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50 Facts About Goga Bitadze

Alice Mcconnell

Written by Alice Mcconnell

Modified & Updated: 30 Dec 2024

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Source: Yardbarker.com

Who is Goga Bitadze? Goga Bitadze is a Georgian professional basketball player making waves in the NBA. Born on July 20, 1999, in Sagarejo, Georgia, Bitadze's journey from a small town to the big leagues is nothing short of inspiring. Standing tall at 6 ft 11 in, he plays as a center, showcasing his skills for the Orlando Magic. His early life was influenced by his father, a former basketball player, which ignited his passion for the sport. Bitadze's career highlights include being drafted 18th overall by the Indiana Pacers in 2019 and earning the EuroLeague Rising Star award in 2018-19.

Key Takeaways:

  • Goga Bitadze's basketball journey began in Georgia, where he idolized local and NBA stars. His dedication and versatility have led to a successful career in the NBA and on the international stage.
  • From playing in Georgia to making an impact in the NBA, Goga Bitadze's rise showcases his talent, achievements, and potential for even greater success in the world of basketball.
Table of Contents
01Early Life and Introduction to Basketball
02Rising Star in Georgia
03Professional Debut and European Career
04NBA Journey
05Notable Achievements and Performances
06International Career
07Personal and Miscellaneous Facts
08Goga Bitadze: A Rising Star in Basketball

Early Life and Introduction to Basketball

Goga Bitadze's journey to becoming a professional basketball player is both inspiring and fascinating. Let's dive into his early life and how he got started in the sport.

  1. Birthplace and Nationality: Born on July 20, 1999, in Sagarejo, Georgia, Goga holds Georgian nationality and proudly represents his country in international competitions.

  2. Early Life: His father, a former professional basketball player, had his career cut short by injury. This deeply influenced Goga's decision to pursue basketball.

  3. Introduction to Basketball: Despite his father's influence, Goga didn't watch basketball as a child. He started playing at six years old because he saw himself as "active and tall."

  4. Idols: As he grew more involved in basketball, Goga idolized Georgian players Zaza Pachulia and Tornike Shengelia, along with NBA stars Pau Gasol and Shaquille O'Neal.

Rising Star in Georgia

Goga's talent quickly became evident as he played in various youth leagues and championships in Georgia.

  1. National Under-14 Championship: On May 31, 2013, Goga scored 17 points to help his school team Hyundai win the national under-14 championship over Gori.

  2. Georgian Under-16 League: He played in the Georgian under-16 league for three years, showcasing his talent and dedication.

  3. Averaging 23.1 Points: In his final season with Hyundai at the under-16 level (2014-15), Goga averaged 23.1 points, 16.6 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 3.8 blocks per game.

  4. Training with VITA Tbilisi: Throughout his early career, Goga trained in the junior ranks of Georgian club VITA Tbilisi.

Professional Debut and European Career

Goga's professional career began at a young age, and he quickly made a name for himself in European basketball.

  1. Professional Debut: In the 2015-16 season, Goga made his professional debut at age 16 for VITA Tbilisi in the VTB United League, becoming the youngest player in league history.

  2. Stats with VITA Tbilisi: During his time with VITA Tbilisi, Goga averaged 2.8 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks in 13.8 minutes per game.

  3. Move to Mega Basket: In 2015, Goga moved to Serbian club Mega Basket, where he continued to develop his skills.

  4. Loan to Smederevo 1953: The following year, he was loaned to Serbian League team Smederevo 1953, further expanding his playing opportunities.

  5. Return to Mega Basket: Upon returning to Mega Basket in 2017-18, Goga was named MVP of the Junior ABA League and became a key player for the senior team.

  6. Loan to Budućnost: At the end of 2018, he was loaned to Budućnost in Montenegro and was named EuroLeague Rising Star for the 2018-19 season.

NBA Journey

Goga's talent eventually led him to the NBA, where he continues to make an impact.

  1. Height and Weight: Goga stands at 6 ft 11 in (2.11 m) and weighs 250 lbs (113 kg).

  2. Draft Status: He was drafted 18th overall by the Indiana Pacers in the 2019 NBA draft.

  3. NBA Career: Goga has played for the Indiana Pacers and the Orlando Magic. He is currently a member of the Orlando Magic.

  4. Position: He plays the center position but is also capable of playing power forward.

  5. Career Statistics: In his NBA career, Goga has averaged 8.7 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks per game with a shooting percentage of .467 from the field and .190 from three-point range.

Notable Achievements and Performances

Goga has achieved several milestones and delivered impressive performances throughout his career.

  1. Season Highlights: During his time with the Pacers, he averaged 15.7 points, 13.5 rebounds, and 9.5 assists per game in the 2020-21 season.

  2. Orlando Magic Stats: In the 2023-24 season with the Orlando Magic, Goga averaged 5.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game while shooting .603 from the field.

  3. Starter Performance: As a starter for the Orlando Magic, he averaged 7.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game while shooting .603 from the field.

  4. Blocked Shots: Goga tied for 17th in the NBA in blocked shots during the 2023-24 season.

  5. Rebounding Leader: He led the team in rebounding 16 times during that season.

  6. Double-Double Achievements: Goga achieved five double-doubles during the 2023-24 season, showcasing his versatility on the court.

  7. Career-High Assists: He dished out a career-high-tying six assists on November 21, 2023, against the Toronto Raptors.

  8. Blocked Shots Record: Goga recorded at least one blocked shot 36 times and two-or-more blocks 18 times during the 2023-24 season.

  9. Steals Record: He recorded at least one steal 23 times and two-or-more steals nine times during that season.

  10. 1,000th Career Point: Goga recorded his 1,000th career NBA point on November 21, 2023, against the Toronto Raptors.

  11. 200th Career Game: He played in his 200th career NBA regular season game on November 22, 2023, against the Denver Nuggets.

  12. Illness Missed Game: Goga missed one game due to illness on January 6, 2024.

  13. DNP-CD Appearances: He was listed as DNP-CD (Did Not Play – Coach’s Decision) 19 times during the 2023-24 season.

  14. Playoff Performance: In two playoff games, Goga did not score while averaging 1.5 rebounds and 1.0 assist per game in 4.9 minutes per game.

International Career

Goga has also made significant contributions to the Georgian National Team, representing his country on various stages.

  1. Georgian National Team: Goga has been a member of the Georgian National Team, representing his country in various international competitions.

  2. EuroLeague Rising Star: He was named EuroLeague Rising Star for the 2018-19 season while playing for Budućnost in Montenegro.

  3. Adriatic League MVP: Goga was named the 2018-19 Adriatic League MVP and Best Young Player.

  4. ABA League Performance: During his time with Mega Basket, he averaged 20.2 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game in the ABA League.

  5. Injury in Exhibition Game: In an exhibition game against Kentucky on August 11, 2018, Goga suffered an injury towards the end of the first half and did not return.

  6. Monthly MVP: On October 30, 2018, two days after recording 26 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 blocks against Mornar Bar, Goga was named monthly MVP in the ABA League.

  7. Season-High Performance: On November 3, 2018, he scored a season-high 28 points while posting 11 rebounds and 4 blocks in an 81-74 loss to Partizan.

Personal and Miscellaneous Facts

Beyond his professional career, there are several interesting personal and miscellaneous facts about Goga.

  1. EuroBasket Profile: Goga is listed as a 6'11'' power forward/center on EuroBasket, showcasing his versatility in different positions.

  2. Represented by BeoBasket: He is represented by BeoBasket agency, which has helped him navigate his professional career.

  3. Past Countries Played: Goga has played in Georgia, Montenegro, Serbia, and the USA, highlighting his international experience.

  4. Georgian National Team Career: He played for the Georgian national under-17 team at the 2015 FIBA Europe Under-16 Championship Division B, averaging 14.2 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 3.7 blocks per game.

  5. Under-18 Championship Performance: At the 2016 FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship Division B, Goga averaged 11.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 4.1 blocks per game for the Georgian under-18 team.

  6. Under-20 Championship Appearance: In 2017, he returned to national team play, averaging 10.9 points and 6.3 rebounds per game at the FIBA Europe Under-20 Championship Division B.

  7. Career Milestones: Goga has achieved several career milestones, including recording his 1,000th career NBA point and playing in his 200th career NBA regular season game.

  8. Net Worth: As of his NBA career, Goga has made at least $14,250,200 playing professional basketball, with his net worth increasing significantly over the years.

  9. Salary in 2023: In 2023, Goga made $4,765,339, reflecting his growing salary as a professional basketball player.

  10. Future Prospects: With his continued performance in the NBA and his dedication to his craft, Goga remains a promising player in the world of basketball, with many more achievements expected in his future career.

Goga Bitadze: A Rising Star in Basketball

Goga Bitadze's journey from Sagarejo, Georgia, to the NBA is nothing short of inspiring. His early start in basketball, influenced by his father's career, set the stage for his impressive achievements. From dominating the Georgian under-16 league to earning the EuroLeague Rising Star award, Bitadze's talent and hard work have consistently shone through. His NBA career, marked by significant milestones like scoring his 1,000th career point and playing in his 200th game, showcases his growth and potential. Representing the Georgian National Team and excelling in international competitions further highlights his versatility and dedication. As he continues to make waves with the Orlando Magic, fans can expect even more remarkable performances from this talented center. Goga Bitadze's story is a testament to perseverance, skill, and the bright future that lies ahead in his basketball career.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Goga Bitadze?
Goga Bitadze is a professional basketball player from Georgia. He's made waves in the basketball world for his impressive skills on the court, especially noted for his shot-blocking and scoring abilities. Currently, he plays in the NBA, showcasing his talents on a global stage.
What position does Goga Bitadze play?
On the court, Bitadze primarily plays as a center. This role suits him perfectly, given his height and strength, allowing him to dominate in the paint both offensively and defensively.
How did Goga Bitadze start his basketball career?
Bitadze's journey in basketball kicked off in his home country, Georgia. His talent was evident early on, leading him to play for professional teams in Europe where he honed his skills and gained significant attention from scouts around the world.
Has Goga Bitadze received any awards or recognitions?
Absolutely! Throughout his career, Bitadze has racked up several accolades. Notably, he was named the Serbian Super League MVP, a testament to his impact on the court and his exceptional performance during his time in Europe.
What makes Goga Bitadze stand out in the NBA?
Bitadze's ability to protect the rim and his offensive versatility make him a valuable asset in the NBA. His knack for shot-blocking and scoring from various positions on the floor sets him apart from many centers in the league.
Can Goga Bitadze shoot three-pointers?
Yes, he can. Unlike many traditional centers, Bitadze has developed a reliable three-point shot. This skill adds another layer to his game, making him a more versatile and unpredictable opponent.
What's a fun fact about Goga Bitadze?
Beyond basketball, Bitadze has a love for chess. This strategic game complements his approach on the basketball court, where strategy and foresight are key to outmaneuvering opponents.
How can fans follow Goga Bitadze's career?
Fans can keep up with Bitadze's career by following him on social media, where he often shares updates about his life on and off the court. Additionally, watching his games and highlights online is a great way to see him in action.

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