Sport
11 May, 2023
Delly makes Boomers’ World Cup squad
Maryborough’s own Matthew Dellavedova will be playing his part in one of the most talented FIBA World Cup squads Australia has ever put out, after being named in the initial 18-man extended squad. The tournament will be held from August 25 to...
Maryborough’s own Matthew Dellavedova will be playing his part in one of the most talented FIBA World Cup squads Australia has ever put out, after being named in the initial 18-man extended squad.
The tournament will be held from August 25 to September 10 in Japan, Indonesia and the Philippines, with Dellavedova one of 10 current NBA players named in the squad.
Alongside Dellavedova, the likes of Oklahoma City’s Josh Giddey, Brooklyn’s Patty Mills and Milwaukee’s Joe Ingles are also participating for the Boomers, as well as fellow Bendigo Braves product Dyson Daniels, who plays for the New Orleans Pelicans, giving head coach Brian Goorjian plenty of options for the team, particularly at the guard position.
Dellavedova’s inclusion comes after his NBA season concluded with the Sacramento Kings last week, having been eliminated in seven games by the Golden State Warriors.
Dellavedova averaged 1.5 points and 1.3 assists off limited playing time in 2022-23, but given his experience in the national setup, his selection was almost a given.
His previous exploits with the Boomers enabled him to be named captain for the first time in their world cup qualifying run last year in Melbourne, while he was also a critical part of the Boomers team that cemented their historic bronze medal in the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.
Australia will be facing co-hosts Japan, Finland and Germany in the initial group stage.