Tony Ronaldson

NBL Player Infobox
name = Tony Ronaldson


nickname = Fatty Bear
position = Forward
height = 203cm
weight = 141kg
team = New Zealand Breakers
nationality = Australia
birth_date = birth date and age|1972|5|25
birth_place = flagicon|South Australia Adelaide, South Australia
first_nbl_game = 1990
junior_association = Nunawading
college = Arizona State University
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 winsPlayed in 5 Grand FinalsCurrent Boomers squad member

Anthony Dean "Bear" Ronaldson (born May 25, 1972 in Adelaide, South Australia) is an Australian basketballer currently playing in the National Basketball League.

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. [http://www.wildcats.com.au/?id=55 Perth Wildcats player profile]

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. [cite web| title = Breakers bag Bear | publisher = New Zealand Breakers | date = 2007| url = http://www.nbl.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&aid=4822 | accessdate = 2007-03-14] 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 [http://www.nbl.com.au/default.aspx?s=wildcats_playerprofile&profile=61 NBL player profile] , overtaking Leroy Loggins (567 games) during the regular season, and is now second only to Andrew Gaze (616 games). [http://www.nbl.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&aid=4496 "Ronaldson moves into second"] 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. [http://www.basketball.net.au/FS_extra.asp?id=665&OrgID=1 Boomers Olympic History]

References