UVic Sports Hall of Fame
CATEGORY: Athlete
Gerald Kazanowski began playing basketball in his hometown of Nanaimo, B.C., in grade six, and never looked back. Through a combination of hard work and natural talent, the six-foot-nine forward was a starter on four CIAU title-winning teams and was twice-named a CIAU First Team All-Canadian while playing for the University of Victoria Vikings. His accolades include: 1979 Canada West Second Team All-Star, 1980 Canada West First Team All-Star and CIAU Tournament All-Star, 1981 Canada West Second Team All-Star and CIAU First Team All-Canadian, 1982 Canada West First Team All-Star, CIAU Tournament All-Star and CIAU First Team All-Canadian.
As a member of Canada’s national team from 1979-1990 Kazanowski was incredibly dedicated as he competed in ten world-class events while also suiting up for the UVic Vikings, working on a degree in economics and playing for several teams overseas.
Kazanowski was a quiet leader with a great sense of humour, often leading by example. He had the incredible talent and ability to use every player on the court, the kind of athlete that would routinely make those around him look better.
“Gerald was so good that he could play at first gear and still be the best player on the court,” said former UVic and team Canada teammate Phil Ohl. “However, when he decided to take his game to the next level he was absolutely unstoppable. He is one of the most accomplished and well-rounded players that I’ve ever had the privilege of playng with.”
Kazanowski had remarkable game sense with a special knack for seeing each play ahead of time and coupled with an uncanny ability to consistently exploit the weaknesses of his opposition he was a constant threat. Without fail, Kazanowski could find the right players, in the right spots, at the right time.
For over a decade Gerald Kazanowski was a regular fixture on the Canadian basketball scene, first as a starting centre with the University of Victoria Vikings in the CIAU and then as a member of the men’s national team. Competing in two Olympic Games (1984, 1988) and in three FIBA World Championships (1982, 1986, 1990), Kazanowski proved to be incredibly dedicated to Canada’s program and an integral part of its success. In the 1983 World University Games he was a member of the gold medal-winning team that upset a Team USA that included future NBA greats such as Charles Barkley and Karl Malone. Additionally, at the 1984 Olympic Games Kazanowski had a points per game average of 12.6, second only to Jay Triano’s 14.6.
After a prolific playing career that spanned over a decade, Gerald Kazanowski now gives back to the community as much as he can. He often volunteers at local schools to give talks on how sports can be a positive influence while also providing advice to older students on how to start thinking about their finances early. Additionally, Kazanowski and his family are involved with the ROCK home makeover project for disadvantaged homeowners on the Saanich Peninsula.
UVic Achievements
- 1979: Canada West Second Team All-Star
- 1980: Canada West First Team All-Star and CIAU Tournament All-Star
- 1981: Canada West Second Team All-Star and CIAU First Team All-Canadian
- 1982: Canada West First Team All-Star, CIAU First Team All-Canadian and CIAU Tournament All-Star
International Achievements
- Member of the Canadian men’s basketball team
- Competed for Canada at the 1984 and 1988 Summer Olympic Games
- Competed in the 1982, 1986, and 1990 FIBA World Championships
- Competed in the 1983 World University Games that won gold against the U.S
Hall of Fame
- Inducted into the Naismith Museum Hall of Fame in 2005
- Inducted into the Basketball BC Sports Hall of Fame in 2006
- Inducted into the Nanaimo Sports Hall of Fame in 2008
