“Great that Ballarat is building a regional sports centre @BallaratSEC - huge help to all kids in the region. Hope it can get completed soon,” the Cleveland Cavaliers’ point guard tweeted.

Dellavedova backs a push for a fully-developed Ballarat Sports and Events Centre, which would include six courts with one a 3000-seat showcourt, and elite training facilities like lecture theatres for vision analysis. The project’s facilities are designed to adapt for multi-purpose community group use.

BSEC has state and local funding to develop a modern four-court stadium, including a 1500-seat showcourt. The City of Ballarat and Basketball Ballarat remain lobbying for a $10 million grant under the National Stronger Regions Fund, which is in its third round.

Dellavedova is a regional Victoria product, hailing from Maryborough and working through the Bendigo Braves junior program before four years in college basketball with St Mary’s in California.

He spent time in Ballarat, working closely alongside this city’s talent, when in the Vic Country junior basketball program.

Dellavedova has maintained a keen interest in Ballarat’s basketball and the city – his sister graduated from Ballarat Clarendon College – which has promoted and supported his journey.

Capturing international attention with the Australian Boomers in the London Olympics, Dellavedova signed with Cleveland Cavaliers after the 2013 NBA Summer League.

The Cavaliers are set to play game one in NBA conference semi-final against Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday morning, Ballarat time.