Vickerman's Big Delly Boomers Call

Melbourne United coach Dean Vickerman has backed new signing Matthew Dellavedova to make the cut for the Boomers squad at the upcoming FIBA World Cup, with the now former Sacramento King facing an extensive level of competition at the point guard spot.

Dellavedova’s return to United and the NBL was announced on Wednesday morning, and the 32-year-old cited the potential for more playing time ahead of Australia’s upcoming World Cup and Olympic campaigns as a key reason for his second homecoming.

Vickerman says the 2016 NBA champion’s history of fighting his way to the top will hold him in good stead to make Brian Goorjian’s final 12.

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“The youth that has come through in that point guard position – where does Dyson Daniels fit in, [and] Josh Giddey and Dante Exum are playing great basketball and have established themselves,” Vickerman told SEN.

“For me, it’s what they do with that third point guard spot.

“You never, ever doubt Delly. Delly’s going to go to camp to do everything he can to fight and scratch and get himself in that team.

“There was a little bit of chatter through the year that he may want to come back [to Melbourne] to play good minutes and show his worth for the Boomers.

“Once he worked out there couldn’t be anything that was guaranteed [with Sacramento] then he started to look at the options in Australia.”

The signing of Dellavedova and the exit of Sydney coach Chase Buford has seen United leap forward and become perhaps – at this early stage – the favourites for the NBL24 crown.

Buford’s departure from the Kings was announced on Tuesday afternoon, as the club released it had elected not to take up the third-year team option on the two-time championship winning coach’s contract as he pursues opportunities in the NBA.

“I wasn’t surprised,” Vickerman said of Buford’s exit.

“I felt that what he’s achieved in this league has been unbelievable, and certainly with the connections he has in the NBA he’s done enough to warrant genuine interest from the NBA.

“They’re obviously in a period right now where there season is still going [and] teams are making decisions … I really thought he was going to be in the NBA this year.”

Vickerman, Dellavedova and Melbourne United will open proceedings in the new season against South East Melbourne on Thursday, September 28.