Dubai Basketball has strengthened its frontcourt ahead of the 2026/27 season with the signing of Georgian international Tornike Shengelia. The experienced power forward joins the team following a season with FC Barcelona, bringing more than a decade of EuroLeague experience to Dubai as he begins a new chapter in his career.

One of Europe’s most accomplished forwards

Shengelia arrives in Dubai after spending a standout 2025/26 campaign with FC Barcelona, where he averaged 12.4 points and 4.6 rebounds across 34 EuroLeague appearances. He featured in 40 Liga ACB games, averaging 11.2 points per game, helping Barcelona reach the Spanish League Finals.

Standing at 2.06 metres, Shengelia is regarded as one of Europe’s top-performing power forwards. Known for his physicality, versatility and leadership on and off the court, he has consistently performed at the highest level, combining an ability to score inside and out with strong rebounding and playmaking.

Decorated Career Across the Continent

Shengelia brings exceptional experience and leadership to Dubai Basketball, having spent 13 seasons in the EuroLeague with five different clubs, alongside three campaigns in the EuroCup.

Before joining Barcelona, he enjoyed a successful spell with Italian side Virtus Bologna, where he helped guide the club to the 2024/25 Italian Championship and the 2023 Italian Super Cup. Earlier in his career, he lifted the 2019/20 Spanish Championship with Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz and the 2020/21 VTB United League title with CSKA Moscow.

A two-time EuroCup champion, Shengelia claimed the competition with both Valencia Basket and Virtus Bologna. Throughout his EuroLeague career, he has been named MVP of the Round on nine occasions, most recently after producing a season-high PIR of 42 against Partizan.

Looking ahead

As reigning ABA League champions, Dubai Basketball enters the 2026/27 season determined to build on a historic campaign and continue competing among Europe’s best. The addition of Shengelia brings championship-winning experience and one of the EuroLeague’s most accomplished forwards to a roster preparing to challenge once again in two of Europe’s top leagues.

-ENDS-

About Dubai Basketball: 

Founded in 2023, Dubai Basketball is a professional basketball club competing in the EuroLeague and the Adriatic Basketball Association (ABA) League in the 2026/27 season. Following a historic 2025/26 campaign, the club enters the new season as the reigning ABA League champion under the leadership of Head Coach Xavi Pascual. Dubai Basketball plays its home games at Coca-Cola Arena.

Dubai Basketball stands as a testament to the power of passion and dedication in shaping the landscape of basketball in the UAE and beyond. Its foundation is built upon a diverse and talented team, consisting of FIBA-certified coaches, former professional players, business experts, and passionate enthusiasts.

Dubai Basketball is committed to catalysing positive social change, where dreams are not just envisioned but realised, talents are not merely found but nurtured, and aspirations are not only lived but fulfilled.

Keep up to date with the latest news on Dubai Basketball by visiting www.dubaibasketball.com or on social media platforms:

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David Jover

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Hanan Mohamed

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