Updates: Viktor Sanikidze

[whottt]

Geez...I wish Barry would stop being a girl about this and announce something.


Fucking primadonnas.

[timvp]

No, they were not goin to ge cheaper so the Spurs pay $7 million in luxury tax.So what?


They wanted him before drafting Splitter. Afterwards, not so much.ChumpDumper believes that theory so it's true.


If the Spurs were never going to sign him, why not?Money.


What does that even mean. Those players were coming back no matter what.Because Scola is better.


I don't watch Kings games.The Kings don't play the Spurs?


It made perfect financial sense. Butler is off the books.Butler is off the books so the trade was a success? If the Spurs would have traded Splitter, Mahinmi, Scola and Butler for nothing would you have been happy?

[timvp]

Geez...I wish Barry would stop being a girl about this and announce something. Exactly. Scola trade has long been an old subject.


Fucking hesitaters.Fixed. :stirpot:

[ChumpDumper]

So what?Exactly. A multimillion dollar tax bill simply doesn't figure into your argument.


ChumpDumper believes that theory so it's true.So the Spurs traded Scola because they really wanted to sign him. Much better theory.


Money.He would make more in Europe


Because Scola is better.And? They were going to be Spurs and Scola wasn't. That decision was made.


The Kings don't play the Spurs?It probably won't be televised in Austin.


Butler is off the books so the trade was a success? If the Spurs would have traded Splitter, Mahinmi, Scola and Butler for nothing would you have been happy?You were talking about the financial aspect. What do all those names have to do with the financial aspect of the trade? Did you have trouble understanding my use of the word financial in that sentence or are you just trying to muddy the waters?

[timvp]

Exactly. A multimillion dollar tax bill simply doesn't figure into your argument.There was only one way to skin the cat?


So the Spurs traded Scola because they really wanted to sign him. Much better theory.They attempted a salary dump. It was a bad salary dump. I can admit the Spurs don't always make good trades. Can you name a Spurs trade you didn't agree with?


He would make more in EuropeROFL.

Sincerely,

Emmanuel and Andres


And? They were going to be Spurs and Scola wasn't. That decision was made.So it's impossible to salary dump anyone not named Jackie?


It probably won't be televised in Austin.I'll put it on YouTube.


You were talking about the financial aspect. What do all those names have to do with the financial aspect of the trade? Did you have trouble understanding my use of the word financial in that sentence or are you just trying to muddy the waters?I understood your point. Now please answer my question. Would you have been happy with Splitter, Mahinmi, Scola and Butler for nothing?

[ChumpDumper]

There was only one way to skin the cat?Jumping $5-6 million over the tax threshold to hope you can get get rid of all of that amount later in the season isn't realistic.


They attempted a salary dump. It was a bad salary dump. I can admit the Spurs don't always make good trades. Can you name a Spurs trade you didn't agree with?I didn't like giving away all the picks to make room for Kidd.


ROFL.

Sincerely,

Emmanuel and AndresWho could Scola sign with if the Spurs kept his rights?

Sincerely,

The Collective Bargaining Agreement


So it's impossible to salary dump anyone not named Jackie?Who else did they want to get rid of this summer?


I'll put it on YouTube.Don't bother.


I understood your point. Now please answer my question. Would you have been happy with Splitter, Mahinmi, Scola and Butler for nothing?If you are still asking that, I don't think you do understand the point.

[timvp]

Jumping $5-6 million over the tax threshold to hope you can get get rid of all of that amount later in the season isn't realistic.I'd say it's realistic seeing as Scola's value is now twice or three times as high as when the Spurs traded him.


I didn't like giving away all the picks to make room for Kidd.Damn, five years without a complaint. Impressive.


Who could Scola sign with if the Spurs kept his rights?

Sincerely,

The Collective Bargaining AgreementIt's not unheard of to acquire a player with the thought of trading him a couple months later.

Sincerely,

Sam Presti and Kurt Thomas


Who else did they want to get rid of this summer?Why not salary dump Elson, who wouldn't have taken Scola to dump. And then include Butler's expiring contract in the Thomas trade?

Nahh ... makes too much sense.


Don't bother.You don't like Hayes anymore because he plays behind Scola? ........... and Landry?


If you are still asking that, I don't think you do understand the point.I do understand your point. Now I'm asking an unrelated question: Would you have been happy with Splitter, Mahinmi, Scola and Butler for nothing.

TIA.

[duncan228]

I really enjoy these "debates" between timvp and ChumpDumper and whottt.
You all have a great way of presenting your side, the humor is appreciated.
I learn more from this board than I ever thought possible.
Thanks guys.

[whottt]

I really enjoy these "debates" between timvp and ChumpDumper and whottt.
You all have a great way of presenting your side, the humor is appreciated.
I learn more from this board than I ever thought possible.
Thanks guys.


Enjoy the rarity of a Chump V timvp fight...it's a rare one. It's one of the rarest combos on the board...


Not as rare as a Marcus Bryant V timvp matchup...but still pretty rare.


BTW, I was content to merely lurk this one out till timvp started flailing in my innocent direction...

[ChumpDumper]

I'd say it's realistic seeing as Scola's value is now twice or three times as high as when the Spurs traded him.Good job ignoring the other players. Just a few million -- no one cares about a few million -- especially the Spurs.


Damn, five years without a complaint. Impressive.Not a whole lot to complain about tradewise. They don't make too many of them. I'm basically against trading away first round picks in the high 20s just to save on the cap hit. It seems like it would be easy enough to trade that small a salary for nothing.


It's not unheard of to acquire a player with the thought of trading him a couple months later.

Sincerely,

Sam Presti and Kurt ThomasNice choice of words. If you can find a player that was signed specifically to put a frugal team several million over the tax threshold when that team had no plans for him, I'll concede that point.


Why not salary dump Elson, who wouldn't have taken Scola to dump. And then include Butler's expiring contract in the Thomas trade?

Nahh ... makes too much sense.It certainly doesn't make any sense, since there is zero evidence the Spurs were looking to move him at the time.


You don't like Hayes anymore because he plays behind Scola? ........... and Landry?I like him fine and would love to have him on the Spurs. I just told you I wouldn't bring him up again as my contribution to not living in the past. Why do you want to keep bringing him up? Please answer.


I do understand your point. Now I'm asking an unrelated question: Would you have been happy with Splitter, Mahinmi, Scola and Butler for nothing.No. And I'm not "happy" with the Scola trade. It is what it is.

You're welcome.

[duncan228]

Enjoy the rarity of a Chump V timvp fight...it's a rare one. It's one of the rarest combos on the board...


Not as rare as a Marcus Bryant V timvp matchup...but still pretty rare.


BTW, I was content to merely lurk this one out till timvp started flailing in my innocent direction...

The ChumpDumper/timvp combo might be rare but it's always good.

:lmao your "innocent direction."

[timvp]

No. And I'm not happy with the Scola trade.

http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v446/n7134/images/446366a-i2.0.jpg

Mission Accomplished.

[whottt]

:lmao your "innocent direction."


I was quite content toying with Marcus Bryant in the game thoughts threads and if anything had some initial issues concerning Chump's opinion on Sanikidze...


I have fought with all these guys...there is no rare matchup for me, so I enjoying watchign the rare arguments as much as anyone else.


I look forward to the next Unicorn sighting(otherwise known as a timvp/MB bout).

[ChumpDumper]

Thanks for the misquote.

Always appreciated.

[timvp]

I have fought with all these guys...there is no rare matchup for me, so I enjoying watchign the rare arguments as much as anyone else. Link to the last time you argued with ChumpDumper?


I look forward to the next Unicorn sighting(otherwise known as a timvp/MB bout).The last time I argued with MB, Stephen Jackson ended up owning me. I've been gun shy since. That and we usually agree. It's tough to argue with someone you agree with.

[ChumpDumper]

I declared the same kind of nonvictory at the end of my last argument with whottt in the political forum.

[timvp]

Chump's opinion on Sanikidze...Yeah to bring this back around to the topic, I was disappointed when ChumpDumper returned from Vegas with only muted praise of Sanikidze. Compared to all the suck we saw on that team, Sanikidze looked like Dave Cowens out there.

Sanikidze looks to be a good prospect from the bad camera angles I saw during summer league. However I do think there is something odd with him. As whottt said, maybe the Spurs have been hiding him to a degree. Maybe he really is a china doll. Or maybe his homeless drug addict look is more than just a look.

I can't tell at this point. Although it would have been appreciated if ChumpDumper returned from Vegas with more fuel to add to the Sanikidze bandwagon.

[ChumpDumper]

Viktor looked fine -- when he played. 30 total minutes just isn't enough for me to draw a solid conclusion. While I already stated that Williams and White were the priorities after Butler, I always wondered why Viktor didn't play more. The Butler showcase really threw everything off for me.

[Holt's Cat]

The last time I argued with MB, Stephen Jackson ended up owning me. I've been gun shy since. That and we usually agree. It's tough to argue with someone you agree with.

timvp has more knowledge of the game than I could ever hope to accumulate in my 9 lives.

[whottt]

Link to the last time you argued with ChumpDumper?

The evil that is the Scola thread is more important than any issues Chump and I might have with each other. Besides our agreement is a rare one and might be key to a Spurs repeat IMO.



The last time I argued with MB, Stephen Jackson ended up owning me. I've been gun shy since. That and we usually agree. It's tough to argue with someone you agree with.


Link? How did this come about...as I recall GW was the chief SJax honk(owning everyone in the process) and MB and GW were rarely on the same side of anything...you must have been an anti-Jack to have gotten owned....So I'd really like to read that thread.

[whottt]

duncan228, the rarest matchup is the one where you see us all agree on something...

the last time that happened was um...

Shit Nick Van Exel...yuck.


...talk about a mass owning of the ST faithful at the nuclear level.

The less we see of that one the better.

[whottt]

Yeah to bring this back around to the topic, I was disappointed when ChumpDumper returned from Vegas with only muted praise of Sanikidze. Compared to all the suck we saw on that team, Sanikidze looked like Dave Cowens out there.

I'll agree with that...I think Chump was probably more interested in Vegas.





Sanikidze looks to be a good prospect from the bad camera angles I saw during summer league. However I do think there is something odd with him. As whottt said, maybe the Spurs have been hiding him to a degree. Maybe he really is a china doll. Or maybe his homeless drug addict look is more than just a look.

:lol


To me it makes sense that if he's a known quantity and the Spurs want to hold on to him, it makes trades harder for the Spurs...teams might begin trying to squeeze him out of them in deals...why create that headache?





I can't tell at this point. Although it would have been appreciated if ChumpDumper returned from Vegas with more fuel to add to the Sanikidze bandwagon.


I'll agree with that...outside of DW, Sanikidze was the only positive thing about the SL. Maybe Chump had a bad night at the Black Jack table or somehting...

[duncan228]

I think I learn more when you all disagree.

And the best part is the humor.
You guys can tear each other's arguments apart but you keep it civil. And funny.
It's fun to read. If you were tearing each other apart it would be hard to read...and off topic.

Sorry timvp...I'll stay out of here now and let you guys stay on topic. :)

[timvp]

The evil that is the Scola thread is more important than any issues Chump and I might have with each other. Besides our agreement is a rare one and might be key to a Spurs repeat IMO. I back you and CD in that Scola thread. I just vented a bit in this thread because none of those Scola homers are going to open a thread about Viktor Sanikidze. This is a safe zone.

:smokin


Link? How did this come about...as I recall GW was the chief SJax honk(owning everyone in the process) and MB and GW were rarely on the same side of anything...you must have been an anti-Jack to have gotten owned....So I'd really like to read that thread.It predates this software. MB and GW were on the Start SJax bandwagon during the 2002-03 preseason. I said SJax was too crazy and too erratic to start. MB and GW insisted SJax should be the starter.

I lost that argument handily. That might have been the first and only time an argument was led by MB and GW being on the same page. I should have known that was a bad omen and to stay away . . .

[ChumpDumper]

If you guys remember, my Vegas report was not a timely one. In fact, I didn't even have one. You had plenty of time to sort out your feelings about this guy.

[whottt]

It predates this software. MB and GW were on the Start SJax bandwagon during the 2002-03 preseason. I said SJax was too crazy and too erratic to start. MB and GW insisted SJax should be the starter.

I remember that thread as I was at SR for that entiree season....I remember the Free Stephen Jackson thread...but I don't remember MB being on board with it(or you being against it for that matter)...that thread should still be around somehwere @ ***** ******. It's a shame if that historic thread has been lost to server change.






I lost that argument handily. That might have been the first and only time an argument was led by MB and GW being on the same page. I should have known that was a bad omen and to stay away . . .


And it even lead to a title...

Speaking of which...notice how GW has gotten scarce again now that the Spurs are back in the groove? That's lame on his part...he's a behindrunner.

[Holt's Cat]

Yes, I was part of the FREE JACK movement.

[timvp]

Sorry timvp...I'll stay out of here now and let you guys stay on topic. :)No, I meant the Scola tangent was off topic, not anything you said. :)

But yeah, timvp vs. ChumpDumper is somewhat rare these days because it's tough to come out on top versus CD. CD will either stop answering your questions or will muck up your own words until you end up arguing with yourself. And then you lose.

I don't recommend any poster trying it.

[duncan228]

I don't recommend any poster trying it.

:lol

It's wonderful when a new poster tries to get into it with Chump.
I feel bad for them, they just have no idea what they walked into.

As far as serious debates go, I don't dare tread into it with any of you.
Your basketball knowledge is impressive and your ability to put it in words clearly is incredible.

I'm content to read and learn.
(Unless it's about Duncan. I get stronger when he's the topic.)

[timvp]

I remember that thread as I was at SR for that entiree season....I remember the Free Stephen Jackson thread...but I don't remember MB being on board with it(or you being against it for that matter)MB and GW were the main two who not only wanted Jackson to play but also start. I thought it was a bit crazy because Jackson had just come off a summer league where he shot like 30% and a preseason where he shot like 25%. Plus early in that season, whenever Jackson did good, the Spurs would lose. I wanted Jackson to play, I just didn't think he should start when the 2002-03 season began.

Then that eight three-pointers performance against the Lakers happened and Jackson and the Spurs were never the same that year. Putting Jackson into the starting lineup was probably the riskiest thing Pop ever did as coach ... and probably ended up being the smartest thing he ever did. The Spurs don't win that championship without that coaching move.


Speaking of which...notice how GW has gotten scarce again now that the Spurs are back in the groove? That's lame on his part...he's a behindrunner.ROFL. I was thinking about that the other day. The day that the Spurs are no longer serious title contenders will be like Christmas morning for GW. He'll love that time.

Pre-99 and then after the Laker meltdown in 2001 was when GW was at his prime.

[whottt]

MB and GW were the main two who not only wanted Jackson to play but also start. I thought it was a bit crazy because Jackson had just come off a summer league where he shot like 30% and a preseason where he shot like 25%. Plus early in that season, whenever Jackson did good, the Spurs would lose. I wanted Jackson to play, I just didn't think he should start when the 2002-03 season began.

Then that eight three-pointers performance against the Lakers happened and Jackson and the Spurs were never the same that year. Putting Jackson into the starting lineup was probably the riskiest thing Pop ever did as coach ... and probably ended up being the smartest thing he ever did. The Spurs don't win that championship without that coaching move.

Was it really that risky when the alternative was freaking Smitty?

I mean if you weren't on the Jackwagon you were on the Smittywagon...because Manu was gimpy.


I didn't ever want to see Smitty on the court again after the 02 post season...

[pad300]

There isn't much keeping the Spurs from taking him on next season as far as the roster and payroll are concerned.

Really Riley?!?

D'yall really see the spurs carrying 4 rooks in a season where they expect to be taking another championship shot? They are already stuck into 3 Rook equivalents - Mahinmi, Splitter, 2008 1st round pick...

They can of course, make trades, but for what? and Exactly how?

[picnroll]

Sanikidze? How can you get excited about a guy who's spent half his life in intensive care? The bubble boy has a better chance of making it through a season with the Spurs.

[Holt's Cat]

Yet he's 21 years old and has offensive skill. Oh, and he plays the 3. I'm not "excited" per se; Manu was a much different story. But get him healthy and let's see what he can do this summer. If there's promise, he can be a Toro for a year. If not, oh well.

[pad300]

Yet he's 21 years old and has offensive skill. Oh, and he plays the 3. I'm not "excited" per se; Manu was a much different story. But get him healthy and let's see what he can do this summer. If there's promise, he can be a Toro for a year. If not, oh well.

I can't see him as part of our 15 man roster next year. I think the best thing that we could do with him would be to get him over here to play as a straight D-league player, and shuffle him onto the Toro's roster with the same kind of scam that was pulled with Williams. He can't be making a lot more than what the D-league would pay in that Georgian league. And I hope that he would get a lot more development out of it, not to mention getting acculturated to the US...

[objective]

timvp and chump have missed the REAL reason why the Spurs traded Scola, and it wasn't to dump salary . . .


It trade for Billy Spanoulis! He top basket player! He tell Parker on dinner he want Spurs! Billy are greek Nash!

[objective]

Was it really that risky when the alternative was freaking Smitty?

I mean if you weren't on the Jackwagon you were on the Smittywagon...because Manu was gimpy.


I didn't ever want to see Smitty on the court again after the 02 post season...

it might sound crazy that people were on the Smith bandwagon, but people tended even then to trust Pop, and if Pop wanted Smith to start . . .

It's still pretty much the same way. From what I've observed Pop doesn't give opportunities to young/new players unless forced to, and maybe not even then (Oberto in 06 after 1 half, any number of players since).

Parker is the lone exception, and he was playing behind a first year starter at point that Pop wasn't thrilled with anyway.

[FuzzyLumpkins]

it might sound crazy that people were on the Smith bandwagon, but people tended even then to trust Pop, and if Pop wanted Smith to start . . .

It's still pretty much the same way. From what I've observed Pop doesn't give opportunities to young/new players unless forced to, and maybe not even then (Oberto in 06 after 1 half, any number of players since).

Parker is the lone exception, and he was playing behind a first year starter at point that Pop wasn't thrilled with anyway.

Ime Udoka says hello. Hes taking Finleys minutes.

[whottt]

it might sound crazy that people were on the Smith bandwagon, but people tended even then to trust Pop, and if Pop wanted Smith to start . . .


That's not what I remember...I remember Smitty getting piled on by the entire Spurs nation for his performance against LA. Steve Smith got eviscerated by Spurfan and it was a taint that stayed on him for the rest of hid career...despite the fact that he was one of the classiest players to ever put on a Spurs uniform.





It's still pretty much the same way. From what I've observed Pop doesn't give opportunities to young/new players unless forced to, and maybe not even then (Oberto in 06 after 1 half, any number of players since).


From what I have observed, and in spite of every thing pop claims to say about D...he really doesn't like that guys that get doubled off of and miss their shots...he'll stay with them a little while but if they cost us a series and make Duncan's job harder they lose favor with Pop real quick. At least as a go to guy....




Parker is the lone exception, and he was playing behind a first year starter at point that Pop wasn't thrilled with anyway.


I think Pop really didn't have any choice but to play Parker...

And what choice he did have was taken out of his hands by the fact that AD didn't want to be the starting PG.

[timvp]

Was it really that risky when the alternative was freaking Smitty? Manu Ginobili was the alternative. Nobody wanted Smitty but Ginobili was viewed as the savior AKA White Kobe. MB and GW insisted SJax should start ...... and they were right.


I mean if you weren't on the Jackwagon you were on the Smittywagon...because Manu was gimpy.Manu was gimpy but he was still playing early in the year. He even got some starts early in the year.

The easy move for Pop would have been to start Smitty. Another easy route would have been to start Manu. Putting Ferry at SF and moving Bowen to SG was also possible. Going with the crazy azz SJax as a starter was going out on a huge limb at the time .... especially since SJax hadn't done anything on any level since the beginning of his tenure with the Nets. Even then, he wasn't that good.

I was part of the FREE JACK campaign, however I was against the idea of starting Jack going into the season.


I didn't ever want to see Smitty on the court again after the 02 post season...Yeah, Smitty was less popular with Spurs fans than Beno was. Much, much less popular.

[Bruno]

A little update.
Sanikidze has finished his season in Georgia.
He played 13 games and averaged 21.2 pts and 12.2 rbds.
I don't know if he will play again before Spurs' summer leagues in two and a half months.

[RobinsontoDuncan]

A little update.
Sanikidze has finished his season in Georgia.
He played 13 games and averaged 21.2 pts and 12.2 rbds.
I don't know if he will play again before Spurs' summer leagues in two and a half months.

he would seem like a perfect candidate for a spot on the Toros

[SpursIndonesia]

........Yeah, Smitty was less popular with Spurs fans than Beno was. Much, much less popular.

Yeah, no one want to be contracted with HITA. :lol

[wildbill2u]

A little update.
Sanikidze has finished his season in Georgia.
He played 13 games and averaged 21.2 pts and 12.2 rbds.
I don't know if he will play again before Spurs' summer leagues in two and a half months.

That's not many games played when he was supposed to be stashed overseas to get a lot of playing time. Even if he was hurt (again), this last year must be considered a waste of time in his development.

IMHO, if they don't bring him over for summer league, he's done as a Spur prospect. If he comes and isn't dominant, he's done as well.

[callo1]

This guy has talent, I saw him in person at the RMR. Slasher, good quickness, jumping ability, good stroke. He is NBA material.

[SPARKY]

bump

[svtluvr]

According to this interview, he's going to be playing on our Summer team and is looking to join the Spurs soon.

http://www.eurobasket.com/geo/geo.asp?NewsNo=1&NewsType=3

Interview with Viktor Sanikidze

by Levan Mikeladze - Feb 12, 2008
Viktor Sanikidze (born April 1st, 1986 in Republic of Georgia) is a Georgian professional basketball player who plays the small forward position. He was selected with the 42nd pick of the 2004 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks, but his rights were traded the same day to the San Antonio Spurs for a 2005 second-round draft pick and cash considerations. The Spurs still hold his NBA rights, but they have yet to sign him to a contract, and he continues to play overseas.


Viktor Sanikidze (born April 1st, 1986 in Republic of Georgia) is a Georgian professional basketball player who plays the small forward position.

He was selected with the 42nd pick of the 2004 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks, but his rights were traded the same day to the San Antonio Spurs for a 2005 second-round draft pick and cash considerations. The Spurs still hold his NBA rights, but they have yet to sign him to a contract, and he continues to play overseas. In July 2007, Sanikidze played for San Antonio during the Rocky Mountain Revue, scoring 15 points in a Spurs loss to the Philadelphia 76ers.

In 2001-2002, Sanikidze attended and played basketball for Globe Tech JC in New York City. In the 2002-2003 seasons, he returned home to Georgia to play for Academy Tbilisi, an amateur basketball team in his hometown. In 2003 he signed with JDA Dijon Bourgogne in the French Pro A League. He played three seasons in France (2003/2004, 2004/2005 and 2005/2006). He signed with MMT Estudiantes Madrid in the Spanish ACB in 2006/2007. Currently is not playing in any team.

Eurobasket Georgia made an interview with Viktor Sanikidze on February 12th in Tbilisi. So, read on!

Q. Viktor, first question I want to ask you is pretty rhetorical and I need your short answer. Let me ask you what are you doing in Tbilisi?
V.S. I had rehabilitation period for two months. Now I started practice with Dinamo Tbilisi and I am waiting for the final answer of physicians to confirm that I am fully recovered.

Q. How seriously you were injured?
V.S. Pretty seriously. I went in Germany for try out and on one practice I didn't feel good on my knee. So, I checked my knee with German doctors and they told me to stop playing, otherwise I would risk my career.

Q. There are many gossips about your current team. You played this round in Georgian League with Dinamo Tbilisi. Koln 99ers got bankrupted and you left from Estudiantes as well. Will Spurs Free Agent player end current season in Georgian League?
V.S. I don't think so because for me is better to try my forces in any better teams in Europe, just to end up this season.

Q. Last year Georgian compassionates were mad about your brief playing minutes in Estudiantes. How you comment on that?
V.S. I didn't like that too. (Smiles) There were many reasons that I was not playing much. First of all I arrived in Spain later because I was called in Georgian National Team. Than I talked with general manager and assistant coach and they didn't know why I was not playing. I thought that I was not good on practices but nobody mentioned that to me. Afterwards team management fired a head coach and assistant coach went up to the head coach position. He gave me more minutes than. Later I had a surgery on my appendix.

Q. Your brief comment on qualification games with National Team?
V.S. First of all I liked a coach. He trusted me and he let me play pretty much. I am always proud to play in my National Team. We disappointed every Georgian and that is our fault. We had not to lose against National Team of Iceland. There were many little things on that game but I don't even want to remind that. I really think that Georgia deserves Division A. and we will make it happen.
RE: Like you did it on U20 right?
V.S. (Smiles) Exactly.

Q. 42nd overall pick in 2004, MVP of U20 European Championships, key player of the Georgian National Team. Is it you Viktor?
V.S. I guess. Ya, that's me... (Laughs)

Q. Viktor, do you have any ideas so far regarding your future club from the next season?
V.S. I do not really care my future European team at this time, as I am very focused on NBA Summer League for San Antonio Spurs.

Q. You are fifth player in the NBA from Georgia; if we include Iokovos Tsakalidis whose origin is Georgia. What do you think who will be the next one in Georgians list in the NBA?
V.S. I think that Manuchar Markoishvili and Giorgi Tsintsadze because its their last chance to get drafted as they will not be eligible next year. I think that they both will be late second round picks.

Q. What about Giorgi Shermadini?

V.S. Giorgi is very talented player with bright future. I am not really familiar about his plans, but if he puts his name on draft board he has to make it.

Q. And when we should expect to see Viktor Sanikidze hosting the games in AT&T Center?
V.S. I think that I will make it happen this year. (Laughs)

Well, thank you very much Viktor. I wish every success in your LIFE and career and hope to see you next time in San Antonio.

[mrspurs]

sounds like another euro player we will waste time teaching him nba basketball, only for him to reliaze, i can make just as much money and not have to move far from home....the days of wanting tobe an nba champion are becoming slimmer and slimmer, becos the money they can make in euro isnt so bad...not only that, he would have togo to a team that likes playing with euros....eddie johnsons(suns ex player) quote about euro players in the nba should be stopped....he said that in the allstar game this season....."this is our game and they shouldnt be allowed to play in our league"....i for one was shocked when i heard him say it....but the way usa basketball players are playing these days..i dont think it cos of the talent anymore....usa players are just getting better...bout time too.........go spurs go

[Mr. Body]

Viktor Sanikidze come save us. A Georgian Larry Bird :frying:

[Ocotillo]

Boy if Tau makes a run at this guy I'm flying to Spain and........:ihit

[MoSpur]

Thanks for the update.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

:tu Thanks a lot. At least there's now another option to consider.

[Southwest Texas Fan]

He played well in last years summer league. I wonder how much he weighs now hopefully he's put on some weight.

[Saguaro]

:lmao I guess this guy is next on the list of Spurs Euro pipe dreams. If he were any good, CSKA or some other club would have snapped him up. But since you people have nothing to live for in your landfill of a city, you can dream that he will be something so that the Spurs don't drfit into irrelevance. :lmao

[Mr. Body]

Sanikidze is the only international player (post M and P) the Spurs haven't pissed the well with.

Think about that.

After Manu and Parker, every single other international pick other than Mahinmi they've pissed off.

[Darkwaters]

I've been curious what this guys been up to all year. After leaving Estudiantes it got a little interesting. Especially when Cologne didn't take him. But in SL last year he looked pretty intriguing to say the least. His length and his growing ability to knock down the long ball could make him a nice piece. Plus, he'd be cheap. The only concern is that hes pretty raw and out of practice from having sat out much of this last season. Still, he is an option you have to consider.

[tav1]

Bruno, I tend not to get too excited about these players. But might he be worth our 15th roster spot and an assignment in Austin? Last time I saw a picture of this kid he weighed 90 lbs wet. Is that still the case. I know he's bright, but can he play?

[Darkwaters]

:lmao I guess this guy is next on the list of Spurs Euro pipe dreams. If he were any good, CSKA or some other club would have snapped him up. But since you people have nothing to live for in your landfill of a city, you can dream that he will be something so that the Spurs don't drfit into irrelevance. :lmao

I still have to laugh at the audacity of Lakers fans that have come out of the woodwork this season and like to pretend like their team wasn't irrelevent for the last 5 years.

[Bruno]

Bruno, I tend not to get too excited about these players. But might he be worth our 15th roster spot and an assignment in Austin? Last time I saw a picture of this kid he weighed 90 lbs wet. Is that still the case. I know he's bright, but can he play?

Let's see what he will do in SL but I highly doubt he is worth a roster spot.
His career has been very chaotic with a lot of injuries, his 3 last seasons have been a disaster.

[tav1]

Gotcha. That's what I wanted to hear.

[leemajors]

I still have to laugh at the audacity of Lakers fans that have come out of the woodwork this season and like to pretend like their team wasn't irrelevent for the last 5 years.

he was a suns fan when the playoffs began I believe.

[Marcus Bryant]

Let's see what he will do in SL but I highly doubt he is worth a roster spot.
His career has been very chaotic with a lot of injuries, his 3 last seasons have been a disaster.

Could be a candidate for the Toros next season. Would the Spurs have to sign him for him to play with the Toros or could the Toros sign him?

[leemajors]

Could be a candidate for the Toros next season. Would the Spurs have to sign him for him to play with the Toros or could the Toros sign him?

I believe if the toros sign him anyone could call him up and sign him. to be spurs exclusive would entail use of a roster spot.

[Bruno]

Would the Spurs have to sign him for him to play with the Toros or could the Toros sign him?

Unless the NBA change the D-League rules this summer, Sanikidze won't be able to play in Austin if he hasn't sign with Spurs.

[Marcus Bryant]

Unless the NBA change the D-League rules this summer, Sanikidze won't be able to play in Austin if he hasn't sign with Spurs.

OK. So let him spend a season on IR playing in Austin.

[Bruno]

There are better candidates than Sanikidze to be on the IR and play in Austin.

[ChumpDumper]

Unless the NBA change the D-League rules this summer, Sanikidze won't be able to play in Austin if he hasn't sign with Spurs.I'm still confused as hell about that because of Ricky Sanchez. I say put Viktor in the CBA like the Lakers did with Turiaf while he was rehabbing. The Silverados' owners and GM are easy enough to talk to.

[Marcus Bryant]

There are better candidates than Sanikidze to be on the IR and play in Austin.

We'll see. It all starts in the Summerleagues.

[ChumpDumper]

True, provided he doesn't break an ankle stepping off the plane.

[timvp]

Sanikidze was the best player last year on the Spurs summer league team. That's not saying too much because their team last year was horrible. If he can stay healthy and take another step forward, he actually has the perfect skillset for the perimeter player the Spurs need.

I think he's a perfect candidate for the Toros. He hasn't found a Euro team that will play him. That's probably because he's not good enough .... but it could just be the weird politics at work. Perhaps no one in Europe wants to waste time on a guy who is only focused on coming to the NBA.

But yeah, summer league for him this year will be vital. Hopefully he starts and plays good minutes.

[yavozerb]

He is the complete opposite of splitter at this point. He absolutly needs to make the spurs to have any future cause it doesnt appear europe wants him. I think the guy will show up play well and make the team. Agreed though that he needs to toughen up and get over these injuries.

[Bruno]

I think he's a perfect candidate for the Toros. He hasn't found a Euro team that will play him.

He should have played in Germany but he blew his knee during the workout. When he was healthy again (in February), it was likely to late in the season to sign in a new team.

Summer leagues will be damn important for Sanikidze. Euro teams scout them and if he plays well, he will play next year in a good European league.

[objective]

Viktor Sanikidze needs to be signed to an unguaranteed minimum and brought to camp.

Summer league isn't enough.

If second round scrubs get to at least have opportunities in camp like Marcus Williams, Romain Sato, Bryan Bracey and Chris Carrawell then at least give Sanikidze a camp. If he sucks in camp then drop him like evey other failed Spurs draft pick. I like him so I thiink he actually has a chance to make it to Austin.

Maybe in the US his health problems can be alleviated with proper nutrition. Get him away from the daily staples of Georgian food like rock soup and dirt sandwiches and get him on an athlete's diet plan with supplements from the Spurs training staff.

[callo1]

Viktor Sanikidze needs to be signed to an unguaranteed minimum and brought to camp.

Summer league isn't enough.

If second round scrubs get to at least have opportunities in camp like Marcus Williams, Romain Sato, Bryan Bracey and Chris Carrawell then at least give Sanikidze a camp. If he sucks in camp then drop him like evey other failed Spurs draft pick. I like him so I thiink he actually has a chance to make it to Austin.

Maybe in the US his health problems can be alleviated with proper nutrition. Get him away from the daily staples of Georgian food like rock soup and dirt sandwiches and get him on an athlete's diet plan with supplements from the Spurs training staff.

I agree 100%

I watched this guy play in the RMR and he has skills. I would love to see him come over.

[Marcus Bryant]

So the Spurs already have a swingman prospect on the way in. Yet another reason to draft for other positions next week.

[wildbill2u]

He's been the long-awaited Long THree for years now--but something always intervenes. I'd like to see him on the Toros if he has a decent summer league and camp. We need a definitive look at him against players with known abilities.

If he plays well, we can always bring him up. I wouldn't worry about some other team taking him away.

[Solid D]

If this kid cannot get significant playing time in Europe, then he would need a solid Summer League stint and follow-on training camp invitation to get anywhere with the Spurs. He hasn't earned anything beyond that at any level.

Talk of Inactive List (IL) D-League assignment is another step beyond where Viktor deserves to be right now.

[waly.mg]

If this guy can´t take significant playing time in Europe, how can him help the Spurs?

[Solid D]

I was bumping around the Life Sports Agency site, looking up Viktor's current situation and noticed that Viktor had played in the 2008 Georgian All Star Game this year in Tbilisi. He was in fact the MVP of the All Star Game and he won the Slam Dunk Contest. It looks like his knee is feeling much better but I'm not sure why he didn't come to Las Vegas or Salt Lake City.

Here is the Life Sports site. If Kori or LJ would be interested in e-mailing and inquiring about the Spurs' interest and Viktor's current health status, that would be of interest here.(?)

http://www.eurobasket.com/agency.asp?AgentNm=Ramasar%20Todd&AgencyNm=Life%20Sports

E-mail: [email protected]

Here is the Euroleague account of the game with link:
http://74.125.45.104/search?q=cache:fwa-EBxpMIMJ:www.eurobasket.com/GEO/d1.asp+Georgian+League+All-Star+Game+Sanikidze&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=2&gl=us

Tbilisi enjoyed the All Star Game (May 7, 2008)
David Ustiashvili's team overcame Nugzar Cheishvili's team 134:118 in the All Star Game that was held in the capital of Georgia. It was a real show and a great event in the whole country. Both squads produced an offensive game and the majority of the players could contribute for the teams. Viktor Sanikidze (203-F-86, agency: Life Sports) top-scored for the winners with 41 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists. He was named MVP of the Game proving his professional skills and abilities. Ledjava nailed 19, while Zviadi Babiashvili (200-F-78) scored 14. Matiashvili ended up with 29 points and 13 rebounds in the losing effort.
As for the game itself it saw Nugzar Cheishvili's team winning the opening quarter 37:35. They also controlled the rest of the first half and finished the second quarter with 32:27 advantage. Having however 7 points at the half time Nugzar Cheishvili's team could not keep the score for good. David Ustiashvili's team bounced back in the third quarter with 38:27. Another 34:22 stun the opponent as David Ustiashvili's team won the encounter.
In the Slam Dunk contest Viktor Sanikidze won the show being the best in Round 1 and the Final. David Berishvili was the best in the 3-pointer contest finishing with 20 points in the Final.

[Solid D]

Here is the player link (from Life Sports) to the Eurobasket page showing his Bio/Stats and 2008 All Star Game awards.

http://www.eurobasket.com/player.asp?Cntry=ESP&PlayerID=54579&AmNotSure=1

http://www.eurobasket.com/AcPhotos_Players/1Sanikidze_Viktor.jpghttp://www.eurobasket.com/AcPhotos_Players/Sanikidze_Viktor.jpg

[objective]

I emailed his agent after the summer league roster was announced and never heard back from him.

[Solid D]

I emailed his agent after the summer league roster was announced and never heard back from him.

Yeah, Baron Davis is their key client. Their website says their Euro client rep. is Levan Mikeladze (that's a Georgian name so probably why they have multiple Georgian clients). http://www.lifesportsmgt.com/staff.php

Here is their email form for inquiries
http://www.lifesportsmgt.com/support/

[T Park]

Strange.

Seems like a great great talent.

[Sissiborgo]

He looks alot like gasol if he would get buffed and strong he could be a real player.Nex year we should sign him i have been watching him and he got talent!

[Bruno]

I really wonder why Sanikidze hasn't played with Spurs SL. I hope for him that he isn't injured.
I haven't seen him linked with an Euro team, It's not a good sign.

We should get some news of Sanikidze with the Georgian NT. They have starting practicing and will start to play friendly games in about two weeks. Sanikidze has been selected to play for them, we will see if he will play.

[wisnub]

I like him,lets get him... But I can bet my money against everybody in this world,Spurs will not sign this guy. Every single person that we talked about in this forum this off season..none of them Spurs sign (Thomas dont count,coz its resign). Not even an obvious draft get picked. I bet my money Spurs will sign someone else,as usual...

[wildbill2u]

I emailed his agent after the summer league roster was announced and never heard back from him.

I emailed the Spurs about him and never heard back from them either.

He must be an unperson in the FO now.

[wisnub]

I told u....i think FO dont give a shit about this forum. All players and drafts that we spend talking for thousand of times got a little look, if ever...

[Indazone]

So half the people here think Sani is NBDL ready and half think he's ready for the big show?

[Sissiborgo]

I told u....i think FO dont give a shit about this forum. All players and drafts that we spend talking for thousand of times got a little look, if ever...

mhm!

[T Park]

yeah funny they wouldn't listen to people like rascall saying trade ginobili for vince carter

[DPG21920]

It is not that the ideas generated on here are bad (for the most part), it is just hard to know what a front office will do. Many ideas have merit and many of the NBA teams do execute ideas similar to what is posted here. The Spurs march to the beat of a different drummer. It is more understanding their business model than guessing what players will be involved.

[The Truth #6]

The FO probably recognizes there are a lot of ex-player morons running their teams, however in their aspiration to think outside the box they do get carried away a lot of times with their own ideas. How this year turns out will have to be a definite litmus test on their skills as drafters and developers of talent.

[timvp]

Chances are that Sanikidze was probably injured, per usual. Otherwise, it doesn't make sense for him not to play in summer league. The Spurs even invited freakin' Sergei Karaulov twice to summer league. Surely they would invite Sanikidze if he were available.

The only other thing I can think of is he may have upped his smoke or alcohol consumption to rates not permissible by the Spurs. I know I've joked about it in the past but when the Spurs drafted him, he was a clean cut kid. After he got drafted, he went Rastafarian for some reason. Hopefully I'm totally off base but bro has changed a lot in only a couple years . . .


http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/b/bc/Viktor_Sanikidze.jpg/150px-Viktor_Sanikidze.jpg
Innocent Lil' Vikky


http://clubestudiantes.com/adjuntos/fichero_1771_1_20070320.jpg
V Sizzle Reppin' Da ATL, Mon


At the very least, someone introduced him to the sun.





P.S.

Solid D, I'll see what I can dig up. Thanks for the links.

[jag]

Chances are that Sanikidze was probably injured, per usual. Otherwise, it doesn't make sense for him not to play in summer league. The Spurs even invited freakin' Sergei Karaulov twice to summer league. Surely they would invite Sanikidze if he were available.

The only other thing I can think of is he may have upped his smoke or alcohol consumption to rates not permissible by the Spurs. I know I've joked about it in the past but when the Spurs drafted him, he was a clean cut kid. After he got drafted, he went Rastafarian for some reason. Hopefully I'm totally off base but bro has changed a lot in only a couple years . . .


http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/b/bc/Viktor_Sanikidze.jpg/150px-Viktor_Sanikidze.jpg
Innocent Lil' Vikky


http://clubestudiantes.com/adjuntos/fichero_1771_1_20070320.jpg
V Sizzle Reppin' Da ATL, Mon


At the very least, someone introduced him to the sun.





P.S.

Solid D, I'll see what I can dig up. Thanks for the links.

I have a strange feeling he might just be excited that he can actually grow facial hair now. The hair, I have no answer for, but this might be a positive thing considering he looks a bit more "healthy"...at least he doesnt look anemic anymore.

[Bruno]

I emailed his agent after the summer league roster was announced and never heard back from him.

IMO, the best way to have some news is to contact Sanikidze on Facebook.

[Sissiborgo]

IMO, the best way to have some news is to contact Sanikidze on Facebook.

Get Him!!

[Sissiborgo]

If we can get him then we sould sign him quickly before it's too late!!!

[ace3g]

sad thing is, he does have a facebook

[Sissiborgo]

sad thing is, he does have a facebook

haha..

[Sissiborgo]

mabey myspace also?

[Darkwaters]

sad thing is, he does have a facebook

I added him as a friend. We'll see if he approves it. :lol

[The Truth #6]

He also looks like Jesus. I'm just saying...

[wildbill2u]

He also looks like Jesus. I'm just saying...

Well, he's spent his time in the wilderness. If he's truly the Savior of the Spurs it's time for him to make some miracles.

His first miracle would be to convince the FO to bring him forth. They've simply given up on him or he would have been invited to Summer league.

[ploto]

Beno, Part II

[ChumpDumper]

Has he already been given multiple chances and failed each time?

[Bartleby]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/b/bc/Viktor_Sanikidze.jpg/150px-Viktor_Sanikidze.jpg



http://clubestudiantes.com/adjuntos/fichero_1771_1_20070320.jpg



"Let me tell you something, pendejo. You pull any of your crazy shit with us, you flash a piece out on the lanes, I'll take it away from you, stick it up your ass and pull the fucking trigger 'til it goes "click."'

[Darkwaters]

Viktor Sanikidze accepted me as a friend on facebook.

More to follow...

[Solid D]

Nice. Darkwaters is now a friend and Viktor's conduit to the best basketball site on the planet...even with all the kiddie-poolers who have joined recently.

[Darkwaters]

Nice. Darkwaters is now a friend and Viktor's conduit to the best basketball site on the planet...even with all the kiddie-poolers who have joined recently.

http://photos-c.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-snc1/v260/80/101/684726888/n684726888_728562_9518.jpg

This photo was posted on the site July 14th (who knows when it was actually taken though). It doesn't look like hes beefed up too much.

[Ocotillo]

Is he in Georgia or somewhere safe? Anybody know anything?

[wildbill2u]

http://photos-c.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-snc1/v260/80/101/684726888/n684726888_728562_9518.jpg

This photo was posted on the site July 14th (who knows when it was actually taken though). It doesn't look like hes beefed up too much.

Looks like he's living the good life with his pal at a Black Sea resort. Maybe he prefers to be a big frog in a little pond?

Or Maybe the FO just couldn't locate him to sign him up with a big contract.

[T Park]

Beno, Part II


He pussed out in a big game and then blamed Pop for it?

[Bruno]

Sanikidze is playing a qualifying tournament with Georgia, the goal is to join the first European division.
The competition is on two summers (2008 and 2009) and given events in Georgia, the NT will play all its "away" game this summer before playing all its "home" games next summer.

Georgia NT schedule :
06.09.2008 vs LUX
10.09.2008 vs IRL
13.09.2008 vs SVK
17.09.2008 vs SWE

Georgia won its first game 98-65 against Luxembourg (a very weak team).
Sanikidze scored 20 points and grabbed 12 rebounds.
http://www.fibaeurope.com/cid_KNce8jInH7Qj1EsyH5rjn2.gameID_6333-C-1-1.compID_qMRZdYCZI6EoANOrUf9le2.season_2009.roundI D_6327.teamID_2187.html#{1069DEBF-F6B0-48E8-9680-5C0DE029CF6B}

[ducks]

cool

[nick23]

Is he in Georgia or somewhere safe? Anybody know anything?
He has not Club Yet :) he was in San Antonio this year i think you no and nothing :)

Viktor is my borther friend best friend :) :king
http://img158.imageshack.us/my.php?image=vik2ey5.jpg
http://img158.imageshack.us/my.php?image=vik2ey5.jpg
http://img158.imageshack.us/my.php?image=vik2ey5.jpg

[Solid D]

He has not Club Yet :) he was in San Antonio this year i think you no and nothing :)

Viktor is my borther friend best friend :) :king
http://img158.imageshack.us/my.php?image=vik2ey5.jpg
http://img158.imageshack.us/my.php?image=vik2ey5.jpg
http://img158.imageshack.us/my.php?image=vik2ey5.jpg

Welcome to the Forum, nick23. As you can tell, we are interested to know if the Spurs have invited Viktor to training camp in October, or what their interest level is with him.

[nick23]

Welcome to the Forum, nick23. As you can tell, we are interested to know if the Spurs have invited Viktor to training camp in October, or what their interest level is with him.
thx :)

He was in San Antonio in this summer and when he came back he went in Turkey with National Team and then they went to Latvia , there my brother saw him and he said that nothing new yet , i think he will go in October , when he comes back or if i see his brother i ask and post here :)

[Bruno]

Sanikdize scored 31 points against Ireland. :clap

No boxscore, only an article :
http://www.rte.ie/sport/basketball/2008/0911/ireland1.html

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

He's a straight up baller.

[pad300]

http://www.eurobasket.com/events/ec/08/ec08.asp

This is the Eurobasket 08 page - Georgia is part of group C...

These are the summaries for Georgia's 2 games so far:

Luxembourg -Georgia 65:98
Georgian National Team scored a comprehensive win over Luxembourg in yesterdays EuroBasket in Division B opener in Group C. Tyrone Ellis (193-G-77, college: S.Nazarene) knocked down 24 points to pace Georgia to their initial victory. Viktor Sanikidze (203-F-86, agency: Life Sports) added 20 points and 12 boards for the winning side. Martin Rajniak (205-F-78, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: CSU Bakersfield) was the only player to score in double figures for Luxembourg as he finished with 13 points. The teams traded baskets at the beginning of the game before Georgia went on a run. They completed the first period with a 14:2 rally and accumulated an 11-point advantage. The hosts defense never looked solid in the second period as Georgia easily found the keys and stretched the margin to 19 points at halftime. Abdiu and Ferreira nailed 3 trebles early in the third quarter and cut the deficit to 16 points. However Georgia remained alert and entered the fourth stanza up by unassailable 25 points. Luxembourg never recovered in the fourth quarter and had to surrender at the end of the game. Zaza Pachulia (212-C-84) and Nikoloz Tskitishvili (212-C/F-83, agency: Interperformances) added 11 points for the winners. Tom Schumacher (188-G/F-87) and Peter Rajniak (196-G-81, college: Cal.Baptist) notched 8 points in the loss. Georgia outrebounded the home team 42:19 and limited Luxembourg to just 38% from the field.
Luxembourg will look for their first win when they play against Ireland next Saturday. Georgia visit Dublin as soon as next Wednesday.

Luxembourg: Martin Rajniak 13, Tom Schumacher 8, Peter Rajniak 8
Georgia: Tyrone Ellis 24, Viktor Sanikidze 20+12 boards, Zaza Pachulia 11, Nikoloz Tskitishvili 11


Ireland - Georgia 77:94
Irish National Team could not match a feisty Georgia in Dublin yesterday. The hosts fell short 77:94 to slip to 0-2 record in Group C. Georgia meanwhile celebrated the second win in a row and share the top position in the pool together with Sweden.
The home team got to a quick start as they jumped to a 5:1 lead early on. However Georgia quickly denied Ireland the advantage. Mikhail Berishvili (203-F-87) and Viktor Sanikidze (203-F-86, agency: Life Sports) (203-F-86, agency: Life Sports) ensured a 23:13 lead for Georgia at the end of the starting frame. Plying coach Jay Larranaga (195-G-75, college: Bowling Green) fueled Irish surge in the second frame hitting three trifectas however it was not enough to race in front. The visitors remained on top and enjoyed a 37:33 advantage at the interval.
Georgia quickly piled up a 10-point buffer and maintained it well throughout the period. Georgia headed into the fourth quarter leading by 14 points. Viktor Sanikidze converted back-to-back layups midway through the fourth term and Georgia ran away for good in this one. Viktor Sanikidze topscored for Georgia with 31 points. Tyrone Ellis (193-G-77, college: S.Nazarene) had 20 points, while Zaza Pachulia (212-C-84) knocked down 16 in the win. Donnie McGrath (193-G-84, college: Providence) led all scorers with 32 points. Colin O'Reilly (197-F-84, college: Post) added 15 points in defeat.
Georgia will travel to Slovakia, while Ireland will visit Luxembourg on Saturday.

Ireland: Donnie McGrath 32, Colin O'Reilly 15
Georgia: Viktor Sanikidze 31, Tyrone Ellis 20, Zaza Pachulia 16


We really should ask him to attend camp - we are apparently desperate for options (Darryl Watkins?!?), and currently, he 's outscoring Pachulia (starting center, Atalanta Hawks) 51-27 (and I suspect outrebounding as well... Sanikidze got 12 in the 1st game...). Unfortunately, I don't see anything resembling a stats page on the site (at least for the georgian team).

[Bruno]

Sanikdize doing that well in these kind of games is quite surprising. Ireland isn't a top team in Europe but it isn't YMCA basketball.
I start to wonder if signing him and sending him in Austin for a year wouldn't be a bad idea. Hairston hasn't shown a lot of things so far. Maybe Sanikidze is the better prospect of the two.

[pad300]

Sanikdize doing that well in these kind of games is quite surprising. Ireland isn't a top team in Europe but it isn't YMCA basketball.
I start to wonder if signing him and sending him in Austin for a year wouldn't be a bad idea. Hairston hasn't shown a lot of things so far. Maybe Sanikidze is the better prospect of the two.


I don't think he's an SF prospect any more, he's gained some weight,

http://www.eurobasket.com/Georgia/basketball-National-Team.asp

Sanikidze - 203cm, 86 kg
for comparison
Pachulian - 212 cm, 84 kg

still, these numbers might be royally f'ed up, Luol Deng is 201 & 85. Pau Gasol is 214 and 80?!?, and Rudy Fernandez is 195 and 85, Kirilenko is 205 and 81...

Still, it'd be interesting to see him brought in as a mobile big.

The Georgians play Slovakia next.

[Bruno]

I don't think he's an SF prospect any more, he's gained some weight,

http://www.eurobasket.com/Georgia/basketball-National-Team.asp

Sanikidze - 203cm, 86 kg
for comparison
Pachulian - 212 cm, 84 kg

still, these numbers might be royally f'ed up, Luol Deng is 201 & 85. Pau Gasol is 214 and 80?!?, and Rudy Fernandez is 195 and 85, Kirilenko is 205 and 81...

Still, it'd be interesting to see him brought in as a mobile big.

The Georgians play Slovakia next.

You're mixing birth date with weight.

[Solid D]

:lol He's certainly not a pivot player.

I do wonder if he spent much time in SA this summer (4-days/week open workouts?).

[BronxCowboy]

I don't think he's an SF prospect any more, he's gained some weight,

http://www.eurobasket.com/Georgia/basketball-National-Team.asp

Sanikidze - 203cm, 86 kg

IIRC, he weighed at least 86kg before. 86kg is only 190 lbs.

[pad300]

You're mixing birth date with weight.

Oops!, those numbers make a bit more sense now...

[tav1]

Training Camp Roster

1. Parker
2. Hill
3. Vaughn
4. Ginobili
5. Finley
6. Mason
7. Bowen
8. Udoka
9. Hairston
10.Duncan
11. Mahinmi
12. Bonner
13. Tolliver
14. Thomas
15. Oberto
16. Dawkins

Who else do we know of?

Looks like there is plenty of room for Sanikidze.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

Wasn't Blake Ahearn invited too?

[Solid D]

Training Camp Roster

1. Parker
2. Hill - ? Unsigned
3. Vaughn
4. Ginobili (Inactive)
5. Finley
6. Mason
7. Bowen
8. Udoka
9. Hairston - ? Unsigned
10.Duncan
11. Mahinmi
12. Bonner
13. Tolliver
14. Thomas
15. Oberto
16. Dawkins - Darryl Watkins...Are you thinking of Darryl Chocolate Thunder Dawkins?
Who else do we know of?

Looks like there is plenty of room for Sanikidze.

[tav1]

Dawkins...yeah, Freudian slip.

Ahearn...yeah, I think I read that somewhere, probably here, but forgot. Still room for Sanikidze.

[Solid D]

Even as well as Viktor is playing right now for Georgia against the lesser talented teams, I doubt Viktor will be accepting any offers from the wealthy Russian teams, considering the political turnmoil. The kid needs a camp slot. The Spurs need to fish or cut bait.

[pad300]

Georgia kicked the crap out of Slovakia:

Georgia conquers Division B - Sep 13, 2008 (by Eurobasket News)
Slovak Republic - Georgia 78:101

Georgia looks too good in Division B of their EuroBasket 2009 qualifying. Tonight the team improved to 3-0 record after a road win over Slovak Republic. Spisska Nova Ves saw a 78:101 loss of their locals that fell to 0-2. NBA star Zaza Pachulia (212-C-84) led the winners with 27 points. Tyrone Ellis (193-G-77, college: S.Nazarene) posted 20, while Nikoloz Tskitishvili (212-C/F-83, agency: Interperformances) added 17. Richard Lesko ended up with 19 points, while Radoslav Rancik (207-F/C-79, college: St.Cloud St.) scored 17 in defeat.
Georgia scored first three points in the game but then got 8 in their basket. Tsintsadze tied the game for the guests at 8:8 and then Georgia only stayed in front. Radoslav Rancik could only cut the deficit at the end of the opening quarter for 17:31. The tempo did not fall in the second period and the favorites were led by the top players. Boisa sent the teams to the lockers for 30:57 visitors advantage.
Tyrone Ellis made it 60:30 in the beginning of the third and it became clear that Georgia would not lose the game. Gamqrelidze closed the third from the arc for 85:53. The tasks for the last period were different for both teams. Slovakia tried not to allow Georgia to post three digits, while the latter desire to have 100. With 30 seconds to play in the fourth Berishvili nailed a three as his team saw 101 on the board. A great game by the guests improved them to 3-0 record and will send them top Sweden on September 17th to prove the ambitions.

Slovak Republic: Richard Lesko 19, Radoslav Rancik 17
Georgia: Zaza Pachulia 27, Tyrone Ellis 20, Nikoloz Tskitishvili 17

Don't have a boxscore, so I don't know what Sanikidze did...

[Bruno]

Don't have a boxscore, so I don't know what Sanikidze did...
http://www.fibaeurope.com/cid_KNce8jInH7Qj1EsyH5rjn2.gameID_6333-C-6-3.compID_qMRZdYCZI6EoANOrUf9le2.season_2009.roundI D_6327.teamID_.html#{1069DEBF-F6B0-48E8-9680-5C0DE029CF6B}

[Manufan909]

16pts, not too bad.

[nick23]

http://live.fibaeurope.com/netcasting/default.asp?game_number=6333-C-7&microsite_scope=undefined

[Bruno]

Nice. :tu
Sanikidze has had 4 very good statistical game with Georgia. It's quite impressive for someone who hasn't played at a high level for a long time.

[pad300]

Nice. :tu
Sanikidze has had 4 very good statistical game with Georgia. It's quite impressive for someone who hasn't played at a high level for a long time.

Hell, he's been their best overall player 3 of 4 games (from a statistical standpoint at least - I don't get a broadcast of these games). Looking at it, he is tied for the teams high scorer over these games ( 71 pts over 4 games, Pachulia has the same, and next is Ellis at 70 pts), and leading rebounder (28rbs, next is Pachulia at 25 rbs).

We really should bring him into training camp...An SF who puts up better rebounding and scoring than the C? Not to mention, he's got something that resembles a jump shot, going 0/1, 2?/4?. 2/4. and 3/4 from the Euro 3 pt line. (the 2?/4? is interpolated for the game against Ireland - I still can't find a full boxcore, but the according to the team summary posted previously, Sani had shot 40% from the 3 after 2 games - 0+2/1+4 = 50%...), thats 7/13 overall.

C'mon RC, he can't even be making that much money - he only played in Georgia last year - GET HIM INTO CAMP !!!!

[timvp]

Good to see Sanikidze is still alive. I'd be happy to have the Spurs bring him in. He, maybe more than anyone the Spurs have the rights to, would really benefit by playing in Austin. They can make sure he actually plays and they can get him into the weight room.

Bring him in and let him battle with Hairston for a roster spot. From the little I've seen of him in summer league, he looks like the elusive Long Three the Spurs have been looking for since Hedo left.

[Solid D]

From what I can tell, Viktor hasn't signed with any teams in Europe. By now, he should have a contract somewhere. Many teams are already beginning their "friendlies" schedules.

I keep remembering Sanikidze sitting outside of the team huddle in the first couple of games at Summer League 2 summers ago. What was up with that?

[Bruno]

Hell, he's been their best overall player 3 of 4 games (from a statistical standpoint at least - I don't get a broadcast of these games). Looking at it, he is tied for the teams high scorer over these games ( 71 pts over 4 games, Pachulia has the same, and next is Ellis at 70 pts), and leading rebounder (28rbs, next is Pachulia at 25 rbs).

We really should bring him into training camp...An SF who puts up better rebounding and scoring than the C? Not to mention, he's got something that resembles a jump shot, going 0/1, 2?/4?. 2/4. and 3/4 from the Euro 3 pt line. (the 2?/4? is interpolated for the game against Ireland - I still can't find a full boxcore, but the according to the team summary posted previously, Sani had shot 40% from the 3 after 2 games - 0+2/1+4 = 50%...), thats 7/13 overall.

C'mon RC, he can't even be making that much money - he only played in Georgia last year - GET HIM INTO CAMP !!!!

You're mixing stats.
There are stats only for 3 games. Sanikidze is the leading scorer, rebounder and 2nd in assists on these 3 games. His shooting % are also great.
http://www.fibaeurope.com/cid_KNce8jInH7Qj1EsyH5rjn2.playerID_45506.compID_q MRZdYCZI6EoANOrUf9le2.season_2009.roundID_6327.tea mID_2187.html

There are no stats for the game against Ireland. The only thing we know is that Sanikidze was the best scorer of this game with 31 points.

[timvp]

I keep remembering Sanikidze sitting outside of the team huddle in the first couple of games at Summer League 2 summers ago. What was up with that?Something is wrong with Sanikidze as a prospect. He can't get on any even halfway decent European team. The Spurs apparently didn't even invite him to summer league.

The most likely reason European teams avoid him is a combination of his injury history and the fear that any work they put into him will be erased once the Spurs call him up. I'm guessing that's the issue.

But just looking at him, he looks like he's been experimenting with substances he shouldn't be experimenting with. Hopefully that is just the look he is going for but that would explain why no one is interested. That rebellious behavior could also explain the bad body language you pointed out.

Sanikidze is the great mystery of Spursdom. Hopefully we get answers one way or another soon enough.

[Bruno]

it seems that Sanikidze has signed with an Estonian team today.

http://www.delfi.ee/news/sport/korvpall/article.php?id=19896424&l=wsport

[timvp]

it seems that Sanikidze has signed with an Estonian team today.

http://www.delfi.ee/news/sport/korvpall/article.php?id=19896424&l=wsport Estonia? You can't make this stuff up. :lol

I guess the mystery will be extended at least another year . . .

[Bruno]

Estonia? You can't make this stuff up. :lol

I guess the mystery will be extended at least another year . . .

He will play at a quite high level.
Estonian league sucks but his team (Tartu rock) will also play the Baltic league and face good teams from Lithuania.
Tartu rock will also play the Eurocup.

[timvp]

Well at least Fraggle rock offers decent competition . . .

[Solid D]

http://photos-c.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-snc1/v260/80/101/684726888/n684726888_728562_9518.jpg

Oh, well. It's probably stuff we'll never know.

I guess he won't be able to dress like this for a while. He'd better pack some warm gear.

[Bruno]

The most likely reason European teams avoid him


Euro teams don't avoid him.

[pad300]

it seems that Sanikidze has signed with an Estonian team today.

http://www.delfi.ee/news/sport/korvpall/article.php?id=19896424&l=wsport


Estonia? You can't make this stuff up. :lol

I guess the mystery will be extended at least another year . . .

Par for the course this summer - Spurstalk gets a little excited about a player, off he goes
Splitter stays in Europe
Gist to Europe
Any number of FA's ( Pargo, Maguette, Smith, Azabuike, ...)
Retain Barry (Retain the right old guy of the 3 - Barry, Finley, Horry) instead off to Houston
now Sanikidze to Estonia...
Hill still unsigned (officially at least)

This offseason has sucked...

[timvp]

Euro teams don't avoid him.Responding to three posts ago? How can you say Euro teams don't avoid him when he signs with Fraggle rock even though he's outplaying an NBA player and several NBA prospects on his national team?

[Bruno]

Responding to three posts ago? How can you say Euro teams don't avoid him when he signs with Fraggle rock even though he's outplaying an NBA player and several NBA prospects on his national team?

You are talking about someone who hasn't played a full season for 3 years.
I don't think there are some weed stories behind that.

[timvp]

You are talking about someone who hasn't played a full season for 3 years.
I don't think there are some weed stories behind that.So you are saying Europe teams avoid him because of injuries. Like I said in that same post.

[Bruno]

So you are saying Europe teams avoid him because of injuries. Like I said in that same post.

:rolleyes

You was saying that no one was interested in him which is false.
In 2007, he signed with a very good team in Spain.
In 2008, he had some buyout troubles with his team in Spain and nearly sign with a good team in Germany.
And "Fraggle rock" isn't a that bad team.

Euro teams were interested in him. They could have been more interested in him if he wasn't that injury prone.

If it's not based on some inside infos, saying that Sanikidze smokes pot because he has a beard and long hears is odd.

[timvp]

You was saying that no one was interested in him which is false. Okay, no team the average fan has ever heard of is interested in him. Better? I apologize I didn't clarify Estonian teams might be interested :rolleyes


In 2007, he signed with a very good team in Spain.And he played like five minutes a game. And that team was still a no name team from what I remember.


In 2008, he had some buyout troubles with his team in Spain and nearly sign with a good team in Germany.So he nearly signed with a German team? They play basketball in Germany? Props to him.


And "Fraggle rock" isn't a that bad team.Compared to what? Luxembourg?


Euro teams were interested in him. They could have been more interested in him if he wasn't that injury prone.Exactly what I said. I guess I should have clarified it further for you to say major Euro teams weren't interested in him.


If it's not based on some inside infos, saying that Sanikidze smokes pot because he has a beard and long hears is odd.Not as odd as pimping Estonia has a basketball hotbed. And I still wonder why he didn't get more offers. If Pachulia was free to sign in Europe, he'd probably be making $15-20M. Sanikidze is outplaying him and I'm guess his contract is worth no more than $1M.

[Bruno]

In your own logic, Biella is also a scrub team.
I guess that you were surprised that Gist didn't received better offers.

Maybe he is also smoking weed...

[pad300]

Not as odd as pimping Estonia has a basketball hotbed. And I still wonder why he didn't get more offers. If Pachulia was free to sign in Europe, he'd probably be making $15-20M. Sanikidze is outplaying him and I'm guess his contract is worth no more than $1M.


Hell, I'd be very surprised at that; I don't speak/read estonian or whatever the hell that is, but from the article,
http://www.delfi.ee/news/sport/korvpall/article.php?id=19896424&l=wsport


Sanikidze on B-divisjoni EM-valikturniiril kolm võitu saanud Gruusia koondise üks põhitegijaid.

Does that look to you like he's playing in the B-division in Estonia? I can't see him making $1M in the Estonian B-league...

Hell, I'd be surprised if he couldn't be bought out with a vet min contract... Literally, offer him $427000 and I'd bet he could buy himself out...

[timvp]

Does that look to you like he's playing in the B-division in Estonia? I can't see him making $1M in the Estonian B-league..

According to Bruno, this Division B Estonian team is a half step away from the NBA :rollin

[Bruno]

Does that look to you like he's playing in the B-division in Estonia?

No. It's Georgia that played in the euro B-division.
Rock Taru is the best team in Estonia.

[timvp]

Rock Taru is the best team in Estonia.And the Vipers are the best team in Laredo.

Oh and please refer to them as Fraggle rock and not Rock Tau.

Thanks.

:smokin

[Sissiborgo]

I just saw this guy play tonight...Pretty good player...:toast

[Bruno]

BTW, Tartu is interested in Sanikdize but hasn't signed him for the moment :
http://forums.interbasket.net/showpost.php?p=209250&postcount=402

[pad300]

No. It's Georgia that played in the euro B-division.
Rock Taru is the best team in Estonia.

That's a good sign. I still bet he'd be amenable to a buyout and a vet min contract...

Work some sort of complicated buyout agreement with a bunch of backdoors.
EG.

Spurs pay Rock Taru $100K for Sanikidze's to attend Spurs TC. (this does NOT buyout Sanikidze's Rock Taru contract)
If he makes the Spurs team from training camp, SA pays a further $400K to complete Sanikidze's buyout; if not, Sanikidze returns to Rock Taru.
Assuming Sanikidze makes the Spurs, he gets a Vet Min Contract for 3 years, with the 1st year fully guaranteed, and the 2nd and 3ed years partially guaranteed.

Works all around
Rock Taru either gets 100K + Sani or 500K for handing Sani some paper to sign
SA gets a someone who might actually improve the roster in training camp. We need a real 3... Bowen is an SG by size, Udoka is even smaller, and let's hope Finley is kidnapped by aliens...
Sanikidze either gets the contract he already signed, or he gets what I suspect is a considerable upgrade. I'm dead sure that the Estonian league doesn't pay that much, particularly to people who aren't already established stars.

[pad300]

BTW, Tartu is interested in Sanikdize but hasn't signed him for the moment :
http://forums.interbasket.net/showpost.php?p=209250&postcount=402

So what was that newspaper article that you posted above - team interest or an actual he's signed...

[Bruno]

So what was that newspaper article that you posted above - team interest or an actual he's signed...

I don't read Estonian. :downspin:

[pad300]

I don't read Estonian. :downspin:
Great, so neither of us know... There's got to be someone on this forum who speaks Estonian?

[Bruno]

Great, so neither of us know... There's got to be someone on this forum who speaks Estonian?

The second link that I gave is in English.
The sure thing is that Fraggle Rock is interested. We will see in the next few days if they sign him.

Sanikidze has just finished his games with the Georgian NT today.

[tp2021]

Do the Spurs have any interest? Is it more likely he signs with Fraggle Rock, or plays for the Spurs in training camp?

[pad300]

Do the Spurs have any interest? Is it more likely he signs with Fraggle Rock, or plays for the Spurs in training camp?

Fraggle Rock by far. They are the only ones interested (officially, so far,...). The rest is just hope by Spurs fans who want to see the kid get a chance...

[spursest]

Rock confirmed today that they will sign Sanikidze.
The team competes in following leagues:
1) KML - Estonian national league. The overall level of the league is very weak. The only threat to Rock is BC Kalev (their most notable players are former Syracuse Josh Pace, John Linehan who is still holding the NCAA all-time steals record and Martin Müürsepp, who has played in Dallas Mavericks and Miami Heat).
2) Baltic League - Baltic states (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania) basketball league. The strongest teams in Baltic League are from Lithuania - Žalgiris and Rytas.
Most notable players in Baltic League are Marcus Brown, Chuck Eidson, Loren Woods, Ratko Varda, Bruno Sundov, Demetrius Alexander, Roy Bright, Tanoka Beard and many more. Probably those names won't tell you anything. Oh, and Kareem Rush played there some time ago.
3) EuroCup - Second strongest club competition in Europe after Euroleague. Most probably Rock won't get to the group stages because imo they will struggle with Crvena Zvezda.
Some names playing in EuroCup: Darius Lavrinovic, Bostjan Nachbar, Jannero Pargo, Scoonie Penn, Jorge Garbajosa, Carlos Delfino, Nenad Krstic and many more.

[Bruno]

Thanks for the news spursest and welcome on the board.
Do you know if Sanikidze will play SF or PF with Tartu ?

[grjr]

Estonia when you're trying to be so good
Estonia just like they said they would
Estonia when you're trying to go home
Estonia when you're there all alone
But I would not feel so all alone
Everybody must get Estoned

[max1981]

here are translation about that link what you asked:
---------------------------------------------------
Viktor Sanikidze got intrest about Tartu Rock from
another georgian Giorgi Tsintsadze, who will start his
3rd season in Tartu.

Sanikidze tried to find new club and last season FIBA EuroCup semi-finalist team Tartu Rock seemed to be good team to land (cause of BalticLeague and EuroCup)

Sanikidze had made his offer to club and Rock manager Meelis Pastak said
that after he gets permission from board to hire him, he will continue negotation.

The main question is "does Rock has enough money to hire him".
Rock this year budget is 1.7M $.
Coming season most paid player in Tartu Rock will be Tanoka Beard (usa)

-------------------------------

PS! Sanikidze get 70.000 $ in Rock.

[timvp]

Thanks for the translation. I already like these Estonian fans. Hopefully you guys can stick around and keep us updated :tu


PS! Sanikidze get 70.000 $ in Rock.

That's a pretty good value for the Estonian team. I'm still wondering why Sankidze doesn't get more love in Europe. $100,000 in US dollars is chump change in today's market.

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

Thanks for the translation. I already like these Estonian fans. Hopefully you guys can stick around and keep us updated :tu



That's a pretty good value for the Estonian team. I'm still wondering why Sankidze doesn't get more love in Europe. $100,000 in US dollars is chump change in today's market.

Panathinaikos managers were interest in sign him for third string small forward and to be develop into backup small forward or starter at small forward in next couple years. But they decide against this because of injury concerns. if he was to make team as third string player in PAO he would get much bigger contract.

Verginis is third string point guard or fourth string shooting guard this year in PAO and he is young player of future like Sanikidze. He is get €425,000 euros (like $617,000 dollars) per year contract from PAO and is guarantee for next 4 years and he is even younger then Viktor.

So if Viktor has very strong season in Baltic league and Eurocup league then next year some team will offer him much more then $70,000 dollar. But for now this is his market value because he have prove nothing in Europe at all where player like Verginis has prove he could lead team in strong league like Greece.

[Crus]

Hi guys from Greece,

News here say that Sani will continue his career here in the Greek Basketball League for AEK Athens. As an AEK and Spurs fan I was intrested in getting some more infos about this Georgian prospect and as I read here Sani is a good athlete with a lot of talent, but still undeveloped and quite injury proness. Also he didn't play much in his previous pro teams here in Europe and surely that's something that hasn't helped him develop much. If he finally signs here in Greece I think it will be a great chance, to first help my team efforts to regain its lead and past glory in the league (AEK is in top 3 of the Greek League) and of course to develop his game to return one day in my second love, the Spurs. His performance in the Europe Championship's qual's with the Georgian team was impressive and was voted as one of the best players in the competition. Though you must consider that as from this year Europe qual's are divided in two leagues and Georgian team was in the weak one, most of the teams there are veeeeeeeeery weak too.

Everybody here say that he will sign for us, although news from Finland suggest that he will be a Tartu player for the season. I'm sure that the Greek League is far more a better choice than the Finnish one and probably the best in Europe (along with the Spanish). Unfortunately if he finally signs with AEK he wont have the chance to play in any Europe competition, as AEK although had a position in the Europe Cup, decided to focus on the local league this year. After all, the teams in Europe Cup are very weak (as well as competition). If he comes here he will compete with another guy we have (Papanikolaou) for the SF position, and taking into account that Pap was injured for a long time and just came back, he is for sure in the pole position...

So, tomorrow will be the day that we will know for sure Vik's new team. Hope it will be AEK and if that is what is going to happen, then I promise to keep you updated every week for his performance, streangths, weaknesses and overall game!

PS: Anyone who has any kind of questions about any European player (especially from the major leagues) can ask for infos.

[timvp]

So, tomorrow will be the day that we will know for sure Vik's new team. Hope it will be AEK and if that is what is going to happen, then I promise to keep you updated every week for his performance, streangths, weaknesses and overall game!Awesome, thanks :tu

I'm guessing Sanikidze would make a lot more money in Greek than in Estonia. Not sure which league would be better for him but I'm just hoping he gets to play a lot this year and actually stays healthy for once.


PS: Anyone who has any kind of questions about any European player (especially from the major leagues) can ask for infos.DO you think Javtokas is NBA caliber?

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

Awesome, thanks :tu

I'm guessing Sanikidze would make a lot more money in Greek than in Estonia. Not sure which league would be better for him but I'm just hoping he gets to play a lot this year and actually stays healthy for once.



Is this joke? Greek League is elite league in Europe. only one comparable is Spanish League. If he did well in Greece Spurs would sign him. Remember Spurs fans like Washington as backup point guard and he was not able to handle be starter for mid level Greek team.

AEK is very big sports club one of biggest in Europe. But basketball side has horrible managers. And they have many issues with paying players and selecting players. i do not know if this is right team for him because AEK is in very bad era now even though they are one of key clubs in Greece. Papanikolaou and Hatzis are stars of AEK but they are getting old and Papanikolaou has have injury issues. So it would make sense to get Sanikidze for AEK but i think he can do better with other Greek team.

He should try Panionios. They have cheap owner and small budget but owner is very rich he can easy pay good contract many time more than $70,000. They need SF and they are Euroleague team. If they add player like Sani at backup SF they should be able repeat trip to Euroleague again after this year also. I think would be much better for him go to club like Panionios and spend next couple years in Euroleague.

[timvp]

Is this joke? Greek League is elite league in Europe.


AEK is very big sports club one of biggest in Europe. But basketball side has horrible managers. And they have many issues with paying players and selecting players. i do not know if this is right team for him because AEK is in very bad era now even though they are one of key clubs in Greece.

You just figured it out on your own. Congrats.

[Crus]

If I am about to give a simple yes or no, then it will probably be a yes.
He came 2 years ago to play for panathinaikos in Greece from a quite respectfull in Europe team, Lietuvos. Though he didn't show much in his year in Greece and left the year after to join the Russian Dynamo. He got improved there, but I think his performance in the Olympic Game with Lithuania was moderate.
Although has the body and streangth for the NBA, he is quite slow. His short and middle range shot is at least adequate, as most Lithuanians.. He has some variety of moves and especially his hook and back play game is very good. Though, NBA game has more speed and requires offensive defense, things that Jav doesn't have and probably will never aquire. To compare him with someone there you probably know, Tsakalidis (former AEK and then Suns player) he is for sure a much better center, but more or less a 5-10 min's guy that will come from the bench to make some fouls, get some rebounds and score 2-3 shots. He is (as of quallity and talent measures) not a Gasol, Nowitzki or a Kirilenko.

Hope that helps.

[timvp]

Hope that helps.
Good info. Thanks.

[Crus]

Is this joke? Greek League is elite league in Europe. only one comparable is Spanish League. If he did well in Greece Spurs would sign him. Remember Spurs fans like Washington as backup point guard and he was not able to handle be starter for mid level Greek team.

AEK is very big sports club one of biggest in Europe. But basketball side has horrible managers. And they have many issues with paying players and selecting players. i do not know if this is right team for him because AEK is in very bad era now even though they are one of key clubs in Greece. Papanikolaou and Hatzis are stars of AEK but they are getting old and Papanikolaou has have injury issues. So it would make sense to get Sanikidze for AEK but i think he can do better with other Greek team.

He should try Panionios. They have cheap owner and small budget but owner is very rich he can easy pay good contract many time more than $70,000. They need SF and they are Euroleague team. If they add player like Sani at backup SF they should be able repeat trip to Euroleague again after this year also. I think would be much better for him go to club like Panionios and spend next couple years in Euroleague.

I agree with both comments about the Greek League and AEK former status. This year, is a transition period for AEK. Small budget, but as the management changed it is fully covered from season beggining, so Sani will surely get paid. Also I totally disagree with Sani going to Panionios for 2 reasons.
First, because if what you say here proves to be correct, then it will majorly help my team to improve.:p:
Secondly and as for Sani improvement, he will get far more time in AEK (you said yourself the injury prb's Papanikolaou has) rather in Panionios. After all considering Panionios current roster, he wont have much time to play in the Euroleague (on which Panionios most probably will play just a few games).

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

If I am about to give a simple yes or no, then it will probably be a yes.
He came 2 years ago to play for panathinaikos in Greece from a quite respectfull in Europe team, Lietuvos. Though he didn't show much in his year in Greece and left the year after to join the Russian Dynamo. He got improved there, but I think his performance in the Olympic Game with Lithuania was moderate.
Although has the body and streangth for the NBA, he is quite slow. His short and middle range shot is at least adequate, as most Lithuanians.. He has some variety of moves and especially his hook and back play game is very good. Though, NBA game has more speed and requires offensive defense, things that Jav doesn't have and probably will never aquire. To compare him with someone there you probably know, Tsakalidis (former AEK and then Suns player) he is for sure a much better center, but more or less a 5-10 min's guy that will come from the bench to make some fouls, get some rebounds and score 2-3 shots. He is (as of quallity and talent measures) not a Gasol, Nowitzki or a Kirilenko.

Hope that helps.

Panathinaikos was not good club for him. Obradovic does not really like such players as Javtokas.

[Crus]

Panathinaikos was not good club for him. Obradovic does not really like such players as Javtokas.

Indeed, but why he chose him then? As I said before, I don't think that his Greek performance reflects his talent though.. You must also consider the defence aspect. Obradovic (the coach of panathinaikos) loves his team to play offensive defence, something that Jav doesn't have and probably one of the main reasons he spent most of the time in the bench.

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

I agree with both comments about the Greek League and AEK present status. Though, I totally disagree with Sani going to Panionios for 2 reasons. First, because if what you say here proves to be correct, then it will majorly help my team to improve.:p:
Secondly and as for Sani improvement, he will get far more time in AEK (you said yourself the injury prb's Papanikolaou has) rather in Panionios. After all considering Panionios current roster, he wont have much time to play in the Euroleague (on which Panionios most probably will play just a few games).

In AEK i think he can become starter at SF. In Panionios he would probably be backup for Cvetković. Panionios had Newley and was happy to send him off when they can get Cvetković. But I think would be ok for him in Panionios because backup Sf there is Georgallis. I think Georgallis should me more third string SF in team that is try make top 16 of Euroleague.

I believe Sani would be make #2 SF in Panionios. Only weakness Panionios seem have to me is backup SF and with player like Sani there they should be able make top 16 of Euroleague no problem with some of other players they have.

If Sani goes to AEK I hope he do well and help AEK. Is sad how AEK and PAOK have been and is hurt Greek basketball a lot. PAOK have much better team this year and so now AEK needs to get better. So if he do come to AEK it should help keep them from relegation.

[mountainballer]

So, tomorrow will be the day that we will know for sure Vik's new team. Hope it will be AEK and if that is what is going to happen, then I promise to keep you updated every week for his performance, streangths, weaknesses and overall game!

PS: Anyone who has any kind of questions about any European player (especially from the major leagues) can ask for infos.

welcome! great insight and great posts.
please keep it coming! this forum does quite need some reasonable infos from Greece to "balance" the flow of informations from there.

[Crus]

In AEK i think he can become starter at SF. In Panionios he would probably be backup for Cvetković. Panionios had Newley and was happy to send him off when they can get Cvetković. But I think would be ok for him in Panionios because backup Sf there is Georgallis. I think Georgallis should me more third string SF in team that is try make top 16 of Euroleague.

I believe Sani would be make #2 SF in Panionios. Only weakness Panionios seem have to me is backup SF and with player like Sani there they should be able make top 16 of Euroleague no problem with some of other players they have.

If Sani goes to AEK I hope he do well and help AEK. Is sad how AEK and PAOK have been and is hurt Greek basketball a lot. PAOK have much better team this year and so now AEK needs to get better. So if he do come to AEK it should help keep them from relegation.

Relegation is not an option and wont happen. I don't just say that, I believe it. There are far more weaker teams than AEK (AEL, Trikala, Aigaleo, Kavala etc) and we will not loose many games at home. Anyway we moved the discussion in another topic, so sticking back to our subject, AEK has only 2 weaknesses right now. The SF main or backup and C backup position. If Sani comes and again proves the things many of you wrote in here, then he will be for sure the SF main cover for AEK. Though, there are 2 things that I consider for Sani. First he is from Georgia... I haven't seen many talented Georgian players... Secondly his injury (mainly knees) proness and the lack of competive pro season games he had until now.

PS: thanks for the welcome guys!

[max1981]

Tartu Rock vs AEK Athens contract:

All news here has been that Sanikidze has agreed Rock terms but not signed contract yet - so it wasn't 100% sure thing.

But there hasn't been any other news here also ...so can't comment about AEK Athens deal. Didn't find any info about that also.

Crus (http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=14095) can you give any web link what confirms that deal?

One of my friend knows Rock manager ...maybe I'll get some new info later.

[spursest]

Everybody here say that he will sign for us, although news from Finland suggest that he will be a Tartu player for the season. I'm sure that the Greek League is far more a better choice than the Finnish one and probably the best in Europe (along with the Spanish). Unfortunately if he finally signs .

Finland? Tartu Rock is an Estonian team and doesn't play in Finnish league.
You are seriously overrating Greek league - ACB, Russian Superliga and even maybe Lega A are all stronger than Greek league. Greeks only got Panathinaikos, Olympiakos, Aris and maybe we even could include Panionios to that list.
And for your information Rock beat PAOK (which by the way competes in your superior Greek league) twice last year (69:58 & 90:80).
Quite an arrogant behaviour from you I'd say.

Sorry for the off-topic guys!
Latest news in Estonia say that theres a verbal agreement between Sanikidze and Rock. Rock already signed the contract and now they are waiting for Sanikidze. Probably one factor why he has decided to sign for Rock is that his fellow countryman Giorgi Tsintsadže also plays there.
Sanikidze, at the moment, is in Georgia waiting for Estonian visa.
It should only be a matter of time when he gets to Estonia.

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

Tartu Rock vs AEK Athens contract:

All news here has been that Sanikidze has agreed Rock terms but not signed contract yet - so it wasn't 100% sure thing.

But there hasn't been any other news here also ...so can't comment about AEK Athens deal. Didn't find any info about that also.

Crus (http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=14095) can you give any web link what confirms that deal?

One of my friend knows Rock manager ...maybe I'll get some new info later.

I not know about this issue. But if Tartu contract offer is $70,000 AEK will offer much more. $70,000 US contract is something like very young players coming from junior team would get in Greece A1. NBA draft pick will get much more then this in club like AEK. But club like AEK size will want him pass physicals I think. Club like Tartu probably not care and just want chance to sign him.

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

Finland? Tartu Rock is an Estonian team and doesn't play in Finnish league.
You are seriously overrating Greek league - ACB, Russian Superliga and even maybe Lega A are all stronger than Greek league. Greeks only got Panathinaikos, Olympiakos, Aris and maybe we even could include Panionios to that list.
And for your information Rock beat PAOK (which by the way competes in your superior Greek league) twice last year (69:58 & 90:80).
Quite an arrogant behaviour from you I'd say.

Sorry for the off-topic guys!
Latest news in Estonia say that theres a verbal agreement between Sanikidze and Rock. Rock already signed the contract and now they are waiting for Sanikidze. Probably one factor why he has decided to sign for Rock is that his fellow countryman Giorgi Tsintsadže also plays there.
Sanikidze, at the moment, is in Georgia waiting for Estonian visa.
It's should only be a matter of time when he gets to Estonia.

We always here how poor Greece league in American forums. is all craps and lies. If you think Italy league? This is hilarious thing. You must be make serious joke. Russia league is very strong but not as much as Greece.

Spain is stronger because is much deeper but in last recent years Spain league has dropped a little bit. Greece league is for sure #2 in Europe. You are fool if you think otherwise.

[Crus]

Tartu Rock vs AEK Athens contract:

All news here has been that Sanikidze has agreed Rock terms but not signed contract yet - so it wasn't 100% sure thing.

But there hasn't been any other news here also ...so can't comment about AEK Athens deal. Didn't find any info about that also.

Crus (http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=14095) can you give any web link what confirms that deal?

One of my friend knows Rock manager ...maybe I'll get some new info later.

Everything started when Sani played with Georgia against Sweeden in the Europe Qual's. Our coach (Flevarakis) is also the head coach for the Swedish national team. Info's say that was quite impressive with arround 20 points and 10 rebs, so Flevarakis decided to approach him in order to cover the SF position (main or backup we'll see). He was very near with Tartu, but he hasn't signed any contract with them yet. The info about Tartu and Sani came from Eurobasket.com, a site that often makes maaaaany mistakes in rosters and new signings (I have many examples to give...). The Greek athletic press says that Sani will send his contract with AEK signed, today or tomorrow. So, it is just a matter of hours to be sure. I can provide links, but there are all in Greek... My personal opinion is that he will be an AEK player, considering the vast difference between Esthonian (sorry guys for the mess) and Greek League competition.

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

Tartu is not bad club. is strongest club of Estonia for sure and also he can play in baltic league which is good league and the Eurocup which is very good league. So Tartu would also be ok team for him to play with. But he need to be in Euroleague team. That why I suggest Panionios.

Anyway Tartu is decent club for Europe but please stop with hilarious nonsense like Lega A is better then Greek A1. is make me just laugh too much. Russia Super league is imporve a lot and have very strong teams but still Greece league is a little better I think. But Italy league better? This is nonsense and funny.

[Crus]

Finland? Tartu Rock is an Estonian team and doesn't play in Finnish league.
You are seriously overrating Greek league - ACB, Russian Superliga and even maybe Lega A are all stronger than Greek league. Greeks only got Panathinaikos, Olympiakos, Aris and maybe we even could include Panionios to that list.
And for your information Rock beat PAOK (which by the way competes in your superior Greek league) twice last year (69:58 & 90:80).
Quite an arrogant behaviour from you I'd say.

Sorry for the off-topic guys!
Latest news in Estonia say that theres a verbal agreement between Sanikidze and Rock. Rock already signed the contract and now they are waiting for Sanikidze. Probably one factor why he has decided to sign for Rock is that his fellow countryman Giorgi Tsintsadže also plays there.
Sanikidze, at the moment, is in Georgia waiting for Estonian visa.
It should only be a matter of time when he gets to Estonia.


Mate lets not get into this discussion, cause as you've said before is an offtopic one. But trying to prove that Esthonian League is atleast comparable with the Greek one is quite funny... You've provided the example of paok against tartu, but you don't mention that paok last year avoided relegation in the last game and was probably the worst team in the league, when tartu was -I think- champions there.
Also, I agree with your comments about the power of the Russian and Spanish league, but the Greek one is if not comparable with the Spanish one, at least very close to it and surely better than the Russian. Just consider the Greek teams that won European Championship trophies (in Euroleague, Fiba Euroleague, Euroleague cup and Eurocup) the last 20 years and you will understand that the things you say are at least incorrect. Greek league is not only olympiakos, panathinaikos and aris. Is also AEK (b4 2-3 years atleast), paok (historic team too), panionios and even marousi (fiba euroleague champions in 2001 and 2nd place in 2004).

[spursest]

We always here how poor Greece league in American forums. is all craps and lies. If you think Italy league? This is hilarious thing. You must be make serious joke. Russia league is very strong but not as much as Greece.

Spain is stronger because is much deeper but in last recent years Spain league has dropped a little bit. Greece league is for sure #2 in Europe. You are fool if you think otherwise.

Maybe my first post was littlebit emotional. I'm not from USA though so you can't blame American forums.
I agree that the top level of Greek league (Panathinaikos, Olympiakos, Aris, Panionios) is stronger than Lega A's top level (Montepaschi, Lottomatica, Armani) but in my opinion the overall level (rest of the teams) is stronger in Lega A.
That's just my opinion.


Mate lets not get to this discussion too much cause as you've said is an offtopic one. But trying to prove that Esthonian League is atleast comparable with the Greek one is quite funny...

No, you got me wrong there. I didn't want to say that Estonian league can be compared to Greek league. Estonian league isn't anywhere near to Greek league.
Rock will play in KML (Estonia league, which I said before is very-very weak), Baltic League (best teams from the Baltic countries play there. Including Žalgiris, Rytas, ASK) and EuroCup (Few European powerhouses, who actually would deserve Euroleague place, play there).
There's plenty of chances for Sanikidze to get noticed and move on to the better clubs. In Greece he would only play in one league.

[Crus]

No, you got me wrong there. I didn't want to say that Estonian league can be compared to Greek league. Estonian league isn't anywhere near to Greek league.
Rock will play in KML (Estonia league, which I said before is very weak), Baltic League (best teams from the Baltic countries play there. Including Žalgiris, Rytas, ASK) and EuroCup (Few European powerhouses, who actually would deserve Euroleague place, play there).
There's plenty of chances for Sanikidze to get noticed and move on to the better clubs. In Greece he would only play in one league.

I disagree with you, cause competition in the Esthonian and Baltic League is far more behind than the Greek one. Also, I said b4 that AEK had the chance to play for the Eurocup but decided not to, as the game there becomes competitive only after quarterfinals or so (on which tartu probably won't even reach). Before that, most of the teams are far away from Greece and travel means loosing 2 days of practise every week in order to play a...practise game actually. Euroleague is all the money and can help a player to learn and improve, Eurocup is not. Also, playing in more than one league (which are not very competitive) isn't something better rather than playing in one which can surely help you more in develop as a player.

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

Mate lets not get to this discussion too much cause as you've said is an offtopic one. But trying to prove that Esthonian League is atleast comparable with the Greek one is quite funny... You've provided the example of paok against tartu, but you don't mention that paok last year avoided relegation in the last game and was probably the worst team in the league, when tartu was -I think- champions there.
Also, I agree with your comments about the power of the Russian and Spanish league, but the Greek one is if not comparable, at least very close to these too. Only consider the Greek teams that won European Championship trophies the last 20 years and you will understand that the things you say is at least incorrect. Greek league is not only olympiakos, p[anathinaikos and aris. Is also AEK (b4 2-3 years atleast), paok, panionios and even marousi (fiba euroleague champions in 2001 and 2nd place in 2004).

Yes. I hear this same craps so many times here in forum.

PAO
Olympiacos
Aris
Maroussi
Panionios
PAOK
AEK

When all of these teams is strong Greece league is best in all Europe and ACB cannot even touch it. of course we see this. 1980s Italy was best league then in 1990s was Greece and this decade was Spain. It is in eras. But right now Italy league is weak. Is funny to even put it with Greek league in this time.

PAOK and AEK have been in down years. Last year PAOK was worst in history I never remember PAOK team ever as bad as one from last year. This year PAOK is much superior by far to team of last year.

Anyway AEK is one that look worst ever to me now.

Is true that clubs like PAOK and AEK have been in bad era but now PAOK looks better. But in current era there is still PAO, Olympiacos, Aris, Panionios, Maroussi. is like fans in US and other places of Europe believe other clubs not even exist if not Oly or PAO.

Even with just the era of these 5 clubs Greece league is one of best in Europe and Panellinios is becoming a strong team now also. Is true that because this era PAOK and AEK have been bad Spain league is better and much deeper.

But even now this season I look at 7 good teams for this year in Greece.

PAO
Olympiacos
Panionios
Panellinios
Maroussi
PAOK
Aris

Aris I am little unsure about but even this might be weakest of these 7 teams Aris would win Estonia League.

I am not sure Russian league is better than Greece now it does not look like it as good as Greece still to me. I think right now top teams of each league is like this:

1. CSKA - PAO = PAO

2. Khimki - Olympiacos = Olympiacos

3. Dynamo - Panionios = Dynamo

4. Tryumph - PAOK = PAOK

Tryumph have players like Marcus Goree, Jr Bremer, Nenad Krstic, Alan Anderson, Tunceri but I think PAOK team this year probably better than them overall maybe even team like Maroussi is also.

5. UNICS - Maroussi = Maroussi

6. Panellinios - Ural Great = Panellinios

7. Aris - let just say Aris much superior to all other Russian clubs.

Also PAO and Olympiacos I think this year is both better than any Russia club even CSKA. Bottom level Greek and Russia clubs in past Russian ones would be better I admit but this year bottom Greek teams are also comparable.

Greece league is still #2 best in Europe even with all players Russia league add.

[mountainballer]

Also PAO and Olympiacos I think this year is both better than any Russia club even CSKA.


:lmao
this are exactly the same words you used one year ago, when you claimed that Panathinaikos and Olympiacos are better than any club in Europe. you even called Panathinaikos the best Euroleague team ever.
well, Panathinaikos was the biggest disappointment of the last season and calling Olympiacos a disaster is still friendly.
CSKA is still the champ and the team to beat. they lost Papaloukas, but it's not that Planinic, Lorbek and Morris aren't quality players for Euroleague standards. and they still have the best player in Europe in Siskauskas. you might know him, don't you.

[pad300]

That's a good sign. I still bet he'd be amenable to a buyout and a vet min contract...

Work some sort of complicated buyout agreement with a bunch of backdoors.
EG.

Spurs pay Rock Taru $100K for Sanikidze's to attend Spurs TC. (this does NOT buyout Sanikidze's Rock Taru contract)
If he makes the Spurs team from training camp, SA pays a further $400K to complete Sanikidze's buyout; if not, Sanikidze returns to Rock Taru.
Assuming Sanikidze makes the Spurs, he gets a Vet Min Contract for 3 years, with the 1st year fully guaranteed, and the 2nd and 3ed years partially guaranteed.

Works all around
Rock Taru either gets 100K + Sani or 500K for handing Sani some paper to sign
SA gets a someone who might actually improve the roster in training camp. We need a real 3... Bowen is an SG by size, Udoka is even smaller, and let's hope Finley is kidnapped by aliens...
Sanikidze either gets the contract he already signed, or he gets what I suspect is a considerable upgrade. I'm dead sure that the Estonian league doesn't pay that much, particularly to people who aren't already established stars.


here are translation about that link what you asked:
---------------------------------------------------
Viktor Sanikidze got intrest about Tartu Rock from
another georgian Giorgi Tsintsadze, who will start his
3rd season in Tartu.

Sanikidze tried to find new club and last season FIBA EuroCup semi-finalist team Tartu Rock seemed to be good team to land (cause of BalticLeague and EuroCup)

Sanikidze had made his offer to club and Rock manager Meelis Pastak said
that after he gets permission from board to hire him, he will continue negotation.

The main question is "does Rock has enough money to hire him".
Rock this year budget is 1.7M $.
Coming season most paid player in Tartu Rock will be Tanoka Beard (usa)

-------------------------------

PS! Sanikidze get 70.000 $ in Rock.

70 K for a season? We are giving more than that to Stoudamire to come to training camp. (not to mention Tolliver, Watkins, Farmer and Green...)

Surely we can work out something like what I outlined above...We need a real SF in camp

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

:lmao
this are exactly the same words you used one year ago, when you claimed that Panathinaikos and Olympiacos are better than any club in Europe. you even called Panathinaikos the best Euroleague team ever.
well, Panathinaikos was the biggest disappointment of the last season and calling Olympiacos a disaster is still friendly.
CSKA is still the champ and the team to beat. they lost Papaloukas, but it's not that Planinic, Lorbek and Morris aren't quality players for Euroleague standards. and they still have the best player in Europe in Siskauskas. you might know him, don't you.

CSKA is not level of PAO or Olympiacos this year. Not even close to PAO this year.

have you even look at PAO roster? And Siska is not close to best player in Euroleague. he is not even best player in his team.

[mountainballer]

CSKA is not level of PAO or Olympiacos this year. Not even close to PAO this year.

have you even look at PAO roster? And Siska is not close to best player in Euroleague. he is not even best player in his team.

win first, brag later.
you obviously didn't learn your lessen from last year. PANA DIDN'T EVEN MAKE THE PLAY OFFS, despite the "best Euroleague roster ever", as you tried to make us believe. a bunch of overpayed big names doesn't automatically make a champion.
I should look at the Pana roster?
oh, some weeks ago you explained to us that it was all Jasikevicious fault and how he destroyed the team last season.
guess what, he's still there. so, if he had the power to destroy Pana last year, what's the difference this year??????
and oh yes, they added Drew Nicholas. great, a trigger happy combo guard was exactly what Pana was lacking. good luck with trying to teach him that he no longer is the #1 option on his team, but #4 or #5. and you think you now have a great front court with Pekovic and Fotsis? well maybe, but they won't see the ball anyhow.
and about Siskauskas. we know that in your book it's a law of nature that only a Greek player can be the best player in Europe and that if there is a Greek player on any team in the world, he is automatically the teams best player. HELLO WEAK UP! Papaloukas has left CSKA!
oh I forgot.
they also have Zsisis. now I see what you mean. this season of course Zsisis is the best player of CSKA.

[Crus]

As Viktor said in his ...facebook page he decided to sign with Tartu. Explaining the reasons in an interview to a Greek sports newspaper today, he mentioned that main reason for his decision was that when approached by AEK coach (AEK also send him a contract to be signed and returned back) he had already -orally- agreed with Tartu and he didn't want to break his promise to the Esthonian club. So, that's it guys no updates from Greece for Sani ...this year! Hope for him the best and of course to join and succesfully play one day for the Spurs!


win first, brag later.
you obviously didn't learn your lessen from last year. PANA DIDN'T EVEN MAKE THE PLAY OFFS, despite the "best Euroleague roster ever", as you tried to make us believe. a bunch of overpayed big names doesn't automatically make a champion.
I should look at the Pana roster?
oh, some weeks ago you explained to us that it was all Jasikevicious fault and how he destroyed the team last season.
guess what, he's still there. so, if he had the power to destroy Pana last year, what's the difference this year??????
and oh yes, they added Drew Nicholas. great, a trigger happy combo guard was exactly what Pana was lacking. good luck with trying to teach him that he no longer is the #1 option on his team, but #4 or #5. and you think you now have a great front court with Pekovic and Fotsis? well maybe, but they won't see the ball anyhow.
and about Siskauskas. we know that in your book it's a law of nature that only a Greek player can be the best player in Europe and that if there is a Greek player on any team in the world, he is automatically the teams best player. HELLO WEAK UP! Papaloukas has left CSKA!
oh I forgot.
they also have Zsisis. now I see what you mean. this season of course Zsisis is the best player of CSKA.

Mate, I don't want to be the ...laywer of Kill-Bill user (after all I hate panathinaikos :P) but why you have so much tense when you discuss this matter? Chill mate, it's just sports, if you're right CSKA (or an another russian team) will again win the Euroleague champions or if you're wrong, it will be panathinaikos or olympiakos or someone else and etc. The Spanish League and it's teams are number 1 in Europe the last years. There are years on which Greek teams win the Euroleague, some others it is a Russian club or even Macabi from Israel. You cannot surely judge a league, just from looking who is taking the Euroleague or Eurocup trophies. It is a good info and a strong argument but surely not the only one. In order to fully judge which Europe League is the best or 2nd, you must watch games every week, see the rosters and follow the progress of their local teams inbound (nationally) and outbound (european level). I don't watch the Spanish, the Russian or the Italian league, but I can say for sure that these 3 are in the top of Europe zone. The Greek one is also in the top 3, probably 2nd or 3rd. Your disagreement is what? That it is 3rd or 4th and you don't like someone to tell you that it is 2nd? I honestly can't understand your sayings...

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

win first, brag later.
you obviously didn't learn your lessen from last year. PANA DIDN'T EVEN MAKE THE PLAY OFFS, despite the "best Euroleague roster ever", as you tried to make us believe. a bunch of overpayed big names doesn't automatically make a champion.
I should look at the Pana roster?
oh, some weeks ago you explained to us that it was all Jasikevicious fault and how he destroyed the team last season.
guess what, he's still there. so, if he had the power to destroy Pana last year, what's the difference this year??????
and oh yes, they added Drew Nicholas. great, a trigger happy combo guard was exactly what Pana was lacking. good luck with trying to teach him that he no longer is the #1 option on his team, but #4 or #5. and you think you now have a great front court with Pekovic and Fotsis? well maybe, but they won't see the ball anyhow.
and about Siskauskas. we know that in your book it's a law of nature that only a Greek player can be the best player in Europe and that if there is a Greek player on any team in the world, he is automatically the teams best player. HELLO WEAK UP! Papaloukas has left CSKA!
oh I forgot.
they also have Zsisis. now I see what you mean. this season of course Zsisis is the best player of CSKA.

1. You are idiot

2. Last year PAO play Euroleague without their centers and have 6-8 center and 6-5 power forward. I guess for you this never happen.

3. Planinic and Lorbek is better players I think than Siska and maybe Morris also. Zizic? No. He is more talent maybe then any player in CSKA but he is big failure even eyes of Greeks. He is one of major disappointment in all Europe.

4. CSKA is still maybe #3 or #4 team in Euroleague still but Olympiacos should be better then them this year and so should PAO. And I never say Olympiacos was better team then them last year.

5. Yes I am talk about talents of teams and "on papers" abilities.

Olympiacos have some great players like Bourousis, Childress, Vasilopoulos, and Pelekanos. Printezis also is player with good potential but still role player. Then they have the champion level role players like Greer, Papaloukas, Halperin, Vujcic and even some other ones can help like Sofo, Erceg and such. Childress, Vasilo and Bourousis is in premiere group of players in all Europe - I assume for Childress but we still have to see.

PG Papaloukas/Greer/Milosevic
SG Pelekanos/Halperin/Teodosic
SF Childress/Printezis
PF Vasilopoulos/Erceg/Vouyoukas
C Bourousis/Vujcic/Sofo

These is rotation that should be able handle CSKA I believe. Even if Papaloukas is still decline Greer is ok to bring ball up court with such scorers around him. Olympiacos team is much more athletic team with also they have much better depth with big players then CSKA.

CSKA is very good team still. Lorbek is better then Andersen who leave and Planinic is now better then Papaloukas and they replace these players. Also Morris is better then Goree and he replace him. CSKA also have some young players that is keep get better and is NBA players in future probably and they add player like Keyru and he is solid. Khyrapa keep get better also. Siska, Holden, Langdon, Smodis these key players is in prime of career. Zisis is maybe most talent player on team but he is huge disappointment. In Greece he is joke. Such talent and so great at such young age and every year he get worse ever since Varejao break his face bones. Maybe he will come back but I doubt this. He is still very good backup player though and would be starter in even most of best teams in Europe. Savraksenko also good backup.

PG Holden/Zisis/Shved
SG Langdon/Planinic
SF Siskauskas/Khryapa/Keyru
PF Smodis/Morris/Vorontsevich
C Lorbek/Savrasenko/Kaun

This is even better team then from before the team that make 3 straigh Euroleague finals and win 2 of them. But even though is better team new Olympiacos team look better to me. Much more athletic team and more players can create own shot and also they have more players with size for ever role needed. Both teams has excellent coaches. Just seem similar teams and very good and among best ever but Oly is much better in athlete aspects. Also Oly have some much better one verse one defenders with players like Vasilo and Childress and Pelekanos. CSKA has no defenders as good as they is.


For compare PAO to CSKA I do not think will be close this time. Last year PAO lose both centers in Euroleague because of injury and this why team was eliminate. If team stay healthy plus with current roster is by far best team in Euroleague. Much better then CSKA. Even CSKA is better then last year which they is in talent it not matter. Real is also very very strong this year we will see how they do.

Best team should be PAO. This time I not think Obradovic will make mistake of have Saras be key player. he learn about this mistake already. Now he will be in role he should be. Players like him and Diamantidis is role players not players who should be key stars. I think Obradovic understand this by now. Also last season our two centers were injure and not play in Euroleague and this is why we lost. So if we not have injuries it will be fine. We add Nicholas and Pekovic and Fotsis and Verginis. We just need stay healthy and everything will be fine for us. Greek Cup and Euroleague will be hard to win but Greek championship is no issue. Olympiacos I do not think can win us in 5 game series, one game yes but in 5 I do not believe they can beat us. And even in Cup and Euroleague we should be favored team.

PG Diamantidis/Jasikevicius/Tatarounis
SG Spanoulis/Nicholas/Verginis
SF Perperoglou/Hatzivrettas/Kecman
PF Fotsis/Tsartsaris/Sakota/Alvertis
C Batiste/Pekovic

So PAO have superstar player for Euroleague level with Spanoulis and then ones that is top stars for this level like Pekovic, Batiste. Fotsis and then ones that is not in that level but is still players would be franchise player in most Euroleague teams like Nicholas, Diamantidis, Jasikevicius and even champion type role players like Hatzivrettas and Tsartsaris. And then PAO have Perperoglou which is young player and inexperience and will start at SF. Can be see as only weakness of PAO. But Perperoglou is one of very most talent players in all Europe and one of most talent Greek players ever. So "weakness" of team may become very best part along with Spanoulis.




Other teams will be very strong like Real, TAU, Barcelona, Siena, Maccabi and I think Real and Siena should be much in same class as CSKA, Oly, PAO this year as favorites for final four.

[mrspurs]

this guy is a vanilla version of tayshaun prince without the freckles...

is he our answer at the 3?

Wont happen

[mountainballer]

Mate, I don't want to be the ...laywer of Kill-Bill user (after all I hate panathinaikos :P) but why you have so much tense when you discuss this matter?

visit this site for some weeks (or some other Spurs site) and you will know it.:D
since Spanoulis was on the Spurs roster for some weeks KBP floods all Spurs forums with hymns about the greatness of V-Span, the unbeatable Panathinaikos team or all the Greek players, who would dominate in the NBA, if they were in the league.
that's sometimes funny and mostly annoying.
it's not that this site didn't appreciate some (objective) informations about Greek players and the Greek league or the Euroleague.

[mountainballer]

1. You are idiot


only a fool writes a whole novel to explain something to an idiot what the idiot won't get anyhow.

[Indazone]

Sofo still playing? Hey maybe if he keeps eating hamburgers and gyros he can grow himself so big that nobody will be able to get around him to get to the basket. Sofo the fatso!

[Bruno]

As Viktor said in his ...facebook page he decided to sign with Tartu. Explaining the reasons in an interview to a Greek sports newspaper today, he mentioned that main reason for his decision was that when approached by AEK coach (AEK also send him a contract to be signed and returned back) he had already -orally- agreed with Tartu and he didn't want to break his promise to the Esthonian club. So, that's it guys no updates from Greece for Sani ...this year! Hope for him the best and of course to join and succesfully play one day for the Spurs!


Thanks for the news.

I think Taru is a good place for him. Sanikidze hasn't played a season at a quite high level for three years. He should get some consistent playing time in Estonia and I quite like that he will face teams with different levels.

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

Sofo still playing? Hey maybe if he keeps eating hamburgers and gyros he can grow himself so big that nobody will be able to get around him to get to the basket. Sofo the fatso!

Yes it was report he is now in 375 pounds. was report at 420 pounds during Olympics. target weight is 340 pounds. It was say actual weight over last summer was 445 pounds even though Olympiacos never admit he get over 405 pounds. Greece team at Olympics claim he was 375 but it was report real number was 420.

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

I just want say every 4 years Euroleague look over each domestic league and how they perform and what level they have in teams an where league is at in current days.

They just do this again and announce new league setting for teams which is base on "how strong is each domestic league".

This is how many teams will be for Euroleague start next year base on "current strength of each league".

1. Spain 4 teams
1. Greece 4 teams
3. Italy 3 teams
4. Russia 2 teams (even after they add so many NBA players)
4. Turkey 2 teams
4. France 2 teams

rest of domestic leagues that is consider good enough for Euroleague level will gets 1 team each and then also ULEB Eurocup which is second tier level of Euroleague will also get 1 team.


So all liars of Europe fans which is haters and Americans fans which keep make up craps they not know anything about is prove wrong. Euroleague announce Greek League is equal to Spanish one and better then all others.

[max1981]

...get over it

[Sissiborgo]

http://www.fibaeurope.com/files/%7BA0E56A4E-C3BE-4578-A4C1-AF7315CD37E1%7Dlarge_v.jpg

Viktor Sanikidze (Georgia)

FIBAEurope.com (http://www.fibaeurope.com)

Looks just like Bogut on this pic...

[Bruno]

I just read on IBN that the Sweden/Georgia game is available online :
http://www.svenskbaskettelevision.se/news_show_tuffa_georgien_gastar_sverige_i_umea.htm l?id=1256864

Sanikidze is number 13, red jersey.

[yavozerb]

Just started watching...is it halftime?

[yavozerb]

The quality of the streaming video is much better than most games here in the U.S.

[Bruno]

Just started watching...is it halftime?

This game happened one week ago. It isn't a live streaming.

[Zog]

Sanikidze will join Tartu Rock today in Lithuania, where the team will begin its Baltic League season with a clash with the third strongest Lithuanian team Šiauliai. The team participated in a pre-season friendly tournament and lost to Riga Barons (Latvian champion) 86:73 and Kaunas Žalgiris (Lithuanian champion, euroleague team) 72:73. However, signs are better than two losses would suggest, since Žalgiris is just about the best club they're likely to play against... (thinking of it, there are only a handful of clubs in Europe that could consider themselves clearly stronger than Žalgiris), and the games were played without Sanikidze, Tanel Tein (first choice SG) and Vallo Allingu (second choice C). However, one clearly cannot read too much into the results of friendly matches, so... we'll see how Rock and Sanikidze will get on.

[Bruno]

Thanks for the news and welcome.

[Mikk]

Tartu Rock beat Lietuvos Rytas (Lithuania top 2 club) 79-66
Sanikidze with 14 points 6 rebonds 1 assist in 24 min of playtime.

Stats: http://www.bbl.net/index.php/b19sYW5nPWVuJm9fc2Vhcz0yMSZvX2xlYWc9OCZmdXNlYWN0aW 9uPWdhbWVzLm1haW4mZ19pZD0xMjk1

and some game moments (Rock is in white): http://sport.err.ee/index.php?0&popup=video&id=6704

[Solid D]

Thanks for the update and the video, Mikk! Sanikidze looks like he has bulked up slightly.

[timvp]

Tartu Rock beat Lietuvos Rytas (Lithuania top 2 club) 79-66
Sanikidze with 14 points 6 rebonds 1 assist in 24 min of playtime.

Stats: http://www.bbl.net/index.php/b19sYW5nPWVuJm9fc2Vhcz0yMSZvX2xlYWc9OCZmdXNlYWN0aW 9uPWdhbWVzLm1haW4mZ19pZD0xMjk1

and some game moments (Rock is in white): http://sport.err.ee/index.php?0&popup=video&id=6704

Very cool. Keep us updated :tu

[Zog]

It has been a slightly odd season for Rock so far... they have beaten Lietuvas Rytas, Riga Barons and just today beat Riga ASK and are currently ranked second in the baltic league behind ASK... which is surely better than could have been expected... and then again, they managed to lose to an Austrian club and therefore have to play in the lower European league... Anyway... a quiet game from Sanikidze today... 8 minutes, 2 free throws made, 3 rebounds, 1 foul and 2 turnovers. Rock's leader was rather unexpectedly Asko Paade with 19 points, Tanoka Beard had 18p and 12rb.

[nick23]

http://static.kalev.ee/kalev_media/pl2/player.swf?movie=http://static.kalev.ee/apps/kalev_media/200811/40964_Viktor.flv&bgcolor=0x051615&fgcolor=0x13ABEC&volume=&autoload=on&autorewind=on&clickurl=&clicktarget=

[Bartleby]

http://static.kalev.ee/kalev_media/pl2/player.swf?movie=http://static.kalev.ee/apps/kalev_media/200811/40964_Viktor.flv&bgcolor=0x051615&fgcolor=0x13ABEC&volume=&autoload=on&autorewind=on&clickurl=&clicktarget=

:lol

[Solid D]

Hmmm, it's not the only goal that has come crashing to the ground for Sanikidze.

[timvp]

Hmmm, it's not the only goal that has come crashing to the ground for Sanikidze.

:lol Ouch.

Seriously though, Sanikidze now looks like he's 22 going on 37. He looks in even worse shape and even more "elevated" than usual.

[tp2021]

http://static.kalev.ee/kalev_media/pl2/player.swf?movie=http://static.kalev.ee/apps/kalev_media/200811/40964_Viktor.flv&bgcolor=0x051615&fgcolor=0x13ABEC&volume=&autoload=on&autorewind=on&clickurl=&clicktarget=

Less cool than how Shaq does it. But, this means he is Spurs material, since he went about it in a more low-key fashion, and on a goal that is cheaper (cheap is good here).

[exstatic]

Who?

[ChumpDumper]

Yeah, it's about time to write this guy off.

[Austin_Toros]

fuck it.

bring him over and see what hes got.

At worst you stash him in austin.

Fuck these euro teams.

Mahinmi as well.


i totally agree with you
ive been waiting to get him playing in america for ages- nba or dleague
it would be great to see him on our roster

[objective]

is there any chance that Viktor has a much older, severely balding brother on the team?

[Manufan909]

What position is this guy?

[duncan228]

What position is this guy?

From Marcus Bryant's first post.

NBA Position: Small Forward

[nick23]

What position is this guy?
in "rock" he is playing Center :) but he is Power Forward :)

[GSH]

An update on Sanikidze is sort of like an update on Viet Nam.

[Mikk]

in "rock" he is playing Center :) but he is Power Forward :)

center ? he plays sf in rock... pf if there's no other option. He only plays if other guys get tired or foul problems... has had some good games but nothing impressive.

[wildbill2u]

1. You are idiot

2. Last year PAO play Euroleague without their centers and have 6-8 center and 6-5 power forward. I guess for you this never happen.

3. Planinic and Lorbek is better players I think than Siska and maybe Morris also. Zizic? No. He is more talent maybe then any player in CSKA but he is big failure even eyes of Greeks. He is one of major disappointment in all Europe.

4. CSKA is still maybe #3 or #4 team in Euroleague still but Olympiacos should be better then them this year and so should PAO. And I never say Olympiacos was better team then them last year.

5. Yes I am talk about talents of teams and "on papers" abilities.

Olympiacos have some great players like Bourousis, Childress, Vasilopoulos, and Pelekanos. Printezis also is player with good potential but still role player. Then they have the champion level role players like Greer, Papaloukas, Halperin, Vujcic and even some other ones can help like Sofo, Erceg and such. Childress, Vasilo and Bourousis is in premiere group of players in all Europe - I assume for Childress but we still have to see.

PG Papaloukas/Greer/Milosevic
SG Pelekanos/Halperin/Teodosic
SF Childress/Printezis
PF Vasilopoulos/Erceg/Vouyoukas
C Bourousis/Vujcic/Sofo

These is rotation that should be able handle CSKA I believe. Even if Papaloukas is still decline Greer is ok to bring ball up court with such scorers around him. Olympiacos team is much more athletic team with also they have much better depth with big players then CSKA.

CSKA is very good team still. Lorbek is better then Andersen who leave and Planinic is now better then Papaloukas and they replace these players. Also Morris is better then Goree and he replace him. CSKA also have some young players that is keep get better and is NBA players in future probably and they add player like Keyru and he is solid. Khyrapa keep get better also. Siska, Holden, Langdon, Smodis these key players is in prime of career. Zisis is maybe most talent player on team but he is huge disappointment. In Greece he is joke. Such talent and so great at such young age and every year he get worse ever since Varejao break his face bones. Maybe he will come back but I doubt this. He is still very good backup player though and would be starter in even most of best teams in Europe. Savraksenko also good backup.

PG Holden/Zisis/Shved
SG Langdon/Planinic
SF Siskauskas/Khryapa/Keyru
PF Smodis/Morris/Vorontsevich
C Lorbek/Savrasenko/Kaun

This is even better team then from before the team that make 3 straigh Euroleague finals and win 2 of them. But even though is better team new Olympiacos team look better to me. Much more athletic team and more players can create own shot and also they have more players with size for ever role needed. Both teams has excellent coaches. Just seem similar teams and very good and among best ever but Oly is much better in athlete aspects. Also Oly have some much better one verse one defenders with players like Vasilo and Childress and Pelekanos. CSKA has no defenders as good as they is.


For compare PAO to CSKA I do not think will be close this time. Last year PAO lose both centers in Euroleague because of injury and this why team was eliminate. If team stay healthy plus with current roster is by far best team in Euroleague. Much better then CSKA. Even CSKA is better then last year which they is in talent it not matter. Real is also very very strong this year we will see how they do.

Best team should be PAO. This time I not think Obradovic will make mistake of have Saras be key player. he learn about this mistake already. Now he will be in role he should be. Players like him and Diamantidis is role players not players who should be key stars. I think Obradovic understand this by now. Also last season our two centers were injure and not play in Euroleague and this is why we lost. So if we not have injuries it will be fine. We add Nicholas and Pekovic and Fotsis and Verginis. We just need stay healthy and everything will be fine for us. Greek Cup and Euroleague will be hard to win but Greek championship is no issue. Olympiacos I do not think can win us in 5 game series, one game yes but in 5 I do not believe they can beat us. And even in Cup and Euroleague we should be favored team.

PG Diamantidis/Jasikevicius/Tatarounis
SG Spanoulis/Nicholas/Verginis
SF Perperoglou/Hatzivrettas/Kecman
PF Fotsis/Tsartsaris/Sakota/Alvertis
C Batiste/Pekovic

So PAO have superstar player for Euroleague level with Spanoulis and then ones that is top stars for this level like Pekovic, Batiste. Fotsis and then ones that is not in that level but is still players would be franchise player in most Euroleague teams like Nicholas, Diamantidis, Jasikevicius and even champion type role players like Hatzivrettas and Tsartsaris. And then PAO have Perperoglou which is young player and inexperience and will start at SF. Can be see as only weakness of PAO. But Perperoglou is one of very most talent players in all Europe and one of most talent Greek players ever. So "weakness" of team may become very best part along with Spanoulis.




Other teams will be very strong like Real, TAU, Barcelona, Siena, Maccabi and I think Real and Siena should be much in same class as CSKA, Oly, PAO this year as favorites for final four.

:sleep:sleep:sleep:sleep That post was a four-snorer

[ChumpDumper]

2. Last year PAO play Euroleague without their centers and have 6-8 center and 6-5 power forward. I guess for you this never happen.That happens in the D-League a lot, so that makes sense.

[nick23]

http://www.bbl.net/index.php/b19sYW5nPWVuJm9fc2Vhcz0yMSZvX2xlYWc9OCZmdXNlYWN0aW 9uPWdhbWVzLm1haW4mZ19pZD0xMzg1

he get Double Double 16 PTS and 10 Reb

[TDMVPDPOY]

how much does NBDL players get paid?

sani on 70k a year wtf is he doing wasting himself there....

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

how much does NBDL players get paid?

sani on 70k a year wtf is he doing wasting himself there....

NBDL is 18,000 for most players, some gets about 30,000 and maximum salary there is 50,000 and leagues like USBL, ABA, CBL is around 50,000.

And remember salary of 70,000 in Estonia is net, not gross.

[Kori Ellis]

NBDL is 18,000 for most players, some gets about 30,000 and maximum salary there is 50,000 and leagues like USBL, ABA, CBL is around 50,000.

And remember salary of 70,000 in Estonia is net, not gross.

I believe the D League maximum is only $30K.

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

I believe the D League maximum is only $30K.

Yes is correct but I think there is allowance for 50,000 if some players go back and forth to NBA. Maybe I am wrong on this though. I know in Greece D-League players was say they was get like 18,000 gross in D League and about 400-500 thousand euro net in Greece.

[Kori Ellis]

Yes is correct but I think there is allowance for 50,000 if some players go back and forth to NBA. Maybe I am wrong on this though. I know in Greece D-League players was say they was get like 18,000 gross in D League and about 400-500 thousand euro net in Greece.

Up until 2007, the 3 pay levels in the D League were $12K, $18K and $24K (gross). Last year, I believe that changed to $18K, $24K and $30K but I'm not sure of those exact numbers. They also usually get rent paid and $30 a day food allowance on the road. It's a far cry from the money that they can get paid overseas (or obviously in the NBA).

For example, when my friend went and played in Israel, he made $500K net (plus rent paid, etc) for the season. This year, he decided to stay in D League and not go back overseas, so he's making $30K. :lol Drastic drop off but a better chance of getting called up.

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

Up until 2007, the 3 pay levels in the D League were $12K, $18K and $24K (gross). Last year, I believe that changed to $18K, $24K and $30K but I'm not sure of those exact numbers. They also usually get rent paid and $30 a day food allowance on the road. It's a far cry from the money that they can get paid overseas (or obviously in the NBA).

For example, when my friend went and played in Israel, he made $500K net (plus rent paid, etc) for the season. This year, he decided to stay in D League and not go back overseas, so he's making $30K. :lol Drastic drop off but a better chance of getting called up.

What is name of friend maybe I have seen him play?

[j2nes123]

hello.
well i think spurs should really keep an eye on this guy. seriously. viktor did a great game today against estonian another top team Kalev Cramo. this was a Baltic League game. also first playoff game. Kalev managed to end with 3rd place in the main season and rock was 6rd. so they are playing now to each other to get to final four. Kalev was clear favorite in this game and specialists didnt believe very much that Tartu Rock could win but they did it. and thanks to Viktor Sanikidze! damn, this guy is an animal. he likes to dunk and he's aggressive. perfect for NBA. also good at field goal shots. if he gets his play going on, then he rules the court.

and he truly believes that he can fly.
http://sport.err.ee/failid/galerii5584.jpg

[timvp]

^^^ Nice. Thanks for the update :tu

[poop]

Monster 11 inch arms on 'viktor sanskizikiaksiki'

[AA2120]

mr. shmikel shmakel

[TDMVPDPOY]

shit this guy is like javtokas without the shark tats lmao

[Summers]

I was just thinking it might not be the best day to tout some foreign player. :lol