By George Efkarpidis/ GEfkarpidis@eurohoops.net
Despite being Georgian, Goga Bitadze was groomed in recent seasons by playing in the Adriatic League with Mega Bemax and now with Buducnost VOLI for the NBA. Big men remain a commodity and the 1999-born center is having his biggest NBA audition in the second half of the EuroLeague season when he left Mega and Serbia for Buducnost and Montenegro.
Bitadze turned heads and he is considered the favorite to win the EuroLeague Rising Star award. And just before his matchup with former lottery pick Panathinaikos‘ George Papagiannis, he talked to Eurohoops about his career, his dreams, his role models and his game.
Have you enjoyed the Euroleague experience so far? What have you discovered about yourself by playing in the top competition in Europe?
It was a really big step for me, to play at the top level in Europe, with these top players and it’s been a really good experience for me. I learned a lot already playing against different “bigs” and I didn’t know if I was able to play at this level but everything was fine.
Who was the toughest Euroleague matchup you faced so far?
Jordan Mickey because he made some tough late shots in the fourth.
Zaza Pachulia and Toko Shenghelia. What have they meant for you and how have they paved the way for you?
Growing up, they were like role models for me, watching them play every game for the national team. When I was a kid I didn’t know if I’ll be able to play at a high level but I thought if they can do this, so can I.
Do you feel any extra pressure since you’re regarded the “next big thing” of Europe after Luka Doncic?
I don’t feel any pressure because I focus on every game individually not thinking about other things and giving 100% of my focus and energy. I just go out there and do my thing, what I do my whole life and there is no extra pressure.
Who would you say your basketball “role model” has been growing up and who’s game have you tried to imitate the most?
Zaza Pachulia, Toko Shenghelia, Giorgi Shermadhini before I started watching the NBA. When I grew up and started following the NBA more, I watched Kevin Garnett all the time and Hakeem Olajuwon. It’s really hard to do the things they did but the passing they had for the game was amazing even now, I still watch their highlights.
How important is it for you perfect your three-point shot considering how the game has evolved?
I work on my shooting every day. I know I can shoot the ball and I made shots in the ABA league. It’s really hard to display my shooting on this team because of all these great individuals. I worked on my shot the whole summer on that and will just keep improving my three-point shot and I think I’ll be able to do it.
For those who don’t know, Goga Bitadze, what would you say your top basketball skills are?
I’m a stretch five. I play above the rim through the contact along with my shot block ability and my morale and my competitiveness. Those are the biggest things in my game, I think.
You’ve mentioned previously that the NBA has been your dream. What thoughts are crossing your mind with the NBA 2019 draft coming up?
Definitely, the NBA was and is my dream. When I hear about me getting drafted and getting in the NBA is a really big thing for me. It motivates me, even more, to work harder and focus on basketball. Right now, I’m more focused on my team, we’re in the Adriatic League semifinals right now.
Which individual, player or family member has influenced your career the most?
Definitely my family as a whole. My Mom, my sister and my aunt who were helping me throughout everything. They would follow me to every practice and even through some tough times in Georgia, they didn’t talk about that a lot. They pushed me to work hard, motivating, trusting me and believed in what I did. They are the most important people in my life and career.
Who’s your favorite NBA player at the moment?
LeBron James. He’s the guy who I enjoy watching and I’m really sad he didn’t make the playoffs.
What message would you like to send the fans of Georgia?
Thanks for all the love and support. I will always give 100% and be the best version of Goga.