ANKARA

David Andersen, a former NBA player hailing from Australia, on Wednesday announced the end of his 23-year career in professional basketball.

“After 23 sensational seasons, Australian basketball legend David Andersen has called time on his career,” Australia’s National Basketball League said in a statement.

Andersen, 41, started his career in 1998 with Australian team Wollongong Hawks, before traveling to Europe and the US.

“It’s been a very long and illustrious journey and career,” Andersen said, thanking his family and friends for their support.

“It’s been a hell of a journey. I've enjoyed every moment of it.”

Andersen won 22 trophies during his career, including three EuroLeague championships – 2001 with Bologna, and 2006 and 2008 with CSKA Moscow.

He had a short stint in the NBA from 2009 to 2011 with the Houston Rockets, Toronto Raptors, and New Orleans Hornets, before joining Turkish side Fenerbahce in the 2012-13 season.

The last team he played for was the Australian club Melbourne United.

Andersen also had a long career with the Australian national team, representing his country at four Olympic Games in 2004, 2008, 2012, and 2016.