Basketball Australia is thrilled to announce that Australian Boomer, two-time Olympian and NBA Champion Matthew Dellavedova has joined Australian Opals legend Lauren Jackson as an official Aussie Hoops Ambassador.
As an Ambassador, Matthew “Delly” Dellavedova will spread the word to young basketballers and their families about the benefits of participating in Aussie Hoops, Basketball Australia’s official introductory program for 5-10 year-olds of all abilities. Approximately 160,000 kids have participated in Aussie Hoops through the first four years of the re-launched program, including through the Federal Government’s Sporting Schools program. “It is fantastic to have someone of Matthew’s commitment and passion involved with our Aussie Hoops program to inspire the next generation of Australian basketballers in the lead-up to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics,” said Basketball Australia CEO, Anthony Moore. Well-renowned for his exceptional work ethic and interminable desire to compete, Delly earned a scholarship to the AIS in 2007, before completing a brilliant four-year career at St. Mary’s College of California in the United States. Delly had his singlet retired after finishing as St. Mary’s all-time leader in points, assists, games played, and three-pointers made before he broke into the NBA in 2013. Delly became the sixth Australian to win a coveted NBA Championship in 2016 with the Cleveland Cavaliers, before making the move to the Milwaukee Bucks. Back in Australia, Delly debuted for the Boomers as a 19-year old, has since competed at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics as well as the 2014 World Cup, and has recently completed his return to the national team during the Boomers’ FIBA World Cup qualifying campaign. “I’m extremely proud to be an Aussie Hoops Ambassador. Growing up, I had a ball in my hand from when I was 4 years old - I think it’s important for kids to have access to sport and exercise – and to have fun, too! I’m so fortunate to be playing basketball at the highest level, and that came with a lot of hard work and dedication. I’m excited to instil some of my passion for the game into Aussie kids.” said Dellavedova. Delly will engage with Aussie Hoopers via his social media accounts (@matthewdelly) on Twitter and Instagram using #AussieHoops whilst playing for both the national team and in the NBA. Basketball Australia is excited to be working with both Delly and Lauren “LJ” Jackson to promote the enjoyable first basketball experience that the Aussie Hoops program provides. Basketball Australia would like to acknowledge Patty Mills who now passes the torch as Aussie Hoops Ambassador to his Boomers teammate after helping to lay the foundations for the program over the past four years. For a comprehensive overview of the Aussie Hoops program, including information on how to register and where to play, visit the Aussie Hoops website at www.aussiehoops.com.au.
