Matthew Dellavedova

Matthew Dellavedova's Biography

Matthew William Dellavedova, born on September 8, 1990, in Maryborough, Victoria, is a well-known Australian professional basketball player currently representing Melbourne United of the National Basketball League (NBL). A sixth-generation Italian Australian, he was born into a family where sports were deeply ingrained in their routine. As a child, and during his early teens, he played several sports including basketball, tennis, soccer, and Australian rules football, but chose to focus solely on basketball, given his love and talent for the game.

After playing junior basketball for the Maryborough Blazers and Bendigo Braves, Dellavedova was recruited by the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) in Canberra on a scholarship. At the AIS, he played for the South East Australian Basketball League between 2007 and 2009. His talent didn’t go unnoticed, earning him a spot at Saint Mary’s College of California on a basketball scholarship in 2009. He immediately made a significant impact, helping the Gaels win 28 games and reach the Sweet Sixteen of the 2010 NCAA men’s basketball tournament.

Dellavedova graduated from Saint Mary’s in 2013, earning a degree in psychology. He also left his mark on the program, becoming the college’s leader in scoring, assists, games played, free throw percentage, and three-point shots. The impressive stats and his immense contribution to their basketball program led the college to retire his jersey in 2014.

Dellavedova’s NBA career kicked off in July 2013 when he joined the Cleveland Cavaliers for the NBA Summer League before signing a contract for a duration of two years. He contributed significantly to the Cavaliers’ games, setting several career-high scores during his tenure. After a brief hiatus in 2014 due to a sprained ligament, he resumed his NBA journey and even participated in the Rising Stars Challenge during the NBA All-Star Weekend in February 2015.

Dellavedova’s time with the Cavaliers proved fruitful, with the Cavaliers winning the NBA championship in 2016. His remarkable defensive play style, especially against Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors, during the NBA finals brought him under the spotlight. Following his successful stint with the Cavaliers, he was acquired by Milwaukee Bucks in a sign-and-trade deal in July 2016.

Taking his NBA journey to another level, in 2018, he returned to the Cleveland Cavaliers through a three-team trade. Despite facing various health setbacks, Dellavedova made a significant impact on the team, even recording a career-high assist count in a game against the Denver Nuggets in March 2020. Later in the year, he re-signed with the Cavaliers.

2021 marked the next phase of Dellavedova’s career when he signed a three-year deal with Melbourne United of the Australian NBL, following a season marred by various health-related challenges. In January 2022, he set a career-high in a match against the Illawarra Hawks, scoring 33 points with seven 3-pointers and nine assists.

Dellavedova’s international career parallels his domestic feats. He has represented the Australian national team, the Boomers, at various international tournaments, including the 2012 London Olympics, the 2016 Rio Olympics, and the 2019 China World Cup. Most notably, he helped the Boomers secure a bronze at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

Off the court, Dellavedova is married to Anna Schroeder, a former volleyball player and honor roll student at Saint Mary’s. They have a son, Anders Ralph Dellavedova. He values philanthropy and personal connections, often using his influence to make a difference to others. He once escorted a 17-year-old cancer patient to a prom event, making her night magical, according to her account. His love for sports extends even to the fields of Australian Rules Football, where he’s an avid supporter of the Collingwood Magpies.

In summation, Matthew Dellavedova, known for his relentless effort and defensive prowess, has carved a unique trajectory in professional basketball. His sporting journey is a testament to his talent, dedication, and passion for the game, leaving a significant impact wherever he plays.