Anstey and Mackinnon call time

OAMPS Melbourne Tigers players Chris Anstey and Sam Mackinnon have called an end to their outstanding basketball careers.

The pair announced on Monday that this season will be their last in the NBL.

Both Anstey and Mackinnon have been icons of Australian basketball and between them have five NBL Championships, four Olympic Games representations, three NBL MVP’s, three NBL Grand Final MVP’s, two NBL Best Defensive Players, two Gaze Medals for International Player of the Year and 795 NBL games.

Anstey had hip surgery at the start of the season and has been battling hip and back injuries since returning in December.

“For me it has been a very tough decision, I have been thinking about it for a while but now feels like the right time. I pride myself on my work ethic and my body can’t work as hard as I would like or as it needs to be at practice,” Anstey said.

“My best moments would have to include the Under 23s World Championships Gold Medal in Melbourne, the Olympic Games and all three NBL Championships. The two championships with the Tigers are very special considering the teammates I shared them with and my role in the team.”

“It’s also fantastic that I get to share the day with Sam. We grew up playing basketball together, we have been teammates many times and although our careers took different turns here and there, its great to be able to share this day with him."

Anstey went on to talk about what the future holds.

“I will look to take a break from basketball for a little while and spend some time with the family.”

‘Slammin’ Sam Mackinnon also found the decision to close his playing career difficult.

“The decision to retire has been building up for the past couple of weeks, it’s a decision that hasn’t come lightly but it has been coming for a couple of years. I have had a long career which I have thoroughly enjoyed and I am comfortable in what I have achieved.”

“My best memories include the Under 23s World Championships Gold Medal in Melbourne and the Olympic Games. The Championships were great and I consider myself very lucky to have many special moments rather than just the one or two standouts.”

When asked who had major influences on his standout career Mackinnon said, “My father, junior coach Fred Liddy and Mike Kelly have all been fantastic for me and have inspired and helped me along the way”.

When asked about his future plans Mackinnon was more than happy to discuss his job with pizza company Crust.

“I am the Area Manager for Crust Pizza in Queensland so that will be taking up a fair bit of my time along with spending some time with my family.”

Tigers Head Coach Al Westover paid tribute to the outgoing stars.

“It’s a sad time for the Tigers and also Australian Basketball with two legends of the game retiring. Both Chris and Sam have been fantastic for the Melbourne Tigers and Australian Basketball. We would like to wish them all the best for what they move onto in the future.”

Tigers CEO Seamus McPeake was full of praise for the departing NBL champions.

“Chris and Sam have given so much to the game over a long period of time and should be congratulated on their outstanding careers," said McPeake. "Both their team and individual records speak for themselves. It will be sad not to see them out on the court after this season, but I am sure they will find success in their careers after basketball.”

Basketball fans will have the chance to say goodbye to two legends of the game this Saturday night (13th of February) when the Tigers take on the Gold Coast Blaze in their final game of the season.

By Tigers Media