Dellavedova a star in the making

Four-time Olympian Andrew Vlahov believes young guard Matthew Dellavedova could be the next big star of Australian basketball.

Following an impressive start by the US college star to the YouYi Series against China in Western Australia recently, Boomers and Perth Wildcats legend spoke glowingly of Dellavedova in an exclusive interview on the latest episode of Basketball Australia’s new on-line TV show ‘Countdown’.

“The guy that has impressed me the most has been Matthew Dellavedova,” Vlahov said.

“I think he’s a future star for the Boomers.

“His poise down the stretch in Game Two against China was particularly good to watch.”

Currently plying his trade with St Mary’s University in the US college system, Dellavedova turned heads with his performances in leading the Boomers to Gold at the 2011 FIBA Oceania Championships.

In another bumper edition of Countdown, former Opals star and 2007 WNBL MVP Hollie Florence (nee Grima) joined host Darren Boyd in studio.

Fresh from announcing her return to the WNBL with the Bulleen Boomers Florence, a member of the Opals 2006 World Championship Gold Medal team, gave brilliant insight into Australia’s hopes for success in London.

Countdown also caught up with Boomers captain Matt Nielsen and got all the latest news, including the return of Head Coach Brett Brown to the Boomers camp ahead of The Farewell Series.

To view the latest episode of Countdown visit the Basketball Australia website at: www.youtube.com/basketballaust

A critical part of the Australian national teams’ preparations for London will be The Farewell Series, which will see the Boomers and Opals take on Greece and Brazil respectively in a three-match series, tipping off with a double-header at Hisense Arena on Sunday June 24.

Tickets for The Farewell Series: Basketball’s Road to London are now on sale for all games with adults starting from just $25 and children/concession from $15.

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