By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Coming to Bologna following CSKA Moscow‘s exclusion from the EuroLeague back in 2022, Tornike Shengelia found home in Virtus, leaving his mark with the black-and-white side.
After helping the team win the EuroCup and several Italian Supercups, the Georgian dominator put the cherry on top of the cake, winning the Italian Championship.
Celebrating the Scudetto in Bologna’s City Hall, the 33-year-old experienced veteran shared his love and bond for the city. “My family and I have considered Bologna home from day one,” he said as reported by Corriere di Bologna.
“This city, these fans, this team — everyone who loves basketball in Bologna deserved this championship, and I’m happy to have helped bring it home,” he commented.
Without his effort in Game 5, playing as injured to save his side against Reyer Venezia, Virtus Bologna wouldn’t be here. “It was a ‘click,’ a turning point. I wasn’t even supposed to play Game 5, but Ivanovic trusted me. I thank God, because that hit could’ve had worse consequences,” he said.
“I thank Dusko for putting me back on the court when I was thinking, ‘It can’t end like this, in the quarterfinals, wearing this jersey.’ We also had unfinished business in Milan: after three tough years, we went there telling ourselves it was time to win.”
Ultimately, of course, Tornike Shengelia dedicated the win to Achille Polonara. “This championship is his, one hundred percent; what’s left is for all of us. He’s a fighter, a great person,” he said.
“When we heard about the illness, we were devastated, our energy was at zero, but not even for a second did we consider the idea of not winning the title: we owed it to Achi as well. We went to visit him for that very reason, because we’re sure that this amazing brother will win his battle.”
Shengelia is set to move to Barcelona after being named MVP of the LBA Finals, averaging 25.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 4.6 assists in the three games played against Brescia.
PHOTO CREDIT: Virtus Segafredo Bologna