‘Boomers not the same without Delly’: Goorjian

Matthew Dellavedova’s successful comeback doesn’t surprise Boomers coach Brian Goorjian based on the conversations he had with the guard throughout his time on the sidelines.

Boomers coach Brian Goorjian couldn’t be happier to see Matthew Dellavedova make a successful comeback from concussion, declaring: the Australian Olympic team ‘wouldn’t be the same without Delly’. Picture: Jason Miller/Getty Images/AFP.

Boomers coach Brian Goorjian couldn’t be happier to see Matthew Dellavedova make a successful comeback from concussion, declaring the Olympic team ‘wouldn’t be the same without Delly’.

Goorjian’s eyes lit up with joy at the sight of Dellavedova returning to the NBA with Cleveland after sitting out the start of the season.

The veteran guard missed the opening 47 games of the Cavaliers’ campaign with a severe bout of concussion suffered in a pre-season game last November.

A case of whiplash followed by surgery on his appendix in February further delayed his return to the court.

Despite initial fears he could be forced to retire, he has excelled in his six games for Cleveland since returning in early April.

Matthew Dellavedova’s successful comeback doesn’t surprise Boomers coach Brian Goorjian based on the conversations he had with the guard throughout his time on the sidelines. Photo: Lauren Bacho/Getty Images.

Dellavedova’s successful comeback doesn’t surprise Goorjian based on the conversations he had with the guard throughout his time on the sidelines.

“When Delly was out for an extended period of time, I was concerned, but we communicated through it and he has always been positive,” Goorjian said.

“He said, ‘coach, I’m on it, I’m preparing myself and I’m going to get healthy.

“For me, I’m like: ‘wow, I’m so glad he is back playing because he is so important to the Boomers.

“In fact, I don’t like the look of the team for Tokyo without Delly involved.

“The workload for all the Olympic teams is going to be a concern with the short turnaround, but in Matt you have a guy that you don’t have to be concerned about.

“I mean, he is so dedicated to the Boomers and playing well that his drive after a long NBA season just won’t be a factor.

“He is totally committed and that is not a given for a lot of guys coming out of the NBA.

“Mentality in international basketball is really important and Delly is as committed and inspirational that you could get.”

Goorjian believes Dellavedova’s infectious energy and effort becomes even more vital for the Boomers following Andrew Bogut’s retirement.

Bogut was often the definitive senior voice that kept the team accountable alongside Joe Ingles, Patty Mills and Aron Baynes.

Thankfully, Goorjian knows he has another trusted ally in Dellavedova.

“With Bogut retiring, it is down to four guys that this thing is driven by and Delly is the guy that has the ball in his hands,” he said.

“He is the guy that runs the team and makes the decisions.

“If we had Delly out with concussion, we wouldn’t know how far this team would go.

“I was looking at the team and thinking, if he isn’t healthy, it is a big red light.

“So, it is great Delly is back playing, but he is getting minutes which is really important because you need to get that under your belt.

“He is one of the major pieces in the opportunity to pursue what the Boomers group wants – that Olympic gold medal.”

Matthew Dellavedova will be a key player for Australia following the retirement of champion big man Andrew Bogut. Photo: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images.

Goorjian hasn’t coached Dellavedova, nor has he had a lot to do with him personally despite coaching Australia at two Olympics in 2004 and 2008.

“We have missed each other, but I’ve just seen him from afar and I know how admired he is,” he said.

“People and players need role models. In my generation, there were no NBA players to look up to and follow.

“But the kids today can see a guy like Delly, who is like the kid next door.

“He is not athletically gifted, and he is just a normal guy that has got to the top on all of those things that are controllable, like work ethic.

“His skill package has been relentlessly pursued and it is really nice to see him back, healthy and playing. I’m really excited.

“He is an inspiration to a lot of young people in this country with his development.”

Originally published as ‘Boomers not the same without Delly’: Goorjian