Giorgi Bezhanishvili leaves Illinois to pursue pro opportunities

#51      
Thank you Giorgi. You're a big man with an even bigger personality. It's been a joy to watch you. Good luck!
 
#52      
We need to start getting some decent incoming transfers. With Ayo, Giorgi, Trent, Damonte, and Miller gone and only 2 signed recruits we've got a ton of gaps to fill
 
#54      
Good for Giorgi. At his age he should start a pro career. Great personality for the program. If Kofi had never came and Giorgi had played the 5 his entire career here, he'd have been thought of much more highly than I think he is. Probably the best "find" of Underwood's recruiting tenure here. One of the best finds ever for an Illinois player, up there with Mike Davis.
 
#55      
Happy for Giogi, but dang. If Kofi declares, we are looking at losing 6 of our top 7 in minutes and scoring. It feels like we are completely starting over, which is sad given the chemistry this year's team had. Such is college sports in this day and age, I guess.
 
#56      
It's hard to hear news of our players deciding to leave us. I find that it is extra hard this year because we have not been able to show our love and support in the normal ways. I feel that they got cheated out of a normal year/season. Fans also got cheated in not having more time with them. Seems like Georgi just got to campus. He was the "light" and inspiration in our program when things were awfully gloomy. He gave us hope and then helped us to rise up out of it. I wish there was a way that we could tell all the team how much we appreciate all that they accomplished. Love all of them and wish them all a great future. Look forward to having their continuing support as alumni of our great university.
 
#57      
Thank You Giorgi, you were so much fun to watch and to cheer for and with. Your attitude throughout has been absolutely AMAZING, and Illini nation is better from the experience. Good luck in your professional pursuits within and beyond basketball.
 
#58      
Love you Giorgi. Was in attendance for his game freshman year vs Rutgers. A one man wrecking crew that day. Thanks for making in fun to be a fan again. Good Luck in whatever you do.
 
#60      
Wait what?? Was this expected? Didn’t realize he was even considering this.

We probably won’t be very good next season :( unless BU can work some transfer magic.
 
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#62      

barnhartkc

Vincennes, IN
It's hard to hear news of our players deciding to leave us. I find that it is extra hard this year because we have not been able to show our love and support in the normal ways. I feel that they got cheated out of a normal year/season. Fans also got cheated in not having more time with them. Seems like Georgi just got to campus. He was the "light" and inspiration in our program when things were awfully gloomy. He gave us hope and then helped us to rise up out of it. I wish there was a way that we could tell all the team how much we appreciate all that they accomplished. Love all of them and wish them all a great future. Look forward to having their continuing support as alumni of our great university.
Agree! His personality was infectious and he will be missed! My 14-year-old daughter is not happy as Giorgi was her favorite based on his attitude and approach to everything.
 
#63      

JFGsCoffeeMug

BU:1 Trash cans:0
Chicago
Wait what?? Was this expected? Didn’t realize he was even considering this.
Certainly not unexpected. Giorgi has been pretty open about how hard it's been to be away from his family. Quarantining this season was also rough for him as someone who feeds off of social interaction. Finally, the rumor that he is on track for an early graduation all contributed towards this being a real possibility.
 
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#66      
Happy for him, bummed for us and not because my autocorrect finally learned how to spell his name.

Can’t say it enough, Giorgi is amazing!
 
#69      

illini80

Forgottonia
Such a good guy. He was put in a difficult situation and stayed positive and did anything that was asked of him. We will never see another quite like him. Thanks for the great memories and I’m wishing him a long and prosperous career.
 
#70      
Loved Giorgi. Such a free spirited amazing dude. My eternal optimist was hopeful for another season, but after this very long year it is beyond understandable for him to return home.

Here’s to an AMAZING pro career for Giorgi B, whether that be in the NBA (who knows?) or back in Europe, all the best.
 
#73      

SKane

Tennessee
The most surprisingly good Illinois player since Mike Davis.
 
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#74      
You were a bright light for the team and the university Georgi. Wish you the best & hope to see you back in
C-U soon.
 
#75      
With all that is going on in college basketball he certainly will not be the only one to declare. So, with G League players, international players, and several underclassman to enter as well, I can’t see how this makes much sense. There is zero chance he gets drafted. Zero. So why not play out your career to improve your chances, get a degree or two, and come back?
I love Giorgi, but sorry folks there is no chance he gets drafted. Even Kofi was not projected to go in the first round as of recent projections.
looks like Illinois is losing atleast 5 players, if not more. It was nice to finally experience one year of a great team.
cant see the same success now for atleast a couple if not more. Best of luck to Giorgi he has an infectious way about him.
Of course he's not getting drafted. He's going to play in Europe, and be closer to his family. And he is getting a degree, he graduates in May.