David Akhaladze

Virtus Segafredo Bologna are once again at the summit of Italian basketball, having claimed the 2024–25 Lega Basket Serie A title in dominant fashion. But while the team’s success was the result of depth, experience, and strong coaching under Dusko Ivanovic, no player stood taller—both literally and figuratively—than Tornike Shengelia. The Georgian forward was the soul of the team’s playoff run and was deservedly named LBA Finals MVP, confirming his status as one of Europe’s one of the most complete and clutch performers.

From the opening tip of the season, Shengelia set the tone for Virtus Bologna. His mix of scoring, rebounding, playmaking, and leadership quickly became the foundation on which the team built its campaign. In the EuroLeague, he had already shown flashes of brilliance—including a career-high 35 points against Fenerbahçe—but it was in the domestic league where he truly left his mark.

Shengelia averaged double figures in points and rebounds through the regular season, often leading the team in efficiency and court presence. He was more than just a scorer; he initiated offense from the post, defended multiple positions, and provided a calming presence in high-pressure situations. Virtus finished at the top of the table thanks in no small part to his consistency and will to win.

In the playoffs, Shengelia elevated his game to another level. The quarter finals were a test of character: down in the series and battling injury, he returned in a do-or-die Game 5 to lead Virtus to victory. That performance set the tone for what was to come. Virtus won the first two games of the best-of-five series but Venezia bounced back by taking the next two, forcing decisive game 5 in Bologna. 

In the elimination game, Neven Spahija’s boys were in front by 9 points, closing to a major upset, but Toko asked Coach Ivanovic to put him on the floor despite the head injury that made him miss game 4 earlier. 

Coach risked putting into the game the player who missed the first 36 minutes and Toko took a clutch 7 points in just three minutes, leading the team to a magnificent comeback victory - 86:74.

"I had doubts, but he said, 'I want to play, I want to play,'" head coach Dusko Ivanovic said after the game. "He ignored his health and just wanted to help the team. And he succeeded".

"Toko wanted to play at any cost. He is a leader and a fighter — his last three plays probably decided the outcome of the game," he added.

In the semifinals against rivals Olimpia Milano, Shengelia was simply unstoppable. He averaged over 20 points per game, including a critical Game 1 performance where he hit the game-winner in the last seconds. His dominance in the paint and mid-range forced Milano to adapt their entire defensive scheme—yet even then, he remained a step ahead. His veteran experience, footwork, and basketball IQ were on full display.

The finals against Germani Brescia further cemented his 2024-24 Lega A playoff legendary performance. Virtus swept the series 3–0, with Shengelia saving his best for last. Throughout the playoffs, he had become the face of Virtus’s championship drive.

Winning the Italian championship is no small milestone—especially for a foreign star. But Shengelia has never been a typical import. He embraced the city, the club’s tradition, and the fans. Now, with a Lega A title and Finals MVP under his belt, he has sidelined his name into Virtus Bologna history.

This championship season will be remembered for Virtus Bologna’s team excellence—but more than anything, it will be remembered for Toko Shengelia’s greatness. He didn’t just play great basketball—he played winning basketball. He inspired his teammates, carried the weight of expectations, leadership and delivered all this with heart, as he always does.