Where are they now?: Former Iona star Scott Machado continues well-traveled overseas career
NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. (BVM) — Scott Machado hasn’t touched the Iona Gaels’ floor since 2012, but his impact on the program can still be traced through their record books. The former guard left a lasting impact on the school, helping propel Iona to its first NCAA tournament appearance since 2005 in his final year with the program.
As a high schooler, the Queens native excelled playing at St. Mary’s High School in Manhasset, New York before taking a step to a higher prep level. Machado started at point guard for St. Benedict’s Prep in Newark, New Jersey and helped his team to a No. 2 national ranking behind his 12 points and eight assists as the Gray Bees rolled to a 24-1 record his senior year.
After a well-known prep career, Machado’s legacy with the Gaels would start early on, as the 6-foot-1 guard started in 27 games, averaging 9.3 points and 4.8 assists. The development continued for the playmaking guard his sophomore and junior seasons, as he went from making the All-MAAC Second Team to an appearance his junior season on the All-MAAC First Team list.
After watching the program’s eventual rise through the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, Machado would prove to be one of the team’s most valuable assets as the Gaels took a pivotal step forward his senior season. A standout final year would lead to some team and individual success as Machado’s Gaels locked down a tournament appearance along with one of the program best all-time seasons with a 25-8 record. His contributions individually would be rewarded with MAAC Player of the Year honors.
Scott Machado with the and-1 for his first points as a Laker #Lakers #LakeShow pic.twitter.com/cFclM2rhsK
— Lakers Lead (@LakersLead) March 27, 2019
Machado’s March Madness run would be short lived after a loss to BYU but the appearance was a long-time coming for the Gaels’ program. After leaving Iona on a high note, Machado’s much traveled pro career would begin. After going undrafted in the 2012 NBA Draft, Machado would latch on with a multitude of NBA and Developmental League (G-League) experiences ranging from the Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors to the Rio Grande Valley Vipers and Idaho Stampede.
With NBA opportunities fading, Machado tried his hand outside the country. The seasoned guard first landed in France, before stops in Estonia, Germany, and Spain. Machado would garner another chance in 2019 with both the Los Angeles Lakers and their G-League team, the South Bay Lakers.
Following another quick NBA stop and a well-traveled overseas career, the 31-year-old finds himself in Australia, continuing to follow his passion in the game he’s worked so hard at. Machado has found a sticking point in the growing National Basketball League (NBL), starting his third season this upcoming year. After two seasons with Cairns Taipans, Machado will represent the Mandurah Magic in the inaugural 2021 NBL1 West season.
Bringing some good vibes to your timeline on Sunday night 💫@CairnsTaipans star Scott Machado making this young fans night while suiting up for the @mandurahmagic in @NBL1 West.
📹 via @byanx pic.twitter.com/EPMMwSLc99
— The NBL (@NBL) July 18, 2021
After a lifetime of basketball travels led him around the world, a return to the States could still happen again. Even if the opportunity doesn’t present itself, Machado will always have a spot saved for him in New Rochelle.
