Tony Ronaldson
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Position | Forward |
|---|---|
| Nickname | Bear |
| Height | 203cm |
| Weight | 141kg |
| Team | New Zealand Breakers (NBL) |
| Nationality |  Australia |
| Born | May 25, 1972  Adelaide, South Australia |
| Junior Association | Nunawading |
| College/University | Arizona State University |
| Debut | 1990 |
| Previous Clubs | Eastside Spectres 1990-91 South East Melbourne Magic 1992-1998 Victoria Titans 1998-2002 Perth Wildcats 2002-2007 |
| Championships | 1992, 1996 |
| Career Highlights | Leads the league in career wins
Played in 5 Grand Finals Current Boomers squad member |
Anthony Dean Ronaldson (born May 25, 1972 in Adelaide, South Australia) is an Australian basketballer currently playing in the National Basketball League.
[edit] Playing career
Ronaldson made his NBL debut in 1990 with the now-defunct Eastside Spectres and was a member of the Spectres Grand Final team that lost to the Perth Wildcats in 1991. When the Spectres merged with the Southern Melbourne Saints in 1992, Ronaldson was one of the players to be signed to the newly created South East Melbourne Magic. During his time with the Magic, Ronaldson competed in another four Grand Finals including two NBL championships in 1992 and 1996. When the Magic also merged with another club in 1998/99, this time with cross-town rivals the North Melbourne Giants, Ronaldson once again was signed to the resulting team: the Victoria Titans. Ronaldson was eventually sacked by coach Brian Goorijan due to weight and fitness issues. Ronaldson signed with the Perth Wildcats for 2002/03 season. Following the retirement of Ricky Grace, Ronaldson captained the club in 2005/06, but was replaced by Paul Rogers the following season.[1]
Ronaldson's game would continue to operate on his basketball savvy inside, and outside shooting. His lazy and often haphazard approach to fitness and lack of interior presence would cause the Wildcats to make a low ball offer which Ronaldson refused. Fitness and weight was always an issue for Ronaldson as he was often encumbered by severe weight gain. Due to this and after a number of lacklustre performances, he left the Wildcats after the 2006/07 season and signed with the New Zealand Breakers.[2] Many basketball keen fans regard Ronaldson as a nonchalant player who struggles to keep up with the pace of the game. However, his ability often surprises fans and players alike and he continues to inspire players of a "larger" body type to strive towards sporting careers.
Prior to the 2006/2007 finals series, Ronaldson has played 574 NBL games[3], overtaking Leroy Loggins (567 games) during the regular season, and is now second only to Andrew Gaze (616 games).[4] Furthermore, Ronaldson leads the league in career wins.
In addition to his "gutsy" NBL career, Ronaldson has represented his country at a national level on numerous occasions including the 1996 Olympic Games, 2004 Olympic Games and the 2006 Commonwealth Games.[5]
| Preceded by Ricky Grace |
Captain of the Perth Wildcats 2005/06 |
Succeeded by Paul Rogers |
[edit] References
- ^ http://www.wildcats.com.au/?id=55 Perth Wildcats player profile
- ^ Breakers bag Bear. New Zealand Breakers (2007). Retrieved on 2007-03-14.
- ^ http://www.nbl.com.au/default.aspx?s=wildcats_playerprofile&profile=61 NBL player profile
- ^ http://www.nbl.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&aid=4496 "Ronaldson moves into second"
- ^ http://www.basketball.net.au/FS_extra.asp?id=665&OrgID=1 Boomers Olympic History
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