MAKING the move from Campbell University to the highly regarded Arizona Wildcats, Aussie Anthony Dell’Orso still made his mark despite a drop in opportunities as he was a part of the bigger picture.

After proving an extremely productive offensive option at a smaller school, Dell’Orso received plenty of offers from the big programs, eventually settling on Tommy Lloyd and the Wildcats, following in the footsteps of fellow Australians Josh Green and Keanu Pinder.

There was no doubt that Dell’Orso’s role was going to be reduced and his output would take a hit, having posted 19.5 points per game in his last season with Campbell University, but if he could still find a way to make an impact on a much bigger stage, it would bode well for his basketball future.

His numbers dropped down quite significantly, but most importantly, he increased his efficiency in some key areas, and slotted into Arizona’s roster quite nicely. Although he was no longer the number one option, he was still able to chime in for some solid performances in his Junior campaign.

Although it was a slower start to the season for the Melbourne native, Dell’Orso officially showcased his scoring potential in his fifth match in a Wildcats uniform. The Aussie made the most of his 18 minutes in the win over the Davidson Wildcats, nailing five triples en route to 21 points for the match on 8/11 shooting from the field.

It was one of his 10 double-digit scoring performances, and showcased just how dangerous he is when he creates more scoring opportunities for himself. The guard posted 10+ points every time he attempted 10 or more shots from the field, so if he was a bit more aggressive, he could have had even more big performances, although it is tricky to do so on a loaded Arizona roster.

Instead, Dell’Orso was instructed to play off the ball a lot more, hold his width and stay ready on the perimeter, which he did magnificently. As mentioned above, the Aussie lifted in some key areas, and the main one was his efficiency from behind the arc, shooting 40 per cent from three-point land, which is the best of his career.

He made behind the arc his home, and popped up for some big performances shooting the basketball, nailing six triples from nine attempts against Colorado to show just what he is capable of if he gets his eye in early.

On the season, he averaged 7.2 points, 1.4 rebounds and 1.4 assists on 45 per cent shooting from the field, 40 per cent shooting from behind the arc and a career-best 90 per cent shooting from the free throw line in 18.2 minutes of court time. Although his role changed, his effort did not, and Dell’Orso will be one to watch for Arizona in his senior campaign next year.