‘You just know’: Canadian wheelchair basketball legend Patrick Anderson retires at 45
One of the most decorated Canadian basketball players of all time has officially announced his retirement. Patrick Anderson, a legendary figure in the world of wheelchair basketball, has decided to hang up his jersey after an illustrious career that saw him lead the Canadian men’s wheelchair basketball team to three Paralympic gold medals and a silver.
In a statement released to the press, the 45-year-old from Fergus, Ontario, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to represent his country at the highest level. “You just know,” Anderson said, reflecting on his decision to retire. “Deep down when the elastic band snaps and you’re like, ‘You know what, it’s just not in me anymore to put in the blood, sweat, and tears to represent Canada at the highest level. It’s been an honor to do it for a long time.”
Often referred to as the “Michael Jordan of wheelchair basketball,” Anderson was a key player for Canada at the recent Paralympic Games in Paris, where he scored 31 points and had 11 rebounds in the bronze-medal game against Germany. Despite the loss, Anderson’s performance was a testament to his skill and leadership on the court.
Anderson credits a successful 2024 season as a factor in his decision to retire. After moving his family to Spain to play professionally in Bilbao, Anderson led Canada to victory in a crucial Olympic qualifying repechage tournament in France, securing a spot at the Paralympic Games.
Born in Edmonton and raised in Fergus, Anderson’s journey in wheelchair basketball began after a tragic accident at the age of nine left him with amputated lower legs. He joined the senior Canadian men’s team in 1998 and quickly made a name for himself, winning bronze medals at the world championships in 1998 and 2002 before clinching a gold medal in 2006.
Anderson’s achievements extend beyond the international stage, as he also excelled at the collegiate and professional levels. A standout player for the University of Illinois, Anderson captured three national titles during his time there. He went on to play professionally in Australia, Germany, and Turkey, earning accolades such as the MVP of the Australian National Wheelchair Basketball League in 2003.
After spending eight seasons with the New York Rollin’ Knicks and winning four National Wheelchair Basketball Association titles, Anderson is now turning his focus to coaching. He plans to launch a wheelchair basketball program in his hometown of Fergus, where he will share his expertise with the next generation of players.
“It’ll be a little bit of tactical feedback about how I read the game and advice on how to build out the technical part of their game,” Anderson shared about his coaching aspirations. “With wheelchair basketball, you have to get good at training by yourself and in small groups — I have decades of experience doing that.”
Patrick Anderson’s retirement marks the end of an era in Canadian wheelchair basketball, but his legacy as a trailblazer and mentor will continue to inspire future generations of athletes.
