Tornike Shengelia, the best player of Georgia, spoke in an exclusive interview for Basketball Sphere ahead of EuroBasket 2025.
The “Georgian Samurai” – Tornike Shengelia has been one of the top players at his position in Europe for many years, and without question, he is the type of player who will always answer the call of the national team. Even in situations when it seemed almost impossible, he found ways to be there for Georgia—and that commitment has never changed.
In the following lines, you will discover the demanding path he has traveled in his basketball career. He confirmed that he grew up with values of humility and in a family environment rooted in the strongest principles of character, which he later applied in the best way possible to his basketball journey.
Although he debuted for the national team while still a teenager, it can be said that Tornike Shengelia is one of the main reasons why Georgia has not missed a single EuroBasket since 2011. His fighting spirit, performances while battling injuries, a unique clause in his professional contracts—likely one of a kind not only in Europe but worldwide—that allows him to represent Georgia at his own risk, and his strong connection with coaches and teammates from this region who share a similar mentality… all of this will be revealed in a conversation that reaches far beyond basketball itself.
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“This is a fantastic question right from the start”
To begin with, I would like to talk about your special contract clause that you had in all of your clubs – the one that allows you, regardless of the circumstances, to leave the team and play for Georgia whenever the national team needs you, as long as you’re healthy, and then return to your club. Clearly, this has often been at your own expense and risk, since it’s very rare nowadays to see a player respond to every single call-up.
Only a few greats have done that in the past, like Dirk Nowitzki, Tony Parker, Pau Gasol, and more recently Luka Doncic and Bogdan Bogdanovic. You have always been available for your country. Can you tell us more about that, not as self-promotion, because your name has already been at the top of European basketball for years, but rather so people can better understand your values, beliefs, and sense of belonging to the national team?
“This is a fantastic question right from the start. Since the beginning of my professional career, I always knew one thing – whenever my country calls, I will be there. That’s why whenever I signed a contract, I always emphasized that I want to play for Georgia. Since my childhood days, I used to watch Georgia’s games from the stands, always imagining myself on the court wearing that jersey.
At that time, the internet wasn’t developed, we didn’t have access to everything like today, and I grew up with the national team. That was my first love, and whenever I get the chance to play for the national team, that kid inside me wakes up. Every opportunity that comes my way, I use it to be there. My love, beliefs, and values have always been closely connected with Georgia” – said Tornike Shengelia.
Claim Now Throughout your career you’ve had many teammates and coaches from the Balkans. You worked with Igor Kokoskov, now with Aleksandar Dzikic, in CSKA you were coached by Dimitris Itoudis – then at Virtus you had Dusko Ivanovic and his first assistant Nenad Jakovljevic, while Neven Spahija and Velimir Perasovic were also your coaches. What makes all these people stand out compared to others?
It seems like you’ve also embraced some of that Balkan mentality yourself, and you know very well how much basketball means to people in this region, especially in Serbia, where the passion is visible at every Crvena Zvezda and Partizan game, as well as with the national team. Can you share more about your cooperation with them and how it influenced you, not only tactically and basketball-wise, but also in shaping your identity and character as someone who never gives up?
“And this is another phenomenal question. It all started when Igor Kokoskov gave me the chance to play for the national team at just 16 years old, among the best players, NBA players, and big European names. That was very important for me.
Aleksandar Dzikic now, he is incredible. He has that talent to awaken the competitor in everyone, and he’s a phenomenal coach. For me, it’s a surprise that he’s not coaching a EuroLeague team. Dimitris Itoudis is someone who pays incredible attention to details, which also helped me in my career.
Neven Spahija – I would compare him to Igor, because he gave me a chance as a very young player, but in a club – in Valencia. He let me play in the ACB, sometimes even starting as center. Even though he was very demanding in practice, he helped me by showing how much he cared for me from the very beginning. For him, it didn’t matter how old or experienced you were – if you worked hard and proved yourself, you got your chance, and I’ll never forget that”, said Tornike Shengelia and continued in the same tone:
“With Perasovic I probably played the best basketball of my career. He trusted me and gave me huge freedom, raised my confidence level, and with him I played great.”
“He’s not for everyone, but not everyone is for him either…”
The same goes for Dusko Ivanovic, my guy. He’s impressive – we are now “two out of two” — two years total, and we won two trophies together, Liga Endesa with Baskonia and Serie A with Virtus. Dusko will always bring the best out of everyone. I’ll put it this way: he’s not for everyone, but not everyone is for him either.
He will always find a way to make you give your maximum, whether you want it or not, and at the end of the day he’ll make sure you showed the best of your abilities no matter what. I loved that, and in the end we finished our cooperation with a trophy. He can be demanding, just like life itself. (laughs)”, explained Tornike Shengelia:
They did it again 🤝🏼 pic.twitter.com/MNciXaahQC
— Virtus Bologna (@VirtusBo) June 20, 2025
“Nenad Jakovljevic brought great experience – he was our assistant coach in Virtus, but he also coached some games as head coach. He led us in a very important game against Milan that we won, and I still remember the smile and celebration in the locker room after that. That’s an experience I really cherish, and to be honest, he did very well as head coach. I believe one day he’ll get his chance, because he deserves it.
I’ve worked with many people from the Balkans, but I can’t say I adopted that mentality because it’s actually similar to ours in Georgia. Every one of these people I’ve worked with has been a real blessing, because they didn’t just help me grow as a player but also shaped my character in some ways.”
“One of my two biggest dreams!”
I will never forget, as a fan of this sport and someone lucky enough to work in journalism, the qualification window for the 2023 FIBA World Cup when you played three games in four days – and in each of them you were among the best players. The last one was against Iceland, which you lost by just three points, but Georgia still advanced and later played at the World Cup.
Many people admired you then because of your spirit and proof that when someone truly wants something, nothing is too difficult. Can you explain to our readers what it was like to jump from plane to plane, switch locker rooms, play in several countries in just three days, and how you personally experienced all of that?
“First of all, thank you – those words mean a lot. I won’t lie, it was a crazy experience, one of the craziest in my career. Like you said, I was flying from plane to plane, changing locker rooms and teammates, but in the end the only thing in my head was that Georgia qualifies for the World Cup. One of my two biggest dreams – playing at the World Cup and the Olympics with Georgia – was achieved that way. The World Cup was a special experience for me.
I’ll admit something: during those 72 hours I was so focused that I didn’t even think about what I was doing. The moment you start thinking about how crazy it is, that’s when it becomes difficult. In the moment I wasn’t even aware of what I was doing and I tried not to think about it at all. What makes the story even crazier is that I didn’t sleep before the last two games – not the night before Baskonia, and not before the Iceland game either. I don’t know why, probably because it was a combination of proudness, excitement, and adrenaline”, Tornike Shengelia did not mince words:
“The game against Iceland was the most important game for Georgia in my career, and I think I was never more tired than then. That game decided that we go to the World Cup, and in the end we achieved our goal and I’m thankful to God. I see it this way: God gave me that opportunity – three games in four days – but the opportunity was still there. Nothing was scheduled on the same day, so it was possible. I called the Georgian Basketball Federation, and they helped me with organizing charter flights. I want to take this opportunity to thank them from the bottom of my heart – truly, a big thank you!
In the end, it paid off – I was truly proud because Georgia went to the World Cup. When you really want something, nothing is impossible. That was so important to me that nobody could talk me out of it. It was so uncertain – we lost by three points, if they had scored just one more, we wouldn’t have made it. The margin was that small, but my faith was so strong that nobody could convince me otherwise.”
Fighting for tickets to Riga
Looking ahead to this year’s EuroBasket, you have been drawn into a very tough group. You could say luck wasn’t on your side, but that’s sports. Out of six teams, aside from Cyprus, the other five are very strong and will all fight for the four spots leading to the knockout stage. Your biggest success came in 2015 when you reached the Round of 16, but it’s important to mention that since your debut in 2011, Georgia has never missed a EuroBasket. That in itself has helped build a certain culture around the national team, and you and Giorgi Shermadini have carried much of that responsibility over the years.
Recently, I spoke with coach Gianmarco Pozzecco, and when I asked him about playing in multiple countries – from the heat in Cyprus to the cold in Riga – he jokingly said: “It’s better to fly from Cyprus to Riga than to watch EuroBasket from Italy. We will travel to Alaska if necessary” This time Georgia has several quality players, even from the NBA, and with some luck avoiding injuries, there is a real chance to make another breakthrough. How difficult is it to compete with the mindset of an underdog, but at the same time deal with certain expectations, knowing that basketball is magical precisely because no one has a guaranteed win?
“It’s all about perspective. If we look at it as fighting for tickets to Riga, then that’s actually a reward – reaching the Round of 16. Everyone will fight for that. For us, traveling is not a problem, we’ll be blessed if we find ourselves on that plane from Cyprus to Riga. The underdog mentality is nothing new to us. Whenever we play at EuroBasket, that’s always present, but mentality can’t affect our ambitions.
We’ll fight against everyone. I won’t deny that this group is very demanding, but that’s the beauty of EuroBasket. Everyone can beat us, but we can also play with anyone and beat them. I’m not sure everyone looks at playing us as a guaranteed win. We’ll fight with everything we have and do everything possible to get those tickets to Riga.”
“I felt like I was watching my dream courtside…”
Speaking of the NBA, I found the stat that you played 45 games there with limited minutes. I’ve listened to many European players who said that after their NBA experience they returned somewhat discouraged, even disheartened. How did that period affect you personally?
Looking back, how did those challenges and adjustments shape you into the player you became after 2015? Could you tell us more about that time – the difficulties you faced, what you didn’t like, whether there is anything you regret, and how it all contributed to your later success?
“Personally, I’m not someone who gets discouraged easily. Yes, there were times there were times I felt I was in an unfair situation, even though I did everything the right way. They sent me to the G-League and I had games with 40 points, triple-doubles, but nothing changed and my minutes stayed limited. When you’re a competitor, you’re ready to do absolutely everything to earn your chance. Then you find yourself doing everything right, but the chance still doesn’t come.
Still, as years pass, you mature and realize you’re not the first or last NBA player in that situation. It’s the best league in the world. I took that experience as a privilege, because all those tough moments shaped me into who I am today. Another thing I’m thankful for is all the people I met along the way. Yes, it was hard, but life isn’t all sunshine and rainbows.
How can I be dissatisfied? I came from moments without electricity or internet, and then I’m sitting next to Kevin Garnett and Deron Williams. That’s a huge experience. My dream was to reach the NBA, and many times I felt like I was watching my dream courtside. It was a tough time, but I don’t regret anything. I’m glad I had that opportunity.”, explained Tornike Shengelia
“Ofcourse I watched that game!”
Since we already talked about Serbian coaches and players, I have to ask about the Serbian national team as well. In Serbia, basketball is much more than just a sport, and people have been waiting for a gold medal at a major tournament since 2002. Now the team looks complete, with Nikola Jokic and Bogdan Bogdanovic as leaders, and you know their qualities very well.
The Olympic semifinal against Serbia was one of the greatest games ever played. Did you follow it closely and were you cheering for them? This also leads to my next question: in your opinion, why has European basketball closed the gap with the NBA in the last decade?
“Of course I watched that game! That was one of the best national team games at a major tournament that I’ve ever seen. Serbia earned huge respect and of course I was cheering for them. Nikola Jokic, Bogdan Bogdanovic, they’re incredible.
Ognjen Dobric, man – he was my teammate in Virtus, also my great friend Nikola Milutinov and I was so happy for them because they played so well at the Olympics. And now Serbia is again a top candidate to win the gold medal, just like in almost every competition in recent years. I won’t say I hope they do it this year, because we’re competing too, but I believe fans in Serbia are enjoying it.
Basketball is evolving, and it’s only a matter of time before Europe completely catches up with the NBA. We have players like Jokic, Doncic, Giannis, Wembanyama who dominate in the NBA. Basketball is developing every single day and we’ll see what comes next.”
What would you say to young Tornike Shengelia?
You first played for Georgia back in 2007 with the U16 team, and the same year you made your senior debut. Looking back now, it’s fascinating how long you have been competing at the highest level despite some injuries along the way. Your basketball résumé includes numerous individual and team awards, and while some might say the missing EuroLeague trophy is a regret, it doesn’t take away from your legacy.
Can we make a little time-travel exercise – comparing young Tornike Shengelia at 16 with the veteran leader you are today? What would you say to the younger version of yourself, fighting for a spot under the lights? Over the years, responsibility only grew. Who were your own mentors and role models – teammates or coaches or maybe someone else – who helped shape you into a true professional?
“That same year I also played for the senior team along with the U16 squad, which I think is interesting in this story. Responsibility appeared in my life from an early age. The lifestyle I had, which I always remember, was a big responsibility for me. I realized what it takes to be successful. When you work hard, it always pays off. I developed that mindset very young and it boosted my confidence, which I used as an advantage in everything that came later.
What would I say to young Tornike Shengelia? I don’t know, man. I couldn’t tell him to work harder, because that’s what I always did. Maybe something about patience, because that’s something I faced both in the national team and the NBA. They always told me to be patient, and that’s the last thing you want to hear in that moment. You have to stay patient and wait for your moment” said Tornike Shengelia and continued:
That’s how it is in high school or college, where you gradually earn your chance – that’s the system. I came to the NBA from a culture where if I’m better than you, no matter my name or age, I will play. Over there it doesn’t work like that, the system is different. So I’d tell my younger self to be more patient.
As for mentors or role models – I’ll start with my father. Along with my mother, he’s a big leader. Also, wherever I played, I had great teammates and leaders to learn from. I learned different things from each and applied some to my career – of course, the ones I liked. But no matter how good someone is as a leader, you shouldn’t copy absolutely everything. You need to understand what doesn’t fit you too, so I learned what to take and what to skip. I’m thankful for all the people around me throughout all these years.”
“It’s about the friendships!”
You recently became the godfather of Luca Vildoza’s wedding in Belgrade. Clearly, your coaches and teammates have left a huge mark on you (laughs). Can you share what that experience was like – the Serbian wedding, the celebration with friends and teammates – since many would say that beyond basketball and money, the true essence of life is in friendships, lifelong bonds, and moments like that.
“Another great question, and what a point at the end.
It was an amazing wedding – weddings in Serbia are really something special. The energy, the music, the tradition – but more than anything, it’s about the friendships you mentioned. I was overjoyed when Luca Vildoza asked me to be his best man. And yes, it’s not about me being surrounded by a Balkan environment in my career because I knew some songs.
My father often played the movie Underground which had the trumpeters and some songs I learned back then. Those are great memories I share with my father, and for me it was a special moment. If any of my friends ever invite me to a wedding in Serbia, I definitely won’t miss it (laughs).”, said Tornike Shengelia.
Nikad necu prezaliti sto nikad nije obukao nas dres..
— czbg36 (@czbg_36) July 21, 2025
Toko kumara!#kkcz pic.twitter.com/9zpRmAJ8AF
Do you have any unfulfilled dreams left in your basketball career? If you had to choose between winning a EuroBasket medal with Georgia or lifting the EuroLeague trophy next season, which one would you pick? (laughs)
“Why are you doing this to me? That’s a really tough question. Which medal are we talking about? (laughs)
My answer is both.
A club competition like the EuroLeague – it’s every player’s dream to win it. You work for nine months to get there and then two games at the Final Four decide everything. Winning the EuroLeague is very difficult. But because of the love and connection and bond I feel with the Georgian national team, of course I’d love to win both, but if I have to pick one, my country will always come first,” Tornike Shengelia concluded in an interview to Basketball Sphere.
