MATTHEW Dellavedova is a finalist for one of US college basketball’s most prestigious honours.

The Maryborough-raised basketballer is one of 11 finalists for the Bob Cousy Collegiate Point Guard of the Year Award.

The award, named for Hall of Famer and former Boston Celtic Bob Cousy, recognises the top point guards in college basketball.

Former winners include current NBA players Raymond Felton, Jameer Nelson, Ty Lawson and Kemba Walker.

An original list of 60-plus candidates was trimmed down to 11.

De llavedova was not on the original list of 60 candidates, but played his way onto the list of finalists.

In his third season with St Mary’s in California, Dellavedova has led the Gales to the top of the West Conference ladder and to a national ranking of 18th.

Dellavedova is averaging 15 points, six assists and three rebounds per game and leads the West Coast Conference and is among the national leaders in assists and assist/turnover ratio.

The 11 finalists for the Bob Cousy Award will be narrowed down to five players on March 8.

The final five players in contention for the award will be presented to Cousy and the Hall of Fame’s selection committee and the winner will be announced on April 2.

Starting today, central Victorian basketball fans can give their support to Dellavedova by voting for him on the Bob Cousy Award’s website – www.cousyaward.com

The player that receives the most fan votes will receive one vote toward the final committee vote.

Fan voting will run for one month.