Goga Bitadze was born to Georgian parents in Sagarejo. The 25-year-old NBA center for Orlando Magic has opened up about how his father inspired him to pursue his career in sports.
The Sagarejo-born has often thanked his mother and aunt for helping his family overcome the struggles.
When Bitadze announced his intention to enter the 2019 NBA draft on April 20, he was considered a potential lottery pick.
In the 2019 NBA draft, the Indiana Pacers drafted him with the 18th overall choice. The Indiana Pacers confirmed Bitadze’s signing on July 15, 2019. He played alongside other rookies like Isaiah Jackson there.
Bitadze made his NBA debut on October 28, 2019, when he represented the Pacers. After three and a half seasons, the Pacers released Bitadze on February 9, 2023. Bitadze signed a contract with the Orlando Magic on February 13, 2023. He re-signed with the Magic on July 6, 2024.
The Basketball Center for the Orlando Magic has become one of the most critical players on the team. Moreover, the fact that only six players from Georgia have ever played in the NBA before him makes his story more inspiring.
Now, NBA fans around the world want to know how Goga and his family managed to reach this height after a struggling early day.
Key Takeaways:
- Goga Bitadze was introduced to basketball by his father, Gocha, a 6-7 former professional basketball player who later played wrestling.
- Bitadze’s Mother and Aunt worked 14 hours daily at the grocery store to bring food to the table.
- Goga was born the second child in the family after his older sister.
- Bitadze started playing basketball at six and later played worldwide before landing his NBA contract.
Goga Bitadze’s Parents Were Instrumental in His Career
Goga Bitadze’s parents raised him and his older sister in Sagarejo. His father played hoops and other sports, while his mother ensured the family always had food on the table.
His father, Gocha, inspired him to pursue a career in sports. He played pro hoops before turning to professional wrestling. At just six, Goga started taking a keen interest in sports, specifically Basketball.
Goga was introduced to basketball by his father, Gocha, a 6-7 former professional basketball player and now a wrestler for the Georgian national team.
He did this to keep Goga out of trouble and maintain a healthy lifestyle. The sport quickly captured the heart of the active child who was too tall for his age.
Bitadze usually watched highlights of NBA games, which were occasionally broadcast in Georgia but only on television at three or four in the morning.
For a young man from Georgia, a nation that had only sent six players to the NBA, it still felt like a distant fantasy to play on the most prominent basketball stage.
His idol and tutor, Zaza Pachulia, is the most prominent countryman in the league and plays for the Pistons.
The Nuggets selected Nikoloz Tskitishvili with the fifth overall pick in the 2002 NBA Draft, but he quickly left the club after falling well short of expectations.
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Goga Bitadze’s Mother and Aunt Worked 14 Hours At a Grocery Store To Bring Food to the Table
Goga Bitadze and his family faced many struggles in the early days. However, despite the hardships, Goga’s mother and aunt, whom people call Goga’s two moms, ensured the family had food on the table.
Furthermore, his mom, aunt, and sister were his most prominent supporters from childhood and some of the first to know his sports potential. He could always return home to visit his mother and aunt, no matter how awful the day got. They would see him at home.
The 25-year-old NBA player could sense their fatigue daily after working another demanding 14-hour day at the grocery store. Most likely, they could not bring so much money home with them.
When asked, “Which individual, player, or family member has influenced your career the most?” by Eurohoops, Bitadze said, “Definitely my family as a whole. My mom, my sister, and my aunt helped me with everything. They would follow me to every practice, and even through some tough times in Georgia, they didn’t talk about that much.”
He added,” They pushed me to work hard, motivating, trusting me, and believing in what I did. They are the most important people in my life and career.”
Goga says, “I think that’s where I get my hard work and passion from.” “It made me appreciate my family. That’s why I’m so close with them.”
Bitadze thought he could work hard and possibly support the family if his mother and aunt could.
Perhaps he reasoned that if he could keep playing his best games, exercising, and maintaining his health, his family might no longer have to wear grocery store uniforms.
Eventually, the family who supported him could retire thanks to those basketball checks. At the moment, his mom and aunt go to the grocery store to buy food, and they do it with money they no longer have to work extremely hard to earn.
Read More: Isaiah Collier’s Parents, Dwain And Chandra, Are Hopeful To See Their Son In The NBA
Goga Grew and His Family Strugged Amid Russia-Georgia Tension
Goga and his family were among the hundreds and thousands of people who suffered the tension between Russia and Georgia.
In 2008, the Russians were trying to retake the self-proclaimed independent republics of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, from which Georgia had earned independence in 1918 during the Russian Revolution.
Following the brief but brutal struggle, Georgia lost control of both areas, ethnic Georgians were driven out of them, and military bases were built.
Nine-year-old Goga Bitadze and his family were holed up in their house, watching TV reports of the Russian invasion of their proud, sovereign nation in the town of Sagarejo, 80 miles to the south. They were overwhelmed with fear.
Goga saw an opportunity to be a superhero for his family and people. Still, he also realized something serious was happening since he could see the worry and terror on his parents’ faces.
“Yes, I will protect you,” Bitadze remarked. Guys, don’t worry. I got you. Let them come. I’ll keep you safe. “You’re not going to protect nobody, Goga,” his family said. Seeing my family made me feel anxious, yet not anxious. It’s heartbreaking, it’s a war, and people are dying,” Goga added.
Goga and his family were lucky to escape the invasion unharmed.
The 25-year-old player said, “We weren’t exactly hiding, but we were in our home, watching TV, and we could see they were getting closer to us.” Thankfully, everything was over in five days, although it felt like a year to everyone. On television, we watched a lot of material and watched families who had lost loved ones.
Despite struggling in the early days, Goga became one of the most critical and sort-after players in the NBA.
People Also Ask
Ye, Goga Bitadze was born the second child in his family, and he has an older sister.
Goga Bitadze has over $2 million net worth from his NBA contracts.
Goga Bitadze stands at an astounding height of 6 ft 11 in.
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Bidhya Sagar Shrestha is an experienced content writer with a solid content creation and digital marketing background. His majors in entrepreneurship and marketing give him a deep understanding of business environments and marketing strategies.
Over his two-year career, Bidhya has worked with many clients, from startups to established businesses, producing over 700 blog posts and news articles. His passion for writing has driven his professional path and personal aspirations.
