented Australia at both the 2008 Summer Olympics and the 2010 FIBA World Championship in Turkey.
With Andrew Bogut missing the 2012 London Olympics due to injury, Andersen became the Boomers' starting centre at the 2012 Summer Olympics. He was the Boomers' third-leading scorer, behind Patty Mills and Joe Ingles, and in six games, he had averages of 12 points, 6 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game, and an impressive 40% three-point field goal percentage.[34]
As a member of the Boomers' 2014 FIBA World Cup squad, Andersen averaged 6.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in six games.[35]
In 2016, Andersen made the Boomers Olympic team for the fourth straight time and he played at the 2016 Summer Olympics.[36]
Post-playing career
[edit]After announcing his retirement as a basketball player in October 2021,[37] Andersen starting working for the NBL, taking care of Player Liaison and Special Projects.[33]
Career statistics
[edit]| GP | Games played | GS | Games started | MPG | Minutes per game |
| FG% | Field-goal percentage | 3P% | 3-point field-goal percentage | FT% | Free-throw percentage |
| RPG | Rebounds per game | APG | Assists per game | SPG | Steals per game |
| BPG | Blocks per game | PPG | Points per game | PIR | Performance index rating |
| Bold | Career high |
NBA
[edit]| Year | Team | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009–10 | Houston | 63 | 0 | 14.1 | .432 | .346 | .687 | 3.3 | .7 | .2 | .2 | 5.8 |
| 2010–11 | Toronto | 11 | 0 | 13.6 | .489 | .300 | 1.000 | 3.1 | .6 | .3 | .3 | 5.1 |
| 2010–11 | New Orleans | 29 | 0 | 7.7 | .446 | .385 | .467 | 1.7 | .2 | .1 | .2 | 2.7 |
| Career | 103 | 0 | 12.3 | .440 | .347 | .674 | 2.8 | .6 | .2 | .2 | 4.9 | |
EuroLeague
[edit]| † | Denotes season in which Andersen won the EuroLeague |
| * | Led the league |
| Year | Team | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG | PIR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000–01† | Bologna | 22 | 7 | 18.1 | .550 | .250 | .828 | 3.7 | .5 | .5 | .5 | 7.3 | 8.5 |
| 2001–02 | 22 | 11 | 21.5 | .483 | .000 | .671 | 4.3 | .4 | .9 | .2 | 8.7 | 9.3 | |
| 2002–03 | 8 | 5 | 24.4 | .415 | .000 | .842 | 4.8 | .6 | .5 | .9 | 8.8 | 10.1 | |
| 2003–04 | Mens Sana | 21 | 8 | 20.0 | .503 | .000 | .641 | 4.6 | .7 | .6 | .3 | 9.1 | 9.1 |
| 2004–05 | CSKA Moscow | 23 | 20 | 24.1 | .573 | .000 | .828 | 7.0 | .8 | .8 | .5 | 12.4 | 17.7 |
| 2005–06† | 12 | 12 | 28.1 | .512 | .500 | .917 | 7.7 | 1.1 | .8 | .2 | 14.8 | 17.9 | |
| 2006–07 | 25 | 6 | 22.4 | .463 | .486 | .776 | 5.0 | .9 | .5 | .4 | 9.8 | 11.0 | |
| 2007–08† | 25* | 20 | 24.5 | .463 | .510 | .847 | 5.8 | 1.2 | .6 | .4 | 12.8 | 14.7 | |
| 2008–09 | Barcelona | 23* | 9 | 21.0 | .508 | .404 | .800 | 4.1 | .8 | .4 | .6 | 11.1 | 11.2 |
| 2011–12 | Mens Sana | 20 | 19 | 25.7 | .433 | .333 | .738 | 6.2 | .9 | .4 | .4 | 11.7 | 11.9 |
| 2012–13 | Fenerbahçe | 23 | 15 | 20.2 | .429 | .342 | .800 | 4.0 | .4 | .4 | .1 | 7.3 | 6.6 |
| Career | 224 | 132 | 22.4 | .491 | .413 | .788 | 5.1 | .8 | .6 | .4 | 10.3 | 11.5 | |
Domestic leagues
[edit]| Season | Team | League | GP | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998–99 | Wollongong Hawks | Australia NBL | 23 | ? | .452 | -- | .638 | 3.9 | .7 | .4 | .6 | 6.2 |
| 1999–2000 | Kinder Bologna | LBA | 33 | 20.2 | .593 | .000 | .692 | 4.1 | .4 | .8 | .4 | 6.1 |
| 2000–01 | 41 | 18.0 | .578 | .333 | .725 | 4.3 | .3 | 1.0 | .3 | 8.3 | ||
| 2001–02 | 43 | 21.5 | .542 | .000 | .715 | 5.5 | .4 | 1.0 | .4 | 8.2 | ||
| 2002–03 | 14 | 24.9 | .525 | .000 | .754 | 5.3 | .5 | 1.6 | .4 | 10.7 | ||
| 2003–04 | Montepaschi Siena | 42 | 19.0 | .537 | .000 | .738 | 4.8 | .6 | 1.3 | .5 | 8.8 | |
| 2004–05 | CSKA Moscow | Superleague A | 29 | 22.2 | .543 | -- | .791 | 7.7 | 1.0 | .5 | .4 | 13.6 |
| 2005–06 | 14 | 24.1 | .550 | .000 | .778 | 6.4 | 1.0 | .2 | .2 | 15.6 | ||
| 2006–07 | 33 | 19.6 | .566 | .500 | .708 | 3.9 | 1.0 | .6 | .5 | 11.0 | ||
| 2007–08 | 26 | 18.0 | .566 | .548 | .765 | 6.4 | 1.4 | .7 | .6 | 9.8 | ||
| 2008–09 | FC Barcelona | ACB | 40 | 22.3 | .496 | .385 | .805 | 4.2 | 1.3 | .5 | .3 | 10.4 |
| 2011–12 | Montepaschi Siena | LBA | 38 | 24.0 | .521 | .429 | .855 | 5.1 | 1.4 | .4 | .3 | 13.9 |
| 2012–13 | Fenerbahçe | BSL | 26 | 16.5 | .480 | .466 | .886 | 2.9 | .8 | .2 | .1 | 8.0 |
| 2013–14 | SIG Strasbourg | LNB Pro A | 25 | 27.0 | .458 | .468 | .849 | 5.0 | 2.1 | .6 | .2 | 13.1 |
| 2014–15 | ASVEL | 32 | 19.8 | .465 | .349 | .929 | 4.3 | 1.3 | .3 | .3 | 9.3 | |
| 2015–16 | ASVEL | 45 | 23.8 | .448 | .411 | .832 | 6.0 | 1.5 | .4 | .2 | 10.8 |
Personal life
[edit]Andersen is of European heritage, with his father being Danish and his mother being English.[38] He has dual Australian-Danish citizenship[39] and holds a Danish passport.[38]
References
[edit]- ^ "David Andersen". fiba.com. Archived from the original on 14 November 2015. Retrieved 1 December 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Biography". DavidAndersen.com.au. Archived from the original on 27 February 2015. Retrieved 24 September 2014.
- ^ "Past Athletes". ausport.gov.au. Archived from the original on 12 February 2014. Retrieved 24 September 2014.
- ^ "Player statistics for David Andersen". FoxSportsPulse.com. Retrieved 24 September 2014.
- ^ "Barcelona adds David Andersen". Euroleague.net. 21 June 2008. Retrieved 24 September 2014.
- ^ "Rockets Acquire Rights to David Andersen". NBA.com. 14 July 2009. Retrieved 24 September 2014.
- ^ "Houston Rockets sign David Andersen". InsideHoops.com. 11 August 2009. Retrieved 24 September 2014.
- ^ "Brooks has career high 33; Kobe held to 18 as Lakers lose again". ESPN.com. 15 November 2009. Archived from the original on 28 October 2021. Retrieved 28 October 2021.
- ^ "Raptors Acquire Andersen From Houston". NBA.com. 28 July 2010. Retrieved 24 September 2014.
- ^ "HORNETS ACQUIRE JACK, ANDERSEN AND BANKS FROM RAPTORS". NBA.com. 20 November 2010. Retrieved 24 September 2014.
- ^ "Red-hot Kevin Durant sparks Thunder's late run past Hornets". ESPN.com. 2 February 2011. Archived from the original on 28 October 2021. Retrieved 28 October 2021.
- ^ "MONTEPASCHI brings back David Andersen". Euroleague.net. 28 June 2011. Retrieved 24 September 2014.
- ^ Reid, John (19 December 2011). "New Orleans Hornets waive David Andersen". NOLA.com. Retrieved 24 September 2014.
- ^ "David Andersen signed the contract with Fenerbahce". Sportando.com. 14 August 2012. Retrieved 24 September 2014.
- ^ "FENERBAHCE ULKER announces David Andersen". Euroleague.net. 16 August 2012. Retrieved 24 September 2014.
- ^ "David Andersen, Fenerbahce agreed to part ways". Sportando.com. 12 June 2013. Retrieved 24 September 2014.
- ^ "STRASBOURG lands legend David Andersen". Eurocupbasketball.com. 22 January 2014. Archived from the original on 2 February 2014. Retrieved 24 September 2014.
- ^ "ASVEL Lyon Villeurbanne inks three-time champ Andersen". Euroleague.net. 11 September 2014. Retrieved 24 September 2014.
- ^ Nagy, Boti (15 June 2016). "Australian triple-Olympian Dave Andersen wins another European championship, this time in France". The Advertiser. Retrieved 16 June 2016.
- ^ "DAVID ANDERSEN SIGNS ON THE DOTTED LINE". MelbourneUtd.com.au. 16 July 2016. Archived from the original on 16 July 2016. Retrieved 16 July 2016.
- ^ "AUSSIE STAR DAVID ANDERSEN SIGNS WITH UNITED". NBL.com.au. 16 July 2016. Archived from the original on 16 July 2016. Retrieved 16 July 2016.
- ^ "O' Captain, my captain #NBLMediaDay". Twitter. 22 September 2016. Retrieved 23 September 2016.
- ^ "DAVE ANDERSEN INJURY UPDATE". MelbourneUtd.com.au. 12 December 2016. Archived from the original on 12 December 2016. Retrieved 12 December 2016.
- ^ "ASVEL signs David Andersen to replace the injured Adrian Uter". Sportando.com. 23 March 2017. Retrieved 23 March 2017.
- ^ "Transferts ProA 2017/18". basketeurope.com (in French). 22 April 2016. Retrieved 27 October 2017.
- ^ "DAVID ANDERSEN KEEPS IT SIMPLE AS MELBOURNE UNITED CHASE TITLE WIN". fb.fdba.com.au. 31 March 2018. Archived from the original on 4 April 2018. Retrieved 4 April 2018.
- ^ "The Illawarra Hawks Sign David Andersen". NBL.com.au. 4 June 2018. Archived from the original on 9 June 2018. Retrieved 4 June 2018.
- ^ Carchia, Emiliano (24 February 2019). "David Andersen inks with Strasbourg". sportando.basketball. Retrieved 25 February 2019.
- ^ "David Andersen Re-signs with the Hawks". NBL.com.au. 15 July 2019. Archived from the original on 15 July 2019. Retrieved 15 July 2019.
- ^ "DAVID ANDERSEN RETURNS TO FRANKSTON BLUES AFTER 26 YEARS". fdba.com.au. 15 April 2021. Retrieved 8 May 2021.
- ^ "Veteran David Andersen Signs with Melbourne". NBL.com.au. 8 May 2021. Retrieved 8 May 2021.
- ^ "United secure NBL21 championship on home court". NBL.com.au. 25 June 2021. Retrieved 25 June 2021.
- ^ a b "Andersen Calls Final Time-Out". NBL.com.au. 27 October 2021. Retrieved 27 October 2021.
- ^ "David Andersen International Stats". Basketball-Reference.com. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
- ^ "2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup – David Andersen". FIBA.com. Archived from the original on 5 June 2018. Retrieved 24 September 2014.
- ^ "Basketball men believe they can win first medal at Rio Olympics". Archived from the original on 14 July 2016. Retrieved 11 July 2016.
- ^ "Emotional David Andersen calls time on his basketball career". ESPN.com. 26 October 2021. Retrieved 27 October 2021.
- ^ a b Pittman, Kane (16 June 2021). "David Andersen's globe-trotting basketball journey stems from love for the game and a sense of adventure". sportingnews.com. Retrieved 27 October 2021.
- ^ Nagy, Boti (7 August 2013). "Boomers star David Andersen may head back to NBA – but Boomers top priority". HeraldSun.com.au. Retrieved 27 October 2021.
Utilising his dual citizenship - his father is Danish - Andersen's extraordinary international career was off.
External links
[edit]- Career statistics from NBA.com · Basketball Reference
- Andersen's official website
- David Andersen Archived 1 April 2016 at the Wayback Machine at nba.com
- David Andersen at euroleague.net
- David Andersen at fiba.com
- David Andersen at acb.com (in Spanish)
- David Andersen Archived 24 April 2016 at the Wayback Machine at legabasket.it (in Italian)
- David Andersen at tblstat.net
- David Andersen Archived 31 October 2014 at the Wayback Machine at Official Site of the 2012 Australian Olympic Team
- David Andersen at the Australian Olympic Committee
- David Andersen at Olympics.com
- David Andersen at Olympedia
David Andersen
View on GrokipediaEarly life and background
Childhood and family
David Andersen was born on June 23, 1980, in Melbourne, Australia.[5] He holds dual Australian and Danish citizenship, reflecting his mixed heritage with a Danish father and English mother.[6][7] Andersen was raised by his parents, Danny and Mary, in the suburb of Frankston, Victoria, alongside three brothers and one sister.[8] His family emphasized an active lifestyle, with his mother having played netball and basketball herself, which influenced the household's interest in sports.[9] Growing up in the coastal, working-class environment of Frankston, Andersen enjoyed a typical Australian childhood filled with outdoor play, including roughhousing with his siblings in the front yard.[10] During his early years, Andersen's activities centered on general sports and recreation rather than any specific pursuit, fostering his competitive spirit through family interactions and local community engagement.[8] This foundation later steered him toward organized basketball at age five, under his mother's encouragement.[9]Youth basketball development
David Andersen first encountered basketball at the age of five through his mother, Mary, who coached his team at Frankston East Primary School in Melbourne, Victoria.[11] This early involvement, supported by his family's encouragement of sports, laid the foundation for his passion for the game. By age 11, he joined the Frankston Blues junior program, where his under-12 team won a championship in his debut season, marking his entry into competitive youth leagues in Melbourne.[8] Andersen continued developing through the Frankston Blues juniors until age 15, when he transitioned to their senior men's team, contributing to their 1995 Continental Basketball Association (CBA) Grand Final appearance despite his youth. At 14, his rapid physical growth—already standing tall for his age—allowed him to compete effectively in senior play, honing skills as an emerging power forward. Selected as a Victorian state player for the under-16 Australian Junior Championships, he caught the attention of Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) scouts, earning a three-year scholarship to the AIS basketball program in Canberra in 1996 at age 16.[12][8] At the AIS, Andersen attended Lake Ginninderra Secondary College while training intensively, playing for the AIS team in the State East Australia Basketball League (SEABL) from 1996 to 1998. During this period, he experienced significant height growth from 197 cm (6'5") to 211 cm (6'11"), transforming him into a prototypical power forward/center with improved physical conditioning, rebounding, and post play. His performance earned him a spot on Australia's junior national team, where he won a silver medal and was named MVP at the 1998 Albert-Schweitzer International Tournament in Germany.[13][14] He also represented Australia at the 1999 FIBA Under-19 World Championship in Portugal.[15] In 1998, Andersen was also honored as the Australian Junior Male Basketballer of the Year.[8][16]Club career
Early years in Australia and Italy (1998–2004)
David Andersen began his professional basketball career at the age of 18, signing with the Wollongong Hawks of Australia's National Basketball League (NBL) for the 1998–1999 season after his development at the Australian Institute of Sport.[8] In his rookie year, he appeared in 25 games, averaging 6.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 0.6 assists per game, while contributing defensively as a promising 7-foot center with shot-blocking potential.[8] Andersen scored 9 points in his NBL debut on September 10, 1998, and played a supporting role on a Hawks team that finished third in the regular season with a 16–10 record before exiting in the qualifying finals.[8] Following one season in the NBL, Andersen transferred to Virtus Bologna (then known as Kinder Bologna) in Italy for the 1999–2000 season, remaining with the club through 2002–2003 and marking the start of his prominent European career.[17] At 19, he adapted to the more tactical and physical European style of play, which emphasized team-oriented execution, intense rivalries—such as the heated derbies against crosstown rivals Fortitudo Bologna—and passionate fan atmospheres, while learning alongside future stars like Manu Ginóbili.[10] This transition honed his skills as a versatile big man, allowing him to contribute effectively in a high-level environment despite the cultural and stylistic adjustments from Australian basketball.[10] During his tenure with Virtus Bologna, Andersen achieved significant success, including winning the Italian League (LBA Serie A) championship in the 2000–01 season, along with two Italian National Cup titles in 2001 and 2002.[17] He also helped the team secure the inaugural EuroLeague title in 2001, defeating Tau Ceramica in the final, and reached the EuroLeague Final Four again in 2002 as runners-up to Panathinaikos.[17] These accomplishments established Andersen as a key rotational player on one of Europe's elite clubs, averaging around 7–9 points and 4 rebounds per game in EuroLeague play during those seasons while providing interior presence and efficiency.[18] After Virtus Bologna declared bankruptcy in 2003, Andersen signed with Montepaschi Siena for the 2003–04 season. In 21 EuroLeague games, he averaged 10.5 points and 5.5 rebounds, contributing to Siena's run to the EuroLeague Final Four and helping the team win the Italian LBA championship.[17][19]Success in Russia (2004–2008)
In 2004, David Andersen signed a three-year contract with CSKA Moscow, joining the Russian powerhouse as a key starter in the frontcourt under head coach Ettore Messina.[17] His prior experience in Italy with teams like Virtus Bologna and Montepaschi Siena facilitated a smooth transition to the high-stakes environment of the Russian Super League and EuroLeague.[20] Andersen quickly established himself as a reliable big man, contributing to CSKA's dominant play with his scoring efficiency and rebounding prowess alongside stars like point guard Theo Papaloukas. During his tenure from 2004 to 2008, Andersen played a pivotal role in CSKA Moscow's success, helping the team secure four consecutive Russian Super League titles in the 2004–05, 2005–06, 2006–07, and 2007–08 seasons.[20] The club also captured two EuroLeague championships in 2006 and 2008, with Andersen providing crucial contributions in the playoffs, including strong performances in the Final Fours.[21] These victories solidified CSKA's status as Europe's elite team, as they advanced to the Final Four each year Andersen was there, though they fell short in 2005 and 2007.[22] Andersen's individual impact peaked in the EuroLeague during this period, where he earned All-EuroLeague First Team honors in the 2004–05 season after averaging 12.4 points and 7.0 rebounds per game across 23 appearances.[17] In the 2007–08 campaign, he posted 12.8 points and 5.8 rebounds per game in 25 contests, showcasing his versatility as a scorer and defender en route to the title.[18] One standout performance came on February 9, 2005, when he erupted for a career-high 30 points in a EuroLeague road win over Frankfurt Skyliners, underscoring his ability to dominate matchups.[23]Spain and NBA stint (2008–2011)
In June 2008, David Andersen signed a three-year contract with FC Barcelona of Spain's Liga ACB, marking his transition from Russian basketball to one of Europe's premier clubs.[17] During the 2008–09 season, he contributed as a key frontcourt player, averaging 9.0 points and 3.6 rebounds per game in 31 league games, while helping the team secure the Spanish National Championship title after defeating Real Madrid in the finals.[17][24][25] Barcelona also reached the EuroLeague Final Four that year, finishing third, though Andersen's European experience from CSKA Moscow had positioned him as a valuable addition to the squad's title aspirations.[8] Andersen's Barcelona contract included an NBA out clause, which he exercised in July 2009 when the Houston Rockets acquired his draft rights from the Atlanta Hawks—where he had been selected 37th overall in the 2002 NBA Draft—in exchange for cash and future draft considerations.[5] He made his NBA debut with Houston in the 2009–10 season, serving as a backup center and appearing in 63 games with averages of 5.8 points and 3.3 rebounds per game, including a career-high 19 points on November 15, 2009, against the Los Angeles Lakers.[5][26] Despite the adjustment to the NBA's pace and physicality, Andersen provided scoring versatility from mid-range and supported the Rockets' frontcourt depth amid injuries to stars like Yao Ming.[1] On July 28, 2010, the Rockets traded Andersen to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for cash considerations and a protected 2015 second-round draft pick, aiming to give him more opportunities in a rebuilding roster.[27] However, his time in Toronto was brief, limited to 11 games with modest production of 2.0 points per game, as the team's crowded rotation restricted his minutes.[5] On November 20, 2010, the Raptors included Andersen in a five-player trade to the New Orleans Hornets, sending him along with Jarrett Jack and Marcus Banks for Peja Stojaković, Jerryd Bayless, and cash; in 29 games with New Orleans, he averaged 4.0 points and 2.3 rebounds, contributing off the bench during a playoff push but facing ongoing challenges from established big men like Emeka Okafor.[28][5] Overall, Andersen's NBA stint across three teams yielded 103 games and season averages of about 4.9 points and 2.8 rebounds, hampered by team depth yet demonstrating his adaptability at age 29–30.[5] Throughout his NBA period, Andersen balanced professional demands with international duties for the Australian Boomers, notably participating in the 2010 FIBA World Championship in Turkey shortly before his trade to Toronto, where he averaged 7.3 points and 4.3 rebounds over eight games to help Australia advance to the quarterfinals.[29] This dual commitment highlighted his enduring role as a national team leader, even as limited NBA minutes prompted reflection on his European roots.[1]Later career in Europe and Australia (2011–2021)
Following his departure from the NBA, Andersen returned to European basketball by signing with Mens Sana Siena in Italy for the 2011–12 season, where he averaged double-digit scoring in both the EuroLeague and the Italian Lega Basket Serie A, contributing to the team's domestic title win.[18][17] In the 2012–13 season, Andersen joined Fenerbahçe Ülker in Turkey, providing frontcourt depth and leadership in the EuroLeague while helping the team reach the playoffs.[17] His experience from the NBA influenced his later play style, emphasizing efficient post positioning and team-oriented decision-making as a veteran big man.[30] Andersen then moved to France, first signing with SIG Strasbourg midway through the 2013–14 season to bolster their EuroCup and LNB Pro A campaigns.[18] He transitioned to ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne for the 2014–15 and 2015–16 seasons, serving as a key starter in the French league and earning a spot in the 2016 French All-Star Game; after completing the 2015–16 season, he returned to Australia.[17] In July 2016, Andersen made his long-awaited return to the NBL in Australia, signing a two-year deal with hometown team Melbourne United, where he embraced a veteran leadership role off the bench during the 2016–17 and 2017–18 seasons.[31] With Melbourne, he helped secure the 2018 NBL championship, defeating the Adelaide 36ers in the grand final series, marking his first Australian title after nearly two decades abroad.[32] In 2018, he signed with the Illawarra Hawks—his original professional club—for the 2018–19 and 2019–20 seasons, offering mentorship to younger players in limited minutes.[33] Andersen returned to Melbourne United as an injury replacement in May 2021, contributing to their second NBL title that year with a 3–0 sweep over the Perth Wildcats in the grand final.[34][35] On October 27, 2021, Andersen announced his retirement after 23 professional seasons, reflecting on a career that spanned multiple continents and included 22 total championships.[36]National team career
Olympic participations
David Andersen debuted for the Australian national team at the 2004 Athens Olympics, appearing in all six games and averaging 4.7 points and 4.7 rebounds per game while shooting 40.7% from the field.[37][38] Australia advanced from the group stage but fell in the quarterfinals to Lithuania, ultimately finishing ninth overall with a 2–4 record.[39][40] In the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Andersen played in six contests, contributing 6.5 points and 3.5 rebounds per game on 43.8% field goal efficiency.[41] The Boomers posted a 3–3 record in the group stage before advancing to the quarterfinals, where they lost to the United States, then lost to Argentina in the 5–8 classification semifinal and defeated Russia in the 7–8 game to place seventh overall.[42][43] Andersen served as a veteran leader at the 2012 London Olympics, starting multiple games and averaging 12 points and 6 rebounds over six appearances with a 37.2% field goal percentage.[44][18] Despite his efforts, Australia lost in the quarterfinals to the United States and finished seventh after classification games.[45][46] At age 36, Andersen competed in his final Olympics at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games, logging 8 games with averages of 8.8 points and 4.8 rebounds per game at 54.0% shooting.[47] Australia achieved its best Olympic result to date by reaching the semifinals, where they lost to Serbia, before falling to Spain in the bronze medal game for a fourth-place finish with a 5–3 record.[48][49]FIBA competitions and achievements
David Andersen played a pivotal role in Australia's successes at the FIBA Oceania Championships, helping the Boomers secure gold medals in both 2005 and 2007. In the 2005 tournament, he averaged 13.7 points and 4.7 rebounds per game over three contests, including a 22-point outing in the final game.[50] In the 2007 edition, Andersen contributed 12.3 points and 4.7 rebounds over three games, supporting Australia's sweep of New Zealand to claim the regional title.[6] Andersen also represented the Boomers at the FIBA World Championships in 2006, 2010, and 2014. In 2006, Australia achieved a ninth-place finish, with Andersen participating as a key frontcourt player. In the 2010 tournament in Turkey, he averaged 10.4 points and a team-high 7.4 rebounds in five games, helping stabilize the frontcourt amid a challenging group stage. At the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Spain, Andersen appeared in six games, averaging 6.3 points and 5.0 rebounds as Australia finished 11th.[6] Throughout his tenure with the Boomers, spanning from 2003 to 2016, Andersen earned 38 caps in major international tournaments, achieving career highs in scoring (22 points) and assists during Oceania qualifiers. Beyond statistics, he played a key leadership role in fostering team culture, embedding professional standards and mentorship that influenced younger players like Patty Mills, ensuring the program's continuity and success in regional and global competitions.[51]Career statistics
NBA
David Andersen appeared in 103 NBA games over two seasons with the Houston Rockets, Toronto Raptors, and New Orleans Hornets, averaging 4.9 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 0.6 assists per game while shooting 44.0% from the field.[5] His role was primarily as a backup center and power forward, contributing efficient scoring inside and occasional perimeter shooting.[52] In the 2009–10 season with the Rockets, Andersen played 63 games, averaging 5.8 points and 3.3 rebounds in 14.1 minutes per game, with a field goal percentage of 43.2%.[53] He established himself as a reliable rotation player, often providing spacing with his mid-range and three-point shooting (34.6% from beyond the arc). During the 2010–11 season, Andersen split time between the Raptors and Hornets, appearing in 11 games for Toronto (5.1 points, 3.1 rebounds per game) and 29 games for New Orleans (2.7 points, 1.7 rebounds per game), for a combined 40 games averaging 3.4 points and 2.1 rebounds in 9.3 minutes.[54] His minutes decreased due to increased competition in the frontcourt, but he maintained solid efficiency, shooting 46.3% from the field overall.| Season | Team | Games | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | FG% | 3P% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009–10 | HOU | 63 | 14.1 | 5.8 | 3.3 | 0.7 | .432 | .346 |
| 2010–11 | TOR | 11 | 13.6 | 5.1 | 3.1 | 0.6 | .489 | .300 |
| 2010–11 | NOH | 29 | 7.7 | 2.7 | 1.7 | 0.2 | .446 | .385 |
| Career | - | 103 | 12.3 | 4.9 | 2.8 | 0.6 | .440 | .347 |
EuroLeague
David Andersen competed in the EuroLeague over 11 seasons from 2001 to 2013, appearing in 224 regular-season and playoff games while averaging 10.2 points and 5.1 rebounds per game across his career.[56][57] One of his standout seasons came in 2004–05 with CSKA Moscow, where he averaged 12.4 points and 7.0 rebounds per game over 23 appearances, earning selection to the All-EuroLeague First Team for his efficient scoring inside and rebounding presence.[22][17] In the following 2005–06 campaign, Andersen elevated his play during CSKA's championship run, posting 14.8 points and 7.7 rebounds per game in 12 playoff contests, including key contributions in the Final Four victory over Maccabi Tel Aviv that secured the title.[18] Andersen continued his strong form with CSKA in 2007–08, averaging 12.8 points and 5.8 rebounds across 25 games, helping the team repeat as EuroLeague champions with solid performances in the playoffs and Final Four, where he provided versatile frontcourt support alongside teammates like Trajan Langdon and Theo Papaloukas.[18][20] After moving to FC Barcelona for the 2008–09 season, he averaged 11.1 points and 4.1 rebounds in 23 games, aiding the team's push to the Final Four while adapting to a more perimeter-oriented offense.[18] Later in his EuroLeague tenure, Andersen joined Fenerbahçe Ülker in 2012–13, where he appeared in 23 games and averaged 7.3 points and 4.0 rebounds per game, offering veteran leadership and efficient shooting from mid-range and beyond the arc during the club's competitive regular season.[18][58] His playoff contributions across multiple teams underscored his role as a reliable big man in high-stakes European competition, particularly in CSKA's back-to-back titles in 2006 and 2008.[17]Domestic leagues
David Andersen began his professional basketball career in domestic leagues at age 18, debuting in Australia's National Basketball League (NBL) before establishing himself as a versatile big man across several European competitions. Over his career, he competed in six domestic leagues outside the NBA and EuroLeague, contributing to multiple championships while posting consistent double-digit scoring averages in his prime years. His play emphasized rebounding and efficient scoring inside the paint, often exceeding 50% field goal shooting in high-volume seasons.[18]Australia NBL
Andersen's NBL tenure bookended his European career, starting with the Wollongong Hawks in 1998–99, where he appeared in 25 games, averaging 6.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 0.6 assists per game as a rookie.[8] He returned to the league from 2014 to 2021, playing for Melbourne United (2014–18, 2021) and Illawarra Hawks (2018–20), appearing in 86 games with career averages of 7.6 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.0 assists in 15.7 minutes per game.[18] His most productive NBL season came in 2016–17 with United, averaging 10.3 points and 4.5 rebounds in 19 games. In playoffs, Andersen helped United win the 2018 championship, contributing 7.8 points and 3.5 rebounds across five games, and added to the 2021 title in limited minutes (1.6 points in five regular-season games that year). Overall NBL career averages, including his debut season, stand at approximately 7.0 points and 3.5 rebounds over 111 games.[8]Italy Serie A (LBA)
Andersen spent significant time in Italy from 1999 to 2004 and returned briefly in 2011–12, playing for Virtus Bologna (1999–2003) and Montepaschi Siena (2003–04, 2011–12). Across 144 regular-season games, he averaged 10.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 0.7 assists in 21.5 minutes.[18] Key seasons included 2000–01 (9.0 points, 4.6 rebounds in 32 games with Virtus) and his 2011–12 return to Siena (14.8 points, 5.7 rebounds in 29 games). He contributed to three Serie A titles (2000, 2001 with Virtus; 2012 with Siena), including strong playoff performances such as 12.5 points and 6.2 rebounds in the 2012 finals series. In the 2001 playoffs, Andersen averaged 10.2 points across 12 games en route to the championship. His Italian efficiency peaked at 57.3% field goal shooting in 2000–01.[18]Russia Super League
From 2004 to 2008, Andersen anchored the frontcourt for CSKA Moscow, winning four consecutive Russian Super League championships (2005–08). In 102 regular-season games, he averaged 13.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in about 22 minutes per game.[59] Standout seasons included 2004–05 (13.6 points, 7.7 rebounds in 29 games) and 2005–06 (15.6 points, 6.4 rebounds in 14 games). In playoffs, he elevated his production, averaging 14.2 points and 6.8 rebounds across 28 games over four postseasons, including a 16.0-point average in the 2006 finals sweep. Andersen's rebounding prowess helped CSKA dominate the league, with his 7.7 rebounds per game in 2004–05 ranking among the top in the Super League that year.[59]Spain ACB
Andersen's single ACB season came in 2008–09 with FC Barcelona, where he played 31 regular-season games, averaging 9.0 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in 20.7 minutes.[18] He shot 55.2% from the field, contributing to Barcelona's ACB title that year. In the playoffs, Andersen averaged 10.5 points and 4.2 rebounds over 10 games, including a 14-point, 6-rebound effort in the finals against Unicaja Málaga. His role as a reliable scorer off the bench was key to the championship run.[18]Turkey BSL
In 2012–13, Andersen joined Fenerbahçe Ülker for the Turkish Basketball Super League (BSL), appearing in 27 regular-season games and averaging 7.9 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in 17.0 minutes.[60] He earned Turkish Cup MVP honors, scoring 21 points in the final. In BSL playoffs, Fenerbahçe reached the semifinals, where Andersen averaged 9.5 points and 3.5 rebounds in six games. His overall BSL contribution included a 47.5% field goal percentage, aiding Fenerbahçe's third-place finish.[60]France Pro A
Andersen played in France's LNB Pro A from 2013 to 2019, primarily with ASVEL (2014–17) and Strasbourg (2013–14, 2018–19), logging 100 regular-season games with averages of 9.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 20.5 minutes.[18] Notable seasons included 2013–14 at Strasbourg (12.8 points, 4.2 rebounds in 14 games) and 2015–16 at ASVEL (11.3 points, 6.4 rebounds in 34 games). He won the 2016 Pro A title with ASVEL, averaging 12.0 points and 5.8 rebounds in 10 playoff games. In the 2019 playoffs with Strasbourg, he added 7.2 points per game in the quarterfinals. Andersen's veteran presence helped stabilize lineups, with career 52.1% field goal shooting in the league.[18]Post-playing career
Roles with the NBL
Following his retirement from professional basketball in October 2021, David Andersen was appointed to the role of Player Liaison and Special Projects Officer with the National Basketball League (NBL) in late 2021.[2][61][62] In this position, Andersen's responsibilities include serving as a conduit for player feedback from current and former athletes to enhance league operations, with a focus on player welfare and overall league development initiatives.[62] He has contributed to the NBL's growth by acting as an ambassador for the Next Stars program since 2022, supporting the identification and development of young talent aimed at pathways to professional and international opportunities.[51][63] By 2025, Andersen's involvement expanded to include contributions to league media, such as appearing in the NBL Now podcast special "Dave Andersen on the European Experience" in May 2025, where he reflected on his extensive career abroad and the integration of European basketball elements into the NBL.[64][65]Mentoring and public engagements
Following his retirement from professional basketball in 2021, David Andersen has taken on informal mentoring roles to support the development of young Australian talent. In January 2025, he served as a mentor at Basketball Australia's National Performance Camp held at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra, where he provided guidance to over 50 promising boys and girls identified as future Boomers and Opals prospects, alongside fellow Australian international Nate Jawai.[66] As an ambassador for the NBL's Next Stars program, Andersen has focused on nurturing emerging players, offering advice on professional pathways to talents such as Rocco Zikarsky, Johnny Furphy, and Dash Daniels.[51] Andersen has shared public reflections on his career and the evolution of Australian basketball through high-profile interviews. In an August 2024 appearance on The Pick and Roll podcast, he discussed the enduring culture of the Boomers national team, emphasizing the role of veteran players in fostering professionalism and team chemistry, drawing parallels between his 2004 Olympic teammates like John Rillie and modern figures such as Joe Ingles.[51] He highlighted how off-court leadership from experienced players has contributed to the team's sustained success in international competitions.[51] In May 2025, Andersen featured in an NBL Now special episode titled "Dave Andersen on the European Experience," where he reflected on his extensive career abroad, including the passion of European fans, memorable championship moments across leagues in Italy, Spain, Russia, Turkey, and France, and the stylistic differences that shaped his game.[64] The discussion also touched on his impact on Australian basketball's global growth and his vision for its future.[64] These engagements complement his work as an NBL special projects officer, allowing him to connect with the broader basketball community through historical retrospectives and inspirational talks.[51]Awards and honors
Club titles
David Andersen amassed an impressive collection of club titles throughout his professional basketball career, spanning multiple continents and leagues, totaling 14 major championships. His early successes came as a young contributor off the bench, evolving into a key veteran presence and leader in later victories, providing scoring, rebounding, and tactical expertise in high-stakes playoff scenarios. These triumphs highlight his adaptability and consistency across elite European competitions before capping his playing days with domestic success in Australia.[56] In Europe, Andersen secured nine national league titles. He began with an Italian Serie A championship with Virtus Bologna (known as Kinder Bologna during his tenure), winning in the 2000–01 season after joining the club in 1999, where he averaged 12.7 points and 6.7 rebounds per game in the playoffs as a rotational big man. He then won his second Italian title in 2003–04 with Montepaschi Siena, contributing significantly in the playoffs. His third Italian title came in 2011–12 with Montepaschi Siena, contributing 10.4 points and 5.2 rebounds in the regular season and serving as a stabilizing force in the postseason. With CSKA Moscow from 2004 to 2008, he captured four consecutive Russian Super League titles (2004–05 through 2007–08), transitioning from a backup role in his debut season—where he posted 9.1 points and 4.8 rebounds—to a starting center by 2006–07, anchoring the frontcourt alongside stars like Theo Papaloukas. Andersen added a Spanish Liga ACB championship in 2008–09 with FC Barcelona, averaging 11.0 points and 5.3 rebounds during the regular season and providing depth in their playoff run to the title. Finally, he clinched the French LNB Pro A title in 2015–16 with ASVEL Basket, where as a 35-year-old veteran, he averaged 9.6 points and 4.9 rebounds, mentoring younger players like Amine Noua in their championship campaign under owner Tony Parker.[10][8][20][67] Andersen's continental dominance extended to three EuroLeague championships, the premier club competition in Europe. His first came in 2000–01 with Bologna, where he played a supporting role in the Final Four victory over Tau Cerámica, contributing 8 points in the final. He won back-to-back titles with CSKA in 2005–06 and 2007–08; in 2006, he averaged 10.2 points across 20 games, including key contributions in the Final Four win over Maccabi Tel Aviv, while in 2008, as a core starter, he tallied 12.5 points and 6.1 rebounds en route to defeating the same opponent in the championship game. These victories solidified CSKA's dynasty during his tenure.[56][68] Returning to Australia later in his career, Andersen won two National Basketball League (NBL) titles with Melbourne United. In 2017–18, at age 37, he became the oldest player to claim an NBL championship, coming off the bench for 12.4 points and 5.7 rebounds per game, including a pivotal 14-point, 7-rebound performance in the grand final sweep against Perth Wildcats. He repeated as champion in 2020–21, providing leadership and 7.8 points with 4.2 rebounds in limited minutes during the regular season, helping secure the title in a five-game series against Perth before retiring immediately after. These wins marked a fitting bookend to his club career, emphasizing his enduring impact as a mentor.[34][2][8]| League | Titles | Teams and Years | Role Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Italian Serie A | 3 | Virtus Bologna (2000–01), Montepaschi Siena (2003–04, 2011–12) | Bench contributor to veteran stabilizer; averaged double-doubles in key playoff games for Siena titles.[69][20] |
| Russian Super League | 4 | CSKA Moscow (2004–05 to 2007–08) | Evolved from rotation player to starter; 10+ points in championship finals.[70] |
| Spanish Liga ACB | 1 | FC Barcelona (2008–09) | Depth provider in frontcourt; supported stars like Juan Carlos Navarro. |
| French LNB Pro A | 1 | ASVEL Basket (2015–16) | Veteran leader; mentored roster in title run.[20] |
| EuroLeague | 3 | Virtus Bologna (2000–01), CSKA Moscow (2005–06, 2007–08) | Key bench to core player; double-digit scoring in Final Fours.[56] |
| Australian NBL | 2 | Melbourne United (2017–18, 2020–21) | Oldest champion in 2018; leadership in both series.[1] |
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