Georgian basketball star in running for All-Star game after fan support campaign

Georgia's export in the National Basketball Association (NBA) Zaza Pachulia has responded to the social network support he received from his home country in an online poll involving players of the leading basketball league.

Pachulia was among hundreds of players from all NBA clubs featured in the NBA All-Star poll that will determine rosters for the prestigious and glamorous match featuring best of the league's talent.

The Georgian centre was not among frontrunners of the vote for the frontcourt position he plays on as the voting commenced days ago.

However a social network support campaign launched in Georgia saw him elevated to the 8th place in preliminary results based on the number of votes.

Pachulia expressed his gratitude to fans and followers through his Facebook page today:

I always appreciate your support but today I especially felt the power and backing of the Georgian people. A thank you would not be enough in return for what you are doing for me. I am proud to be representing the small country with a big heart named Georgia," the Georgian player said in his message.

Receiving more than 194,000 votes Pachulia was even ahead of his famous Dallas Mavericks team-mate Dirk Nowitzki in the results made public by the NBA.

With ten days of voting remaining, the overall poll was led by Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant with more than 1,262,000 votes.

Votes for players involved in the poll could be cast by supporters on the official NBA website here, or by posting a public Facebook or Twitter status update #NBAVote Zaza Pachulia once a day.

The annual NBA All-Star event is scheduled to take place on February 12-14.