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Forward Giogri Bezhanishvili signed with Illinois.
SIGNED.
— Illini Basketball (@IlliniMBB) April 11, 2018
Welcome to the #Illini Family, Giorgi Bezhanishvili ✍️ pic.twitter.com/vh2epAWG8l
His commitment to the Fighting Illini was announced on March 27.
Congrats to Patrick School ‘18 6’10 F Giorgi Bezhanishvili on his commitment to Illinois! Let’s work now Young king!!! #JayhawksRising #WeAreTheJayhawks pic.twitter.com/1y6NXRx2bU
— NY JAYHAWKS (@NYJayhawks) March 27, 2018
At 6-foot-9, 230 pounds, Bezhanishvili adds much-needed size to the Illini. Forward Leron Black decided to turn pro and forward Michael Finke is transferring for his final season.
Bezhanishvili is a plus-passer and ball handler for his size, but the rest of his game will need work to play well at the Big Ten level. He is very raw, but Brad Underwood and his staff are betting on his upside, and his potential in the system.
Austin Burklund from ESPNCU did the lord’s work in helping fans with the pronunciation of Bezhanishvili.
Your go to guide on how to pronounce new #Illini commit Giorgi Bezhanishvili’s name. pic.twitter.com/PkWEFM9OuU
— Austin Burklund (@AB1132) March 27, 2018
According to 247 Sports, Bezhanishvili is a three-star recruit.
Fans may not see much of the Austrian in 2018-19, but the Illini are playing the long-game, and hope they may have a very versatile offensive weapon on their hands.
For more on how Bezhanishvili’ commitment impacts the Illini and how he will play into Illinois’ 2018-19 season, check out TCR’s Ian Gold’s analysis here.