Basketball On The Internet.

THE biggest names in Australian basketball - greats such as Andrew Gaze, Phil Smyth, Mark Bradtke, Cal Bruton, David Andersen and Ricky Grace - always showed up when it mattered and they're back together again next month for a cause "bigger than basketball".

After all, that’s what legends do.

Their playing days behind them, these giants of the game are still showing up when it matters and this time they will headline a quality line-up of current and former players, coaches, referees, volunteers, basketball identities and celebrities reuniting at Melbourne's State Basketball Centre  on February 28 for the inaugural Legends of Basketball Game for Bowel Cancer.

It's going to be a special night dedicated to raising awareness, funding vital research and helping save Australian lives.

“We’re excited to bring Hall of Famers, Olympians, National Basketball League champions, Most Valuable Players and the wider basketball community together to support such an important cause,” Legends of Basketball Game for Bowel Cancer Founder Nigel Purchase said.

“This will be a very special night for Australian basketball – one dedicated to saving lives. Bowel cancer touches thousands of families every year, including many within our basketball community, and we’re proud to play a role in making a difference on a night that will be so much bigger than basketball.

“Our aim is to use basketball for good, to encourage people to 'Take the Screen’, and to make the Legends of Basketball Game an annual event that makes a difference to people’s lives.”

All funds raised in the lead-up to, and during, the Legends of Basketball Game for Bowel Cancer will support the Gibbs Lab at the Walter Eliza Hall Institute (WEHI), helping to drive research and improve early detection.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support of the basketball community,” Professor Peter Gibbs, Laboratory Head at the WEHI, said.

“Bowel cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in Australia, with cases rising fast among younger people. When detected early though, it is one of the most treatable cancers.

“This is such an important cause and every ticket purchased, every donation made and every fundraiser sparked will help power research that saves lives and reinforces the message that early detection matters.”

The Legends of Basketball Game for Bowel Cancer Event will offer something for all ages, beginning with a Legends Meet and Greet at 6pm, followed by a Celebrity Shootout and the showcase game at 7.50pm.

More announcements about the Legends of Basketball Game for Bowel Cancer, including the complete list of participating Legends and celebrities, coming soon.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Date and Time: Saturday, February 28, 2026. 6pm-8.30pm
Venue: State Basketball Centre, 291 George Street, Wantirna South, Victoria
The Schedule:
6pm – Legends Meet and Greet
7pm – Celebrity Shootout
7.50pm – Legends of Basketball Game for Bowel Cancer

Tickets: Adults $20; Pensioner/Senior $7; Children (16 years and under) $5; Family (two adults and two children) $45; Virtual tickets $10. 

Who’s In: Andrew Gaze, Cal Bruton, Phil Smyth, David Andersen, Mark Bradtke, Ricky Grace, with more announcements coming soon.

SIX WAYS YOU CAN HELP US SAVE LIVES
1. Buy your ticket to this special night and back bowel cancer research that delivers real-world impact.
2. If you can’t be there, buy a virtual seat and support life-saving research from wherever you are. 
3. Donate today and help accelerate bowel cancer research. 
4. Sponsor the event and align with impact, community and progress.
5. Create your own fundraising page and rally your crew to be part of the solution.
6. Take a bowel screen

Event Contacts:
Nigel Purchase – 0418 360 634; nigel@chasebasketball.com.au
Professor Peter Gibbs – 0413 114 955; Peter.Gibbs@mh.org.au
Andrew Johnstone – 0425 791 610; ajohnstone67@gmail.com
Event Website: www.mycause.com.au/events/legendsofbasketballforbowelcancer
Walter Eliza Hall Institute Website: https://www.wehi.edu.au/