The Gaels’ tour has been based on exhibition matches against National Basketball League clubs but program chiefs were keen to visit the home town of graduated star Matt Dellavedova.

Only thing is that Dellavedova, back from the United States on a brief visit, is on duty with the Australian Boomers in their FIBA world championship qualifying campaign this week.

Still, it will not stop the Gaels putting on a show in an open training session at the Maryborough basketball stadium.

Players will work through drills and scrimmage before meeting young basketballers for photos and autographs.

Mark Dellavedova said his son was disappointed to not be in Maryborough for the visit, but was proud to be representing Australia in a two-game series against New Zealand.

Dellavedova graduated a hero as St Mary’s all-time leader in scoring, assists, games played, free throw percentage and three-point shots, a 2012-13 Academic All-America and a 2012-13 Senior Class Award finalist.

The travelling roster has a distinct Australian flavour in Queenslanders Jorden Page, Matt Hodgen and freshman recruit Dane Pineau.

The Gaels have also Australian assistant coaches in Marty Clarke – former head coach of the Adelaide 36ers and at the Australian Institute of Sport – and Adam Caporn – a Wollongong Hawks champion player and former Perth Wildcat.

NBA and Boomers’ point-guard Patty Mills and Ballarat Miner Lucas Walker have also worked through the St Mary’s College program.

The Gaels played against NBL club Melbourne Tigers, featuring Walker, to a packed Kilsyth stadium last night. 

Training in Maryborough will start at 11am and run for about 90 minutes.