NBA Draft 2019: Top 25 undrafted players since 2000

One of the greatest (and most popular) players in Saint Mary’s Basketball history, Matthew Dellavedova was an instant impact player from day one. He started all four years with the Gaels and won WCC Player of the Year in 2012 after averaging 15.5 points and 6.4 assists per game.

But being a mid-major star doesn’t make a player coveted for NBA teams and he had to get picked up by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2013. He made an impact out the gate in his rookie season, playing close to 20 minutes per game on 72 total games played.

Dellavedova even started 27 games at the point guard position whenever Kyrie Irving was unable to play. He’s a good spot-up shooter from long-range, as well as quality distributor of the basketball.

The former Saint Mary’s star played a big role in the Cavaliers’ postseason battles, including the three in a row at the NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors. Whether it was scoring 20 points in a pivotal Game 3 win in 2015 or getting praised for his tough defense on Stephen Curry, Dellavedova played a role in Cleveland winning the title in 2016.

He cashed in big time the following offseason, signing a 4-year, $38 million deal with the Milwaukee Bucks. The guard started most of the 2016-17 NBA season with them, but slowly fell out of the rotation after Malcolm Brogdon and Eric Bledsoe’s emergence on the perimeter. He was traded back to Cleveland where he’ll have more opportunities to play on a rebuilding team.

Being a starter was too much at the NBA level for Dellavedova, but the 28-year-old will always have a role thanks to his shooting and defense. Most stars from mid-major programs end up overseas, but this one made it in a high-profile situation, ultimately winning a ring.

Career stats (377 games): 6.0 points, 3.7 assists, 1.9 rebounds per game