As Matthew Dellavedova walked into the Melbourne Sports Aquatic Centre for Boomers training on Monday all he could think about was trophies.
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It wasn’t the NBA Championship he helped the Cleveland Cavaliers to win last month or the prospect of the Boomers collecting a medal at next month’s Rio Olympics.
It was his beloved Maryborough.
MSAC was the venue for Dellavedova’s first major basketball trophy – an under-12 tournament victory for Maryborough 15 years ago.
“It was the Vic Country under-12C title. We won the grand final in double overtime against Kyneton. I’ll never forget it,’’ Dellavedova said with a chuckle.
That attitude sums up why Dellavedova has been adored by all coaches, team-mates and fans wherever he’s played in the past decade.
He’s humble, works hard, takes nothing for granted and has never forgotten where he’s come from.
“It’s crazy how quick the time goes,’’ 25-year-old Dellavedova said.
“I’ve already played three years in the NBA and I’m on my way to my second Olympics. It only seems like yesterday I was playing for Maryborough and playing for Bendigo.”
From Maryborough, to Bendigo, to the AIS, St Mary’s Gaels at college level in the US and then the NBA - Dellavedova has made the most of every opportunity he’s been given.
Right now, the opportunity to help the Boomers claim a historic first Olympic medal is Dellavedova’s driving force.
“Understanding when you have an opportunity or a moment to try and do something special, you have to take it,’’ Dellavedova said.
“You don’t know if it will come around again and, while you work like it is going to come around again, when you’re in that moment you have to make the most of it. That’s what all the Boomers think about Rio.”
While some professional athletes around the world are opting not to compete in Rio, Dellavedova has been counting down the days.
For him, there’s nothing better than pulling on a Boomers singlet.
“I never take representing Australia for granted,’’ Dellavedova said.
“You’re representing your family, friends, you’re old coaches and team-mates, everyone in Australia. It’s a lot of responsibility, but it’s special and a great honour.”
Despite the Boomers being without NBA players Ben Simmons and Dante Exum, there is an air of confidence in the squad they can progress to the medal rounds.
The Boomers will face the United States, France, Serbia, China and Venezuela in their preliminary round matches.
“There’s no easy games and we won’t be taking anyone lightly, but at the same time we’re not going to be intimidated by anyone,’’ Dellavedova said.
“We think we can match it with anyone.”
After the Olympics, Dellavedova will have a well-earned break.
The NBA Championship win with Cleveland, the celebrations that followed, negotiations around his four-year $US38 million deal with the Milwaukee Bucks and the Boomers’ Olympic preparations means Dellavedova has had little downtime in the past month.
He admitted the history-making win with the Cavs or his contract with the Bucks were yet to sink in.
“I haven’t had time to think about it, really,’’ he said.
“The only time I’ve had the chance to think about things has been on plane trips and I’ve been using those trips to catch up on some sleep.
“After Rio I’m hoping to get a little downtime before the (NBA) season starts. I’ll reflect on things then.”
That downtime will include a long-awaited trip home to Maryborough.
“It will be nice to catch up with family and friends in Maryborough, relax a little bit and then get ready for season four (in the NBA),” he said.
“It’s hard to say goodbye to Cleveland… but I’m looking forward to getting started with the Bucks.”
