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Biography of Nikoloz Tskitishvili

Nikoloz Tskitishvili at the interview after his draft by Nuggets

Was born on April 14, 1983 in the Republic of Georgia.

He didn’t start playing basketball until the age of 15. Until then he was Georgian National Folk dancer (not the ballet as some have interptereted after 2002 NBA draft interview) that helped him develop quickness, great footwork and flexibility which is very unusual phenomena for the player of his size.
Started playing for Sukhumi, in his native country, where he played in 1997-98 and 1998-99 as a young teenager. Signed for the 1999-00 season by KD Slovan (Slovenia), has played there also in 2000-01. Signed for the 2001-02 season by Pallacanestro Treviso (Italy), making his debut in January.

Selected at the 2002 NBA Draft by the Denver Nuggets ( 1st round # 5 pick overall).

Member of the Georgian National Team at the 1999 European Championship for Cadets and at 2000 European Junior Championship Qualifying round. Played the 1999-00 Slovenian All Star Game.
Moved to Italy for the 2001-02 season, signed on January by Benetton Basket Treviso. Coached by former NBA player and head coach Mike D’Antoni. After signing with Benetton, Tskitishvili played in six games leading up to the European Final Four. Did not play in Benetton's semifinal loss to Kinder Bologna. Won the 2001-02 Italian National Championship.

One of the most promising athletic big men in Europe, according to NBA scouts.
ESPN.com says that “Tskitishvili is a 7-footer who can shoot the ball, has excellent handles, and can run the floor. Can play the two guard position. He's got great range on his shot -- ESPN.com saw him drain 10 NBA three pointers in a row during a workout in Italy on May 4. He likes to put the ball on the floor and has a sweet cross over. Quicker and more athletic than Dirk Nowitzki… Every team in the NBA traveled to Treviso to see him play. They all came away impressed. It isn't very often that you find a big man with the type of skills he possesses. While he's still a project at 19, he's as fundamentally sound as anyone in the draft. Has the potential to play four positions in the NBA, that's why he's getting all of the attention.”