GEO - Georgian Tskitishvili thrilled about switch to Spain

SEVILLE (ACB) - Nikoloz Tskitishvili cannot wait to get his playing career with Caja San Fernando underway after finally completing his move to the Spanish club.

The giant Georgian had to bide his time while the necessary paperwork was processed, but the 23-year-old has been unveiled as a Caja player, and he hopes to be thrown straight into action for this weekend’s league game against Alta Gestion Fuenlabrada.

Tskitishvili watched his new team-mates beat CB Granada 104-100 on Sunday, and the former NBA Draft lottery pick liked what he saw.

“I am keen to make my debut on Sunday. In Granada I saw that we have a good team and that the squad was brilliant,” he said.

“I had a good time with my new team-mates, and the only thing I want is to be able to contribute things from now.

“I know what my new responsibilities are and I am prepared to give the best I can.

“I have waited for a good opportunity like this to arrive since I left the NBA. My agents have talked very highly of the club and of the city, and I have come to make the most of it.

“I will always try and do the best for the team.”

The 2.13m forward-center struggled to settle in the NBA and played for five teams in as many years after being selected with the fifth overall pick of the 2002 Draft by the Denver Nuggets.

Before trying his hand in America, Tskitishvili played three seasons in Europe with Slovenian side KK Slovan and then Italian giants Benetton Treviso.

Although he has had a mixed career to date, Tskitishvili believes the experiences he has gained will stand him in good stead for life in the ACB.

“I believe that the ACB is the best league in Europe and second in the world. I was in Italy and I think that the level could be similar, which is the reason why I don’t think I will have any problems adapting,” he said.

“I think that I am ready to play straightaway. Being in the NBA helps to give you confidence.”

On what he believes he can bring to the Seville side, Tskitishvili said: “In the first place I can provide energy and the capacity to play quickly.

“In principle, I can do everything, because I can play at three, four or five. I can throw, rebound, and I know that the coach gives priority to defence, and I can defend,” added Tskitishvili.

Tskitishvili also plays for Georgia’s national side and is likely to take part in their EuroBasket Division B games later this year.

By PA Sport