AUS - Delly thrilling the Gaels in senior season

MORAGA (FIBA Oceania Championship/FIBA Basketball World Cup) - Matthew Dellavedova doesn't wear a cape like Superman, but it wouldn't be surprising if he did.

Fresh off his debut appearance at an Olympic Games with Australia's Boomers, the 22-year-old has returned to the comforts of McKeon Pavilion in Moraga, California, as the reigning West Coast Conference Player of the Year and done a little bit of everything to help the Saint Mary's Gaels win 24 of their 29 games.

One of his many highlights as a senior happened in January, when the 1.93m playmaker crossed midcourt and released a long, buzzer-beating shot for a 70-69 triumph over Brigham Young University.

"I'm still kind of stunned I made it," Dellavedova said recently.

The Maryborough, Australia, native is a candidate for the Bob Cousy Award, which is given to the best point guard in college basketball, and he was recently named a second-team Academic All-America.

He was first-team Academic All-America as a junior.

Heading into Wednesday's game at Pepperdine, Dellavedova is in a tie for second on the Saint Mary's career scoring list with Omar Samhan, who had 1,846 from 2006-10.

He has at least three games remaining to surpass fellow Australia international and record holder Daniel Kickert, who poured in 1,874 points for the Gaels from 2002 to 2006.

Dellavedova, the youngest member of Australia's team that reached the Quarter-Finals of the Olympics, is a near certainty to play for Boomers in the big events coming up, including the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

He wants to make sure his career with the Gaels finishes on a strong note, though.

Gonzaga are the only side to have beaten St Mary’s in the WCC, winning both of their encounters.

The winner of the conference tournament receives an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, although teams can also receive at-large bids.

"I've been kind of counting down the home games because it's been awesome playing here," Dellavedova said.

"As a group of seniors, we´re just trying to make the most of it."

FIBA