AUS/USA - Delly's Gaels jersey raised to the rafters

MORAGA (FIBA Basketball World Cup) - Matthew Dellavedova made an excellent decision when he enrolled at St Mary's College in Moraga, California, to play for the Gaels.

The point guard, a member of Australia's Olympic squad in 2012 who is expected to play at the FIBA Basketball World Cup in Spain later this year, thrived in the classroom and on the court at St Mary's.

A three-time All-West Coast Conference first team selection and a two-time Academic All-American, Dellavedova led the Gaels to three NCAA Tournament appearances in his four years in Moraga.

He made such an impact that the school decided recently to retire his No. 4 jersey on Sunday, making him just the second player ever at St Mary's to have the honor bestowed upon him.

Tom Meschery is the only other Gael in the program's 105-year history to have his shirt retired.

When fans show up for games at the McKeon Pavilion, they now cast their eyes up and see Dellavedova's jersey hanging from the rafters.

Saint Mary's head coach Randy Bennett said: "We just didn't want to wait until the guy is 40 years old and nobody really appreciates who he was.

"We haven't had one since '61 with Meschery, so it's quite an accomplishment.

"I don't know what more a guy could've done in his career."

St Mary’s held an official jersey retirement ceremony with Dellavedova and his parents in attendance before a game against Brigham Young University.

"It's pretty special to be able to come back, especially with mom and dad there," he said.

"It's good that I can come back and get a chance to publicly thank a lot of people that have made my experience at Saint Mary's an awesome one."

Dellavedova is now a rookie with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

FIBA