Georgi Shermadini (also Shermatini) is a 7-1 center from the Republic of Georgia and one of the big name prospects in Europe.

(discuss Georgi Shermadini)

As normal with younger players that sprout up before they’re bodies are ready, the 20-year old Shermadini is still years away from filling in his skinny, 7-1 frame.

But with potential as immense as his size, a 19-year old Shermadini dominated the Georgian league, averaging 33.5 points and 18.4 rebounds and 3.1 blocks in 2008-09.

In Eurobasket qualification games, Georgi joined Team Georgia and put up 4.6 points, shooting 68% from the field, and 2.3 rebounds in just 7.2 minutes a game as a backup to national team star and NBA center Zaza Pachulia.

Following his promising performances, Shermadini would sign with Greek powerhouse Panathinaikos for the 2009-10 Euroleague season.

Playing with Panathinaikos, he found himself again in a backup role, this time to league superstar Nikola Peković.

However, Sharmadini has showed his skills in early pre-season games where he has scored 16 points and 28 points.

“Three years ago, when I started my career, I coudn’t even imagine that I should be part of the best European team.” said Shermadini. “I’ll work hard to show my potential and have some playing time when coach (Željko) Obradović decides that I am ready to be on the court.”

“It’s a big honor for me and also a great opportunity.”

And Obradovic is willing to give his young players, including Milenko Tepic and Georgios Bogris, “If some big players are not there, that opens up opportunities for young prospects to prove themselves and shine.” says Obradovic

Early on, the 16-year old Shermadini started making waves of Ricky Rubio-proportions for his club team Tbilis; scoring 89 points scored against Sokhumi State University, in addition to recording games with 76, 60, 54 and 52 points.

Shermadini’s performance at the Adidas Superstar Camp earned him a selection to the World All-Star Team, but he didn’t participate because of a meniscus injury.

This same injury caused many NBA teams not to select the Georgian prospect when he declared early for the 2008 NBA draft.

Links and Resources: Georgi Shermadini Discussion (Interbasket)