A Georgian professional basketball player who has played in the EuroLeague and has been a key figure in the Georgian national team, known for his versatility and all-around skills.
Tornike Shengelia is a name synonymous with Georgian basketball, earning him an AllEuroLeague First Team selection in 2018. This talented power forward has been making waves in the basketball world, representing the senior Georgian national team and leaving a lasting impact on the sport.
Shengelia's journey began in 2008 when he joined Valencia Basket and its junior team, Valencia BC Sunny Delight. He honed his skills for two years before moving to Spirou Charleroi of Belgium in 2010. A loan spell with VOO Verviers-Pepinster for the 2010-11 season further polished his game, and he returned to Spirou Charleroi in 2011.
The 2012 NBA draft saw Shengelia selected by the Philadelphia 76ers with the 54th overall pick. He was traded to the Brooklyn Nets on draft night, marking the beginning of his NBA adventure. In July 2012, he joined the Nets for the NBA Summer League, averaging 10.2 points and 3.6 rebounds per game in five outings. His rookie and sophomore seasons with the Nets were punctuated by multiple assignments with the Springfield Armor of the NBA D-League.
In January 2014, Shengelia was traded to the Chicago Bulls in exchange for Marquis Teague. However, his time with the Bulls was short-lived, and he was waived on April 14, 2014.
Shengelia signed a three-year deal with Baskonia in June 2014, marking a return to European basketball. During his time with the team, he was involved in a notable basque derby against Bilbao Basket in 2015, which ended in a brawl and multiple ejections.
Shengelia's accomplishments on the court have earned him recognition, including an AllEuroLeague First Team selection in 2018. His contributions to the Georgian national team have been instrumental in their success, solidifying his status as one of the top players in the country.
Tornike Shengelia's journey is a testament to his dedication, hard work, and passion for the sport. As he continues to excel in the basketball world, he remains an inspiration to aspiring players in Georgia and beyond.
Through his achievements and commitment to the sport, Tornike Shengelia has established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the world of basketball.
42 Years Old
A dominant center in the NBA, known for his rugged defense and rebounding prowess, playing for teams like the Milwaukee Bucks and Golden State Warriors.