Once again Arizona head coach Tommy Lloyd has landed a high-impact international player, this time in the form of Australian native Anthony Dell’Orso. The former Campbell Fighting Camel was the Big South Rookie of the Year two seasons ago and earned 2nd team All-CAA honors this year. He chose the Wildcats over a bunch of other teams, including TCU, Virginia, Xavier, and Providence among others. Dell’Orso was one of the best players remaining in the transfer portal. He did enter his name into the NBA Draft but will likely just test the waters to get input and come back to school.
NEWS: Campbell transfer Anthony Dell’Orso, one of the best available wings in the portal, has committed to Arizona, he told ESPN. The 6’6 sophomore Australian averaged 20.2 points, shooting 39% for 3 this season. Testing the NBA Draft waters and will continue to gather feedback. pic.twitter.com/Mj6xpggnIs
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 7, 2024
CAA Star Commits To Arizona
Anthony Dell’Orso came into college as an unknown. But the 6’6″ shooting guard impressed right from the start. As a true freshman he averaged 12.5 points and 5.8 rebounds per game and shot 48.7% from the field. Even with that good start to his collegiate career, he was much better this season. Dell’Orso averaged 19.5 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 1.9 APG, 1.6 SPG, & 0.5 BPG. He shot 49.2% from the field including 38% from three. He led the team in both scoring and rebound average as well as in steals. His 21.9 PPG in conference play was third most in the CAA.
Delly’s 624 total points was sixth-most in a season in program history, and he became just the third Fighting Camel to eclipse the 1,000-point mark in less than two seasons. Among three 30-point games this season was his 34-point performance in the nationally televised double overtime upset over UNC Wilmington. The improvement in every aspect of his game was great to watch all season long in Buis Creek.
America, if you do not know the name Anthony Dell’Orso, you do now!
Delly is a sophomore from Melbourne, Australia, who is a superstar for @GoCamelsMBB. Tonight: 29 points, 10/14 FG, 9 rebounds. At 6-6, matchup nightmare. Has scored 26+ in 3 of last 4 games. Special player! pic.twitter.com/Hdzafyqd6j
— John Fanta (@John_Fanta) January 26, 2024
Campbell’s Anthony Dell’Orso had 34 points in last nights win, 1 point shy of his season high.
This is his 7th straight game of 20 or more and 14th 20+ game of his season.
The 6-6 sophomore is averaging 22.5 PTS 6.9 REB 1.8 STL in CAA games @GoCamelsMBBhttps://t.co/28AluGbKg6 pic.twitter.com/FzOEManOTZ
— Jamie Shaw (@JamieShaw5) February 27, 2024
Anthony Dell’Orso’s Impact For Arizona
Anthony Dell’Orso is a very skilled player on the wing who can score at all three levels. He can create his own shot and as evidenced by his shooting percentages can really shoot it efficiently. There’s a very real chance that he will start for Arizona from day one. He won’t have to carry the team like he did at Campbell, but will be a big part of the team. Delly has shown that he can step up when the lights are on. That’s evidenced by how well he’s played on national television, in conference tournaments, and other big games. The Big 12 is a huge step up from the CAA, but he can handle it. Tommy Lloyd has shown many times his proficiency in getting the most out of international players. This should be no different. Dell’Orso could really shine in Tucson and turn into a legit NBA prospect.
Campbell’s Australian Sophomore Anthony Dell’Orso is different, pouring in 34 points with 11 rebounds as he led the Camels to a classic double overtime win against UNC Wilmington.#AussieHoops #NCAAMBB pic.twitter.com/dsCZFfb9M5
— The Pick and Roll 🇦🇺🏀 (@PickandRollAU) February 27, 2024
