SIGNED: Anthony Dell’Orso

Following an agreement to terms, the Perth Wildcats have signed Australian guard Anthony Dell’Orso to a three-year contract, pending NBL approval.

Dell’Orso returns home following four seasons of US college basketball with Campbell University and the University of Arizona.

Delly earned Big South Freshman of the Year honours in his first season at Campbell and went on to average a team-high 19.5 points and 6.5 rebounds as a sophomore, earning Second Team All-CAA honours.

He transferred to Arizona in 2024 and played 76 games across two seasons, shooting 41.3 per cent from three-point range in his first campaign, helping the Wildcats reach the 2026 NCAA Final Four.

Dell’Orso most recently represented the Sacramento Kings at both the 2026 California Classic and NBA Summer League in Las Vegas.

Wildcats head coach John Rillie said Dell’Orso’s shooting would complement the talent already assembled on Perth’s roster.

“Anthony’s addition brings another exciting young Australian prospect to Perth,” Rillie said.

“After a successful four-year college career and a taste of NBA Summer League, Delly is primed to take another step in his basketball journey.

“His separating skill is his shot-making ability, so he is a great complement to the players we already have on our roster.”

Dell’Orso’s move to Perth reunites him with Rillie, who remained in regular contact with the guard throughout his college career.

“JR has been great for me,” Dell’Orso said.

“He kept in touch from my freshman year at Campbell and was a big influence on some of the decisions I made moving forward, including when I transferred.

“He brought me out to Perth a few years ago and continued to build that relationship. He also came to see me in Vegas and has been a great person to have in my corner.”

Dell’Orso said Rillie’s vision for his role with the Wildcats played an important part in his decision to return home.

“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.”

Perth Wildcats COO and General Manager of Basketball Operations Danny Mills said Dell’Orso’s signing reflected the club’s long-term vision for the roster.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Delly and his family to Perth. He’s one of the most exciting rising talents in Australian basketball, and locking him in for three years says a lot about our coaching staff and the development environment we’ve built here at the Wildcats.

“His basketball IQ and shooting will add value straight away, and he’s a big part of where we’re taking this roster into NBL27 and beyond.”

Dell’Orso believes his time at Arizona has prepared him well for the transition to professional basketball and the demands of the NBL.

“Arizona was a place that prepared me for anything,” he said.

“It helped me during the season and through my NBA opportunities, and I feel confident that experience will translate to this level.

“I’m looking forward to getting into the gym, working with the coaches and the guys and playing in front of the Red Army this season.”