Scenic Georgia hosts Naismith Trophy

TBILISI (Georgia) - The Naismith Trophy received royal treatment upon its arrival in Georgia, a country that has qualified for the FIBA Basketball World Cup for the first time in its history.

Indeed, the initial stop for the Trophy Tour presented by J9, in Tbilisi on June 22, was a striking, 18-story building (below) with a very unusual appearance.

One might even think it was built haphazardly, yet it was not! The architectural design was intentional. It is the head office of the Bank of Georgia (above, and below).

The building opened in 1975 and was first occupied by the Ministry of Highway Construction of Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic. It has been home to its current occupants since 2007.

The Opera and Ballet Theater of Georgia is must-see for any visitor to Tbilisi

The trophy was then photographed inside the gorgeous Opera and Ballet Theater of Georgia, which was founded in 1851. Its luxurious interior decoration made it the favorite place of Georgians, and the heart of Tbilisi cultural life.

The second day of the Trophy Tour stop in Georgia saw the biggest prize in international basketball taken to the Parliament of Georgia. On hand was the Speaker of the Parliament, Shalva Papuashvili, along with very important representatives from the Georgian National Basketball Federation and the national team.

Trophy at the Parliament of Georgia

Federation president, Viktor Sanikidze, once of the most famous members of Georgia's national team, was on hand with former teammate, Anatoli Boisa, now an assistant coach of Georgia. The unmistakable figure of Giorgi Shermadini was present. Shermadini, a star in the Basketball Champions League with Lenovo Tenerife, was named MVP of the Spanish Liga Endesa this season.

Lasha Gamkrelidze, the general secretary deputy of the Georgian Basketball Federation, and Shermadini's Georgia teammate, Duda Sanadze, were also present.

This visit caused quite a stir in Tbilisi, with 1TV (Public broadcaster), TV Imedi, Rustavi 2, PosTV, TV Formula, Mtavari Arkhi and TV Pirveli providing media coverage.

After, the trophy was photographed at the Ministry of Georgia with Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili (below), along with Sanikidze, Boisa, Shermadini and Sanadze.

Trophy with Georgia Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili

Next, the trophy was taken to 1TV for an appearance on its sports news program.

Sanikidze, Boisa and Shermadini with the Naismith Trophy at 1TV studio

The trophy was then taken to some of the most famous sites (below) in Georgia on the third and final day of the tour in the country.

Trophy at Svetitskhoveli Cathedral

Jvari Monastery

Panoramic view at the Jvari Monastery

Chronicle of Georgia

The Chronicle of Georgia describes the history, or chronicles, of Georgia. The top part contains kings, queens and heroes who are remembered in history, while the lower section portrays scenes from the life of Jesus Christ. The monument is located near the Tbilisi Sea.

View from on high of Tbilisi Old Town