Cameron Tragardh

{{short description|Australian basketball player}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2022}}

{{Use Australian English|date=October 2022}}

{{Infobox basketball biography

| name = Cameron Tragardh

| image =

| caption =

| position = Power forward

| height_cm = 209

| weight_kg = 111

| league =

| team =

| number =

| nationality = Australian

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1983|9|29}}

| birth_place = Brisbane, Queensland

| high_school = John Paul College
(Brisbane, Queensland)

| college = Oral Roberts (2002–2003)

| draft_year = 2004

| career_start = 2002

| career_end = 2018

| coach_start = 2013

| coach_end = 2018

| years1 = 2002–2003

| team1 = South West Metro Pirates

| years2 = 2003–2006

| team2 = Townsville Crocodiles

| years3 = 2004

| team3 = Townsville Heat

| years4 = 2005

| team4 = Southern Districts Spartans

| years5 = 2006–2007

| team5 = Rockhampton Rockets

| years6 = 2006

| team6 = Brisbane Bullets

| years7 = 2007–2010

| team7 = Wollongong Hawks

| years8 = 2008–2010

| team8 = Northside Wizards

| years9 = 2010–2012

| team9 = Melbourne Tigers

| years10 = 2011–2012

| team10 = Eltham Wildcats

| years11 = 2012–2016

| team11 = Cairns Taipans

| years12 = 2013; 2016

| team12 = Cairns Marlins

| years13 = 2017–2018

| team13 = Mackay Meteors

| cyears1 = 2013

| cteam1 = Cairns Marlins (assistant)

| cyears2 = 2017–2018

| cteam2 = Mackay Meteors

| highlights =

As player:

As coach:

  • QBL Coach of the Year (2017)

}}

Cameron Tragardh (born 29 September 1983) is an Australian former professional basketball player who played 13 seasons in the National Basketball League (NBL). He made his debut in the NBL in 2003 and played for the Townsville Crocodiles, Brisbane Bullets, Wollongong Hawks, Melbourne Tigers, and Cairns Taipans across his career. He was named NBL Most Improved Player in 2008 and NBL Best Sixth Man in 2015. He was also named to the All-NBL Team twice.

Born and raised in Queensland, Tragardh was also a regular presence in the Queensland Basketball League (QBL), playing 13 seasons between 2002 and 2018. He won three QBL championships and three league MVPs. He was player-coach of the Mackay Meteors in 2017 and 2018, winning QBL Coach of the Year in 2017.

Early life and career

Tragardh was born and raised in Brisbane, Queensland,{{cite web|url=http://www.nbl.com.au/default.aspx?s=hawks_playerprofile&profile=81|title=Cameron Tragardh|work=NBL.com.au|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070831050506/http://www.nbl.com.au/default.aspx?s=hawks_playerprofile&profile=81|archive-date=31 August 2007|access-date=23 October 2022}}{{cite web|url=http://www.nbl.com.au/tigers/game-night/nbl-team/cameron-tragardh|title=Cameron Tragardh|work=NBL.com.au|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120203003532/http://www.nbl.com.au/tigers/game-night/nbl-team/cameron-tragardh|archive-date=3 February 2012|access-date=23 October 2022}}{{cite web|url=http://www.taipans.com/player_profile/cam-tragardh/|title=Cam Tragardh|work=Taipans.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151002162047/http://www.taipans.com/player_profile/cam-tragardh/|archive-date=2 October 2015|access-date=23 October 2022}} where he attended John Paul College and ascended the junior basketball ranks at Southern Districts Spartans.{{cite web|url=http://nbl.com.au/default.aspx?s=bullets_newsdisplay&aid=3723|title=Bullets sign Tragardh|work=NBL.com.au|date=18 August 2006|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060823123409/http://nbl.com.au/default.aspx?s=bullets_newsdisplay&aid=3723|archive-date=23 August 2006|access-date=25 October 2022}}

In 2002, Tragardh played for the South West Metro Pirates in the Queensland Basketball League (QBL){{cite web|url=https://basketball.australiabasket.com/player/Cameron-Tragardh/Australia/Mackay-Meteors/37642|title=Cameron Tragardh|work=Australiabasket.com|access-date=23 October 2022|url-access=subscription}} and led the ABA nationally in scoring with 34 points per game. He was subsequently named QBL Youth Player of the Year.{{cite web|url=https://qbl.basketballqld.com.au/awards-and-history/qbl-award-winners/|title=QBL AWARD WINNERS|work=qbl.basketballqld.com.au|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190323115214/https://qbl.basketballqld.com.au/awards-and-history/qbl-award-winners/|archive-date=23 March 2019|access-date=23 October 2022}} Following the QBL season, he moved to the United States to play college basketball for the Oral Roberts Golden Eagles. In 28 games during the 2002–03 season, he averaged 7.1 points and 2.9 rebounds per game.{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/cameron-tragardh-1.html|title=Cameron Tragardh|work=Sports-Reference.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221023054059/https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/cameron-tragardh-1.html|archive-date=23 October 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/2003/07/12/illini-fans-reaction-surprises-self/62035522007/|title=Illini fans' reaction surprises Self|work=Oklahoman.com|date=12 July 2003|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221023054108/https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/2003/07/12/illini-fans-reaction-surprises-self/62035522007/|archive-date=23 October 2022}} He returned to the South West Metro Pirates in 2003 and had a 47-point game during the season and helped the Pirates win the QBL championship.{{cite web|url=http://qbl.basketballqld.com.au/awards-and-history/qbl-state-champions-award-winners/|title=QBL State Champions & Award Winners|work=qbl.basketballqld.com.au|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181114224724/http://qbl.basketballqld.com.au/awards-and-history/qbl-state-champions-award-winners/|archive-date=14 November 2018|access-date=23 October 2022}}

Professional career

=NBL=

In June 2003, Tragardh signed his first professional contract with the Townsville Crocodiles of the National Basketball League (NBL).{{cite web|url=http://www.nbl.com.au/fs_newsitem.asp?id=835&orgID=3&Oname=NBL&O1c=11&O10c=12|title=Crocs snap up Tragardh|work=NBL.com.au|date=16 June 2003|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030906094426/http://www.nbl.com.au/fs_newsitem.asp?id=835&orgID=3&Oname=NBL&O1c=11&O10c=12|archive-date=6 September 2003|access-date=23 October 2022}} In the final game of the 2003–04 season, he scored 24 points against the Hunter Pirates.{{cite web|url=http://www.nbl.com.au/default.asp?s=matchreportdisplay&aid=809|title=Crocs end low season on high|work=NBL.com.au|date=27 February 2004|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040813104720/http://www.nbl.com.au/default.asp?s=matchreportdisplay&aid=809|archive-date=13 August 2004|access-date=25 October 2022}} He spent three seasons with the Crocodiles.

In August 2006, Tragardh signed with the Brisbane Bullets. He played in four games to start the 2006–07 NBL season{{cite web|url=https://websites.mygameday.app/team_info.cgi?action=PSTATS&pID=190396063&client=0-189-88250-125715-11145237|title=Player statistics for Cameron Tragardh|work=NBL|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221023060220/https://websites.mygameday.app/team_info.cgi?action=PSTATS&pID=190396063&client=0-189-88250-125715-11145237|archive-date=23 October 2022}} as an injury replacement for Mark Bradtke.{{cite web|url=http://www.nbl.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&aid=5005|title=Hawks swoop on Tragardh|work=NBL.com.au|date=11 May 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070913034652/http://www.nbl.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&aid=5005|archive-date=13 September 2007|access-date=23 October 2022}} Bradtke's return saw Tragardh pushed to the training court for the remainder of the Bullets' championship-winning season.

In May 2007, Tragardh signed with the Wollongong Hawks. In October 2007, he had 30 points and a career-high 14 rebounds in a game against the Cairns Taipans. In the 2007–08 season, he was named the NBL Most Improved Player{{cite web|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2008-03-10/anstey-named-nbls-best-defensive-player/1067722|title=Anstey named NBL's best defensive player|work=ABC.net.au|date=10 March 2008|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221023061055/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2008-03-10/anstey-named-nbls-best-defensive-player/1067722|archive-date=23 October 2022}} after increasing his scoring from 3.5 points in his first 84 games to averaging 17.6 points per game in 2008. In the 2009–10 season, he helped the Hawks reach the NBL Grand Final, where they lost 2–1 to the Perth Wildcats. Tragardh had 28 points in game two of the series.{{cite web|url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/more-sports/basketball/perth-wildcats-claim-fifth-nbl-crown-with-96-72-defeat-of-wollongong-hawks/story-e6frf3f3-1225918760956?nk=2d0f2673fa4534ab82ba00c8d1cd4509|title=Perth Wildcats claim fifth NBL crown with 96-72 defeat of Wollongong Hawks|work=FoxSports.com.au|date=12 March 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141119001346/http://www.foxsports.com.au/more-sports/basketball/perth-wildcats-claim-fifth-nbl-crown-with-96-72-defeat-of-wollongong-hawks/story-e6frf3f3-1225918760956?nk=2d0f2673fa4534ab82ba00c8d1cd4509|archive-date=19 November 2014|access-date=23 October 2022}} For the season, he was named to the All-NBL Third Team.{{cite web|url=http://www.nbl.com.au/news/article/2010/march/homicide-wins-mvp-at-nbl-awards-night/|title=Homicide wins MVP at NBL awards night|work=NBL.com.au|date=19 March 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110622051654/http://www.nbl.com.au/news/article/2010/march/homicide-wins-mvp-at-nbl-awards-night/|archive-date=22 June 2011|access-date=23 October 2022}}

In April 2010, Tragardh signed with the Melbourne Tigers.{{cite web|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2010-04-08/tigers-snap-up-tragardh/2588422|title=Tigers snap up Tragardh|work=ABC.net.au|date=8 April 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221023063334/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2010-04-08/tigers-snap-up-tragardh/2588422|archive-date=23 October 2022}} The contract was reportedly a three-year deal worth in excess of $100,000 per season.{{cite web|last=Ritchie|first=Joel|url=https://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/627776/money-not-behind-tragardhs-move-south/|title=Money not behind Tragardh's move south|work=IllawarraMercury.com.au|date=6 April 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180128190601/https://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/627776/money-not-behind-tragardhs-move-south/|archive-date=28 January 2018|access-date=23 October 2022}} In February 2011, he scored a career-high 35 points in a game against the New Zealand Breakers. In the 2011–12 season, he served as the Tigers' captain and was named to the All-NBL Second Team. He won the NBL Player of the Month award for December 2011 and the NBL Player of the Week for Round 13. Tragardh parted ways with the Tigers following the season.{{cite web|url=http://www.nbl.com.au/article/id/1rwt0v8gxeo1f1b78nl3kdcxtz|title=Dillon and Tragardh part ways with Tigers|work=NBL.com.au|date=27 April 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141025041713/http://www.nbl.com.au/article/id/1rwt0v8gxeo1f1b78nl3kdcxtz|archive-date=25 October 2014|access-date=23 October 2022}}

In May 2012, Tragardh signed with the Cairns Taipans.{{cite web|url=http://www.nbl.com.au/news/article/2012/may/taipans-pull-the-trigger-1|title=Taipans pull the Trigger|work=NBL.com.au|date=8 May 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120514024832/http://www.nbl.com.au/news/article/2012/may/taipans-pull-the-trigger-1|archive-date=14 May 2012|access-date=23 October 2022}} He received the most fan votes for the 2012 NBL All-Star Game and started at centre for the North All-Stars.{{cite web|url=http://www.nbl.com.au/news/article/2012/december/nbl-all-star-starters-announced/|title=NBL All-Star starters announced|work=NBL.com.au|date=6 December 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121210123626/http://www.nbl.com.au/news/article/2012/december/nbl-all-star-starters-announced/|archive-date=10 December 2012|access-date=23 October 2022}} In the 2013–14 NBL season, Tragardh was among the Taipans' best until an ankle injury on New Year's Eve sidelined him for the rest of the season. In the 2014–15 season, he was named NBL Best Sixth Man{{cite web|url=http://www.nbl.com.au/article/id/1bkaknhxvm9rt1tfhgdt5acw6e|title=NBL AWARDS: Taipans prized Coach and Sixth|work=NBL.com.au|date=6 March 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150316142939/http://www.nbl.com.au/article/id/1crqwzmjzmfc51j8ne8pb58xql|archive-date=16 March 2015|access-date=23 October 2022}} and helped the Taipans win the minor premiership before losing to the New Zealand Breakers in the grand final series.{{cite web|url=http://www.nbl.com.au/article/id/12clzw7xx1bax1acv1y805lbqw|title=Taipans brave in quest for first NBL Championship|work=NBL.com.au|date=12 March 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150315102336/http://www.nbl.com.au/article/id/12clzw7xx1bax1acv1y805lbqw|archive-date=15 March 2015|access-date=23 October 2022}}{{cite web|last=Wenzel|first=Murray|url=https://www.cairnspost.com.au/sport/local-sport/tragardh-happy-to-call-cairns-home-in-new-twoyear-taipans-deal/news-story/a35290f9fbaea2963c9b4d0bc0f7dfbf|title=Tragardh happy to call Cairns home in new two-year Taipans deal|work=CairnsPost.com.au|date=21 March 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221023100621/https://www.cairnspost.com.au/sport/local-sport/tragardh-happy-to-call-cairns-home-in-new-twoyear-taipans-deal/news-story/a35290f9fbaea2963c9b4d0bc0f7dfbf?nk=6e6f483e331b41d236c987e1d30d7b0a-1666519581|archive-date=23 October 2022}} Following the 2015–16 NBL season, Tragardh was released by the Taipans after 99 games for the club.{{cite web|url=https://www.taipans.com/featured-news/taipans-release-cameron-tragardh/|title=Taipans release Cameron Tragardh|work=Taipans.com|date=29 June 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170408142420/https://www.taipans.com/featured-news/taipans-release-cameron-tragardh/|archive-date=8 April 2017|access-date=23 October 2022}}{{cite web|last=Gerrans|first=Jordan|url=https://www.cairnspost.com.au/sport/local-sport/cameron-tragardh-i-was-completely-blindsided-by-the-decision/news-story/55e3aedb3664509ea948941ebafb33b9|title=Cameron Tragardh: I was completely blind-sided by the decision|work=CairnsPost.com.au|date=1 July 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221023080551/https://www.cairnspost.com.au/sport/local-sport/cameron-tragardh-i-was-completely-blindsided-by-the-decision/news-story/55e3aedb3664509ea948941ebafb33b9|archive-date=23 October 2022}}

=QBL and Big V=

Tragardh played in the Queensland Basketball League (QBL) during the NBL off-seasons every year between 2004 and 2010. He played for the Townsville Heat (2004), Southern Districts Spartans (2005), Rockhampton Rockets (2006–07){{cite web|url=https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/rockhampton/sport/rockets-sign-up-a-winner/news-story/9dfbf2242fb2012bc138e9f7978fdcd7|title=Rockets sign up a winner|work=CourierMail.com.au|date=12 January 2006|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221023085536/https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/rockhampton/sport/rockets-sign-up-a-winner/news-story/9dfbf2242fb2012bc138e9f7978fdcd7?nk=4737af91f04f4148408e327c8c078697-1666515333|archive-date=23 October 2022}}{{cite web|url=http://www.nbl.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&aid=5079|title=Hawks on fire|work=NBL.com.au|date=5 June 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070913012109/http://www.nbl.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&aid=5079|archive-date=13 September 2007|access-date=23 October 2022}} and Northside Wizards (2008–10). He helped the Heat reach the grand final in 2004, won the championship with the Spartans in 2005, and helped the Rockets reach the grand final in 2006. He was named Youth Player of the Year for the second time in 2004 and then earned league MVP honours in 2005, 2008 and 2009. He was also named in the QBL All-League Team in 2004{{cite web|url=http://www.qabl.basketball.net.au/fs_newsitem.asp?id=6845&orgID=126&Oname=QABL&O1c=1&O10c=1|title=All League Teams Announced|work=qabl.basketball.net.au|date=8 August 2004|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040831172533/http://www.qabl.basketball.net.au/fs_newsitem.asp?id=6845&orgID=126&Oname=QABL&O1c=1&O10c=1|archive-date=31 August 2004|access-date=4 February 2023}} and every year between 2007 and 2009.{{cite web|url=http://qbl.basketballqld.com.au/awards-and-history/all-league-teams|title=All League Teams|work=qbl.basketballqld.com.au|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181108155715/http://qbl.basketballqld.com.au/awards-and-history/all-league-teams|archive-date=8 November 2018|access-date=23 October 2022}} His 2009 QBL season saw him average 42 points per game as he scored 50 points or more in six games, including a 70-point game.{{cite web|url=https://websites.mygameday.app/assoc_page.cgi?c=1-4647-0-0-0&sID=70109&articleID=9844397&news_task=DETAIL|title=Cam T - QBL MVP 2009|work=Northside Wizards Basketball|date=7 September 2009|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221023095806/https://websites.mygameday.app/assoc_page.cgi?c=1-4647-0-0-0&sID=70109&articleID=9844397&news_task=DETAIL|archive-date=23 October 2022}}

In the 2011 and 2012 off-seasons, Tragardh played in the Big V for the Eltham Wildcats.{{cite web|url=https://websites.mygameday.app/team_info.cgi?action=PSTATS&pID=195989863&client=0-7930-99150-153094-14659463|title=Player statistics for Cameron Tragardh – 2011|work=Big V|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230201145720/https://websites.mygameday.app/team_info.cgi?action=PSTATS&pID=195989863&client=0-7930-99150-153094-14659463|archive-date=1 February 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://websites.mygameday.app/team_info.cgi?action=PSTATS&pID=195989863&client=0-7930-99150-209843-16875352|title=Player statistics for Cameron Tragardh – 2012|work=Big V|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230201145830/https://websites.mygameday.app/team_info.cgi?action=PSTATS&pID=195989863&client=0-7930-99150-209843-16875352|archive-date=1 February 2023}} He helped the Wildcats reach the grand final in 2011, where they lost to the Waverley Falcons.{{cite web|url=http://www.waverleybasketball.com/show_news_item.asp?news=465|title=Big V: Waverley Falcons win premiership|work=WaverleyBasketball.com|date=29 August 2011|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221023080032/http://www.waverleybasketball.com/show_news_item.asp?news=465|archive-date=23 October 2022}}

In 2013, Tragardh returned to the QBL as an assistant coach with the Cairns Marlins,{{cite web|url=http://www.taipans.com/article/id/dwfssypjvrj61x2pqheuxsour|title=Pearlman and Trigger Mentor the Marlins|work=Taipans.com|date=9 May 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130514022514/http://www.taipans.com/article/id/dwfssypjvrj61x2pqheuxsour|archive-date=14 May 2013|access-date=27 October 2022}} later playing in seven games. He returned to the Marlins in 2016 as a player,{{cite web|url=https://nbl.com.au/news/tragardh-and-loughton-sign-with-cairns-marlin|title=Tragardh and Loughton sign with Cairns Marlins|work=NBL.com.au|date=17 March 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221023081202/https://nbl.com.au/news/tragardh-and-loughton-sign-with-cairns-marlin|archive-date=23 October 2022}} helping them win the championship behind a Grand Final MVP performance.{{cite web|url=https://www.cairnsbasketball.com/skytrans-cairns-marlins-2016-qbl-champions/|title=Skytrans Cairns Marlins – 2016 QBL Champions|work=CairnsBasketball.com.au|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180128081008/https://www.cairnsbasketball.com/skytrans-cairns-marlins-2016-qbl-champions/|archive-date=28 January 2018|access-date=23 October 2022}} He was also named to the QBL All-League Team for the fourth time.

In 2017 and 2018, Tragardh served as player-coach of the Mackay Meteors.{{cite web|last=Van Heerden|first=Justin|url=https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/mackay/sport/star-to-boost-mens-basketball-title-hopes/news-story/d690064aefbf847f9f572af01354b4a5|title=Star to boost men's basketball title hopes|work=CourierMail.com.au|date=19 October 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221023082023/https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/mackay/sport/star-to-boost-mens-basketball-title-hopes/news-story/d690064aefbf847f9f572af01354b4a5?nk=c6e3eb1cee5dfc8a4fbf52a1083f7780-1666513223|archive-date=23 October 2022}} He was named QBL Coach of the Year in 2017 and helped the Meteors reach the grand final, where they lost to the Townsville Heat.{{cite web|url=http://qbl.basketballqld.com.au/qbl-2017-grand-final-wrap-up/|title=QBL 2017 Grand Final Wrap Up|work=qbl.basketballqld.com.au|date=28 August 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170828072312/http://qbl.basketballqld.com.au/qbl-2017-grand-final-wrap-up/|archive-date=28 August 2017|access-date=23 October 2022}}

In 2020, Tragardh was named the third greatest QBL player of all time by The Courier-Mail.{{cite web|url=https://www.couriermail.com.au/questnews/southeast/queensland-basketballs-top-30-state-league-players-top-5/news-story/0c7a7c7ce3e48937b34db0fd16d4fa1f|title=Queensland Basketball: State league's top 30 players: Top 5|work=CourierMail.com.au|date=15 June 2020|access-date=23 October 2022|url-access=subscription}}

National team career

Tragardh was a member of the Australian team at the 2003 World University Games in Daegu, Korea. In 2011, he toured internationally with the Australian Boomers.

Post-playing career

In 2019, Tragardh served as Rockhampton Basketball's general manager.{{cite web|last=Anderson|first=Rowan|url=https://pickandroll.com.au/p/rockets-go-big-with-the-addition-of-aj-ogilvy|title=Rockets go big with the addition of AJ Ogilvy|work=PickAndRoll.com.au|date=6 May 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221023083830/https://pickandroll.com.au/p/rockets-go-big-with-the-addition-of-aj-ogilvy|archive-date=23 October 2022}}

References

{{reflist}}