Twenty-three year-old Matthew Dellavedova is officially a Cleveland Cavaliers player after making the NBA eastern conference club’s final roster of 15 on Saturday morning.

"Exciting to be playing for the @cavs this year! Gotta keep working hard!" Dellavedova tweeted on Saturday morning.

Maryborough Basketball Association life member Sally Meill said Maryborough was over the moon with excitement after hearing the news. 

 “Last year we all said how amazing is it that someone from our country town is in the Olympics,” she said.

“And now he has made it to the NBA.

“He is just a boy from Maryborough who has made it to the big time.” 

The 23-year-old dominated junior club basketball in Maryborough before he found his way into Bendigo Junior Braves representative squads.

He then rose up the ranks again playing for Victoria Country before he moved to the Australian Institute of Sport. 

Last year, Dellavedova represented Australia at the London Olympics. 

Mrs Meill said Maryborough residents who have never had an interest in basketball before are suddenly talking about it. 

"We saw a photo of him playing against Lebron James, and we all just say he is from Maryborough," she said. 

Mrs Meill has known the Dellavedova family for years she said her son Brody had grown up playing basketball with him.

"He has always been a determined kid," she said. 

"It shows dreams do come true."

Mrs Meill said Matthew is a fantastic role model for young people.

“People look up to him,” Mrs Meill said.

 “Every time he comes back home he always puts on a clinic for the kids.

“Between 90 and 100 kids always come out to see him.

“He is a great role model.”

kristen.alebakis@fairfaxmedia.com.au