After a 0-2 start, Georgia won its next three games to qualify to EuroBasket 2025. (PHOTO: FIBA)
Toko Shengelia sends Georgia to EuroBasket 2025
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There is a few things you can count on in such an unpredictable game as basketball. One thing is not granted, however: if healthy, Virtus Segafredo Bologna power forward Toko Shengelia will always be available to play for the Georgian national team.
It was a special game for Georgia, too, which needed a win to qualify to EuroBasket 2025. Denmark had already beaten Georgia 75-69 behind 19 points from Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade guard Iffe Lundberg, Shengelia's former Virtus teammate last season. A 63-76 home loss against Serbia made things worse for Georgia but Shengelia was ready to rescue his team.
He had 24 points to lead Georgia to an 83-90 road win against Finland, and did even better against the same opponent in Tbilisi. Shengelia led Georgia to a second victory over Finland, 81-64, getting 25 points and 6 assists. Georgia needed a third win against Denmark, was without starting point guard Kamar Baldwin of Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz but as always, Shengelia was ready to deliver.
Shengelia led by example since the opening tip, showing that commitment since the opening tip, fighting for loose ball, bringing the ball to the offensive side, playing at the '4' and '5' positions whenever Coach Aleksandar Dzikic required it, being the leading voice in timeouts and as always, doing a little bit of everything on the court.
Despite a really close first quarter, Shengelia led Georgia to a 37-25 lead, burying a three-pointer from the top of the key at the halftime buzzer. He already had a double-double at the break with 13 points, 10 rebounds and a PIR of 17.
Denmark rallied in the third quarter and took a 52-53 lead with 7 minutes left. Shengelia came off the bench soon after that, drawing a foul on each end, hitting key free throws, finding Duda Sanadze for a three-pointer and getting a critical defensive rebound already in the final minute. He also contested Lundberg's shot at the buzzer, sending almost 10,000 Georgian fans to their feet.
Georgia edged Denmark 62-60, qualifying to the EuroBasket final round for the sixth consecutive time. Shengelia had 19 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists. After the game, Shengelia highlighted his longtime commitment to his national team.
"It is a great feeling, man. I feel very, very proud of my teammates, my coaching staff, our people... The atmosphere was great. Every time I come here, I just love to be here and I love to do what I do. It was a close game but I think we deserved it, and w are going to go in the EuroBasket for the sixth time in a row," Shengelia said. "Every time I represent my country, it's important. It's very important for me."