Since his arrival at FC Barcelona, Toko Shengelia has become a key cog in the blaugrana machine. His numbers in the Liga Endesa (9.6 points and a 10.2 performance rating) and in the EuroLeague (13 points and a 16.1 rating) explain part of his impact, but the Georgian has also brought character, experience and a versatility that fits perfectly with Barça’s demands in a competition as unpredictable as the Copa del Rey.

Special relationship with Valencia

Shengelia is approaching the Copa del Rey with ambition and an added emotional motivation. The Georgian is returning to Valencia, the city where he made his ACB debut at just 17 years of age, on 8 February 2009 with Valencia Basket.

“It’s a special place for me" he says. "I lived some of my best years of youth there, the club gave me opportunities and I still have friends there. It’s always a special day when I return.”

But Shengelia plays down any distractions: “Winning the title is a personal dream and doing it here would make it even bigger, but right now I’m only thinking about the competitive target, not the place.”

A title still to be won

After that start, the Georgian continued his path and established himself as one of the Liga Endesa’s standout players, particularly during his time at Baskonia. Despite his long career, he admits the Copa remains unfinished business.

“I haven’t had many real opportunities to be in a position to win it" he acknowledges. "This year could be different.”

The only Copa del Rey he has played in was the 2018 edition, where his team were knocked out in the quarter-finals. However, he does already have a league title to his name, having won the Liga Endesa in 2020 after defeating Barça in the Covid “bubble” final phase.

Regarding their first opponent, UCAM Murcia, he avoids going into detail but makes it clear the team is ready: “We know the opponent, but the most important thing is our performance.”

And when asked directly whether Barça are ready for the challenge, his answer is clear and emphatic: “Yes.”

Indispensable

At Barça, he has become a vital figure thanks to his versatility and leadership. “I feel good" he says. "I try to contribute in every possible situation: in attack, in defence, from the bench or in the dressing room. I don’t want to be a player who can only do one specific thing.”

“Having played as a point guard helped me understand basketball better, manage the ball and read each situation. The game is much more than just scoring points.”

 

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