Days after his 23rd birthday, Matthew Dellavedova came one step closer to achieving his dream.
Yesterday, September 30th, former Saint Mary’s Gael shooting guard Dellavedova was officially named to the Cleveland Cavaliers 20-man training camp roster. After graduation last year, Delly entered the NBA draft, and went undrafted. He was invited to attend the Cav’s Summer League in Las Vegas, and now has a strong shot to make the Cavaliers’ roster. Reports have said Delly is a strong candidate for the third point guard spot.
Dellavedova hails from Maryborough, Victoria, Australia, and was just one of many Aussies brought to SMC by head coach Randy Bennett. A stand out on the Gaels, Delly padded his resume as the all-time leader in scoring, 3-point field goals, free throw percentage, assists, appearances and starts. As a senior, he averaged 15.8 points and 6.4 assists per game. Seemingly always a standout, he was named the WCC Player of the Year as a junior, and then as a senior, and went on to earn the Mike Gilleran Scholar-Athlete of the Year award.
Delly has also shined at the national level. In 2012, he was selected alongside another former Gael and Aussie, Patrick Mills, to represent his country at the London Olympics. The Aussies advanced to the Quarterfinals before being eliminated by the United States 119-86. Delly played 26 minutes, posting just 3 points, but earning 7 rebounds, all defensive, and 4 assists.
Dellavedova still has to make the team out of training camp. The Cavs first preseason game is scheduled for October 8th, the entire contintinent of Australian will be waiting to see if their WCC favorite has made the squad.
GAEL FORCE PRIDE!
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