TBILISI (FIBA EuroBasket 2017 Trophy Tour) - With preparation games revving up ahead of FIBA EuroBasket 2017, Tbilisi used Czech Republic's visit as a chance to also bring the Nikolai Semashko trophy to town.

The Tbilisi City Hall Cup took place between Georgia and visitors Czech Republic, with the home team, featuring NBA champions Zaza Pachulia, prevailing 87-76. 

During the game, the trophy attracted no shortage of attention from fans, who took the opportunity to have their photo with what is set to become the talking point of European basketball later this month.

Georgian Basketball President, Mikheil Gabrichidze, was honored to have the trophy in the Georgian capital.

"The visit of the EuroBasket trophy in Georgia is a big event for us. For sure this is also a big promotion for basketball in our country, and especially for the younger part of our population.

"This is the second time the EuroBasket trophy has been in Georgia and the awareness is growing, not only about it, but our national team and basketball in general, as well."

1. Gabrichidze was also feeling optimistic about his team's chances ahead of the FIBA EuroBasket.

2. "Last time, we fought until the end against Lithuania but unfortunately lost the game in the final seconds. Now, Georgian players are more experienced as a team and much more motivated. So we are ready to play strong basketball against Lithuania, Italy and the rest of the opponents in Group B. Our first goal is to make it out of the Group Phase, regardless of the teams we will come up against. Georgia will play for the win against every opponent."

3. Over the next week, the Trophy Tour will make stops in host city Tel Aviv, as well as Hamburg in Germany.

FIBA