Australian guard Anthony Dell’Orso has officially signed a three-year contract with the Perth Wildcats, returning to Australia after four seasons of college basketball in the United States, according to an August 11, 2026 announcement by the NBL and the club.
Anthony Dell’Orso Returns to Australia on Three-Year Deal
The 23-year-old guard joins Perth following stints at Campbell University and the University of Arizona, as reported by the Wildcats. During his debut collegiate season at Campbell, Dell’Orso earned Big South Freshman of the Year honors. In his sophomore campaign, he averaged a team-high 19.5 points and 6.5 rebounds per game, collecting Second Team All-CAA recognition.
Dell’Orso transferred to Arizona ahead of the 2024 season. Across 76 games over two seasons with the Wildcats, he shot 41.3 percent from three-point range during his first campaign and helped the program reach the 2026 NCAA Final Four, according to club records. In his final senior season at Arizona, he averaged 8.5 points in 21 minutes per contest.
Following the college season, Dell’Orso represented the Sacramento Kings at both the 2026 California Classic and the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas.
Wildcats Leadership Welcomes Local Talent
Perth Wildcats head coach John Rillie maintained contact with Dell’Orso throughout his collegiate career, a relationship that ultimately paved the way for the guard’s return to Australia. Rillie brought Dell’Orso to Perth on a previous visit during his college years and evaluated his play in Las Vegas.
“JR made it really clear what my role could look like and how I could fit into the team, so it was an opportunity I couldn’t really say no to,” Dell’Orso stated via the club’s official announcement.
Rillie pointed to Dell’Orso’s shooting range as a primary asset for the squad. “His separating skill is his shot-making ability, so he is a great complement to the players we already have on our roster,” Rillie said.
Danny Mills, Perth Wildcats Chief Operating Officer and General Manager of Basketball Operations, noted that locking down the rising talent for three seasons reinforces the organization’s player development strategy for the NBL27 season and beyond. Dell’Orso expressed readiness to begin training with the squad and perform in front of the club’s fan base, known as the Red Army.
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