Georgia's national basketball team has marked its place on the international sports stage by qualifying for the FIBA EuroBasket 2025 tournament, solidifying its status as a competitive force within European basketball.
This qualification is particularly noteworthy as it continues Georgia's impressive streak of six consecutive appearances at the EuroBasket Final Rounds. After struggling during the initial phase of the qualifiers, where they started with two disappointing losses, the team rallied back effectively under the guidance of coach Aleksandar Dzikic and the leadership of star player Tornike Shengelia.
Georgia initially faced tough opposition, beginning their campaign with a shocking 75-69 defeat to Denmark and following up with another loss to Serbia. With the pressure mounting and the stakes high, the team found its rhythm, winning three straight matches. The pivotal moment came against Denmark on February 21, 2025, where they came together for what could be termed as their breakthrough victory of the qualifiers.
Shengelia's performance was nothing short of phenomenal, averaging 24 points per game during the qualifiers, proving to be the backbone of the team’s offensive strategy. "Shengelia played the cruciial part for Georgia, scoring 24 points per game in his first four appearances," reported leading basketball analysts as they highlighted his contribution to the team's success.
The encouraging presence of Kamar Baldwin also added depth to Georgia’s lineup. His statistics stood out during the qualifiers, showcasing averages of 22.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game, skills which reinforced Coach Dzikic's strategy on the court. "Georgia are also expected to continue their path with Kamar Baldwin, who had 22.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game," analysts stated as they evaluated the impact of younger talent entering the fray. Baldwin's ability to create scoring opportunities both for himself and teammates has the team positioned favorably as they prepare for EuroBasket.
Throughout the years, Georgia has demonstrated their commitment to ascending the ranks of international basketball. Their historical performance at EuroBasket has included reaching the sweet 16 on two occasions, with memorable moments, particularly their narrow defeat against Lithuania during the 2015 tournament where they lost by only four points. Such contests not only showcase their growth but also exemplify the talent and potential rising within their ranks.
The 2022 EuroBasket left Georgia with the bitter taste of underachievement, as they failed to progress past the group stages on home turf. This experience is fueling their determination and ambition heading toward the next tournament, where their objective is now more pronounced—seeking their first Top 10 finish at EuroBasket. With the right mix of experienced players and fresh talent ready to make its mark, the future looks promising for Georgian basketball.
Overall, Georgia’s successful qualification for EuroBasket 2025 not only showcases the progress they have made over the years but also heralds exciting times for their basketball program. Coach Dzikic and his players have their eyes set on leveraging this momentum as they compete against Europe’s best, aiming to engrave Georgia’s name more firmly on the international stage.