International prospect Goga Bitadze from the Republic of Georgia has entered this year’s draft, according to Jonathan Givony of ESPN.
Ranked 19th on the latest ESPN big board, the 7’0″ center is excelling for Buducnost in the EuroLeague at age 19, averaging 12.1 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.3 blocks in 24 minutes per game. He is expected to win the EuroLeague Rising Star award next month and posted the highest PER in league history by a teenager, eclipsing the mark Luka Doncic set last year.
Bitadze’s combination of size and skill could make him the best center prospect in the draft, according to Givony. He can play in the post or on the perimeter and excels in finishing pick and rolls. He has limitations on defense, but several teams consider him worthy of a lottery selection.
Bitadze also has extensive FIBA experience, representing his country in under-16, under-18 and under-20 competitions. He was part of this year’s World Cup Qualifiers until his Euroleague commitment forced him to miss games in February.
Best of luck. Love the international aspect of the NBA game
Maybe BOS, BRK, GSW, POR. A Spurs type but they alredy have Poeltl & Bertans. Euros by reputation may not want to mix it up inside, but Bitadze, from Georgia in the Caucasus is a region known for fighting, and Bitadze has that rep.