Toko Shengelia with an outstanding performance vs. Iberostar Tenerife
In an article written yesterday, I appreciated that Baskonia’s guards are much better as offensive weapons than Tenerife’s ones and this was a reason to pick up the Basque team as the favourite of the encounter. But at the end of the game, if you take a look at the stats, you realize that all 5 guards of Baskonia, Luca Vildoza, Pierria Henry, Jayson Granger, Matt Janning, Zoran Dragic had together only 10 at index rate. Then, who was the man that made a difference for the winners? The future CSKA center, Tornike Shengelia, one of the most constant players ever seen.
The Georgian big man did everything on the court, surprising his opponents not only with actions in the paint but as well with amazing passes and a very high percentage. Shengelia finished the game with 7/10 at two pointers, 1/1 from the arc, 4/4 from the free-throw line, adding 6 rebounds and delivering 7 assists for 34 index rate in 31 minutes spent on the court. He forced Iberostar players to commit as well 7 fouls on him.
The best explanation of this performance could be the rivalry with the opponent center, Giorgi Shermadini, another experienced big man from Georgia. Both centers are teammates for the national team and maybe this offered them extra motivation for the last night duel. Shermadini as well finished the game with high numbers, reaching a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds.
Anyway, Tornike Shegelia proved once again that he is an all-around player, versatile and very dangerous from any spot on the court, at any time. He is playing with heart and determination and this could be one of the most important factor for Baskonia’s success at this Final Tournament, where they came with the big hope of winning the trophy. Especially now with the whole squad recovered including Yousoupha Fall, this dream could come true.
Image: Euroleague
Gratian Cormos
