By Francesco Cavalli

Sandro Mamukelashvili ('99) was a vastly unknown young player when he left Georgia two years ago to play for Italian team Angelico Biella. After two seasons in which he established himself as one of the most intriguing European prospects in his class, he's now ready to move to Montverde Academy for the 2016/17 season.

"I was impressed with his versatility on the perimeter and his passing ability" says Montverde's head coach Kevin Boyle, who has coached players like Kyrie Irving, Ben Simmons, D'Angelo Russell, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Joel Embiid "I feel that he could potentially be a first round draft pick in the NBA if he keeps developing and becomes more aggressive on the offensive side of the ball"

"We couldn't be happier to have Sandro be apart of our Montverde Basketball program next season" says assistant coach Frank Holloway, who has extensive experience both in American and European basketball "Sandro is a very talented player, with an offensive and defensive skill set that is rare to find in someone with his age and height. His ability to be able to stretch the defense because of his shooting ability is something we were most impressed with. Biella has done a great job with him in his development, it's a testament to how the club develops young talent in Italy. Here at Montverde we hope to keep developing him and help prepare him for his next level of play, whether it's in the NCAA or the NBA"

Eurohopes had a chance to talk with Sandro as well about his decision.

After two great seasons with Italian team Angelico Biella, you are heading to Montverde Academy, one of the best prep schools in the USA. What has lead you to this decision? What do you expect from this upcoming season?

A great opportunity to try myself in a different style of basketball playing was coming my way and I felt the time was right for a new challenge. I know it will not be easy but I expect myself to work very hard and get used to a new important chapter in my life. The rest will follow as things unfold.

How did you know about Montverde and what impressed you the most about their program?

I was recommended to Montverde by a mutual friend and once the contact was established, have learned about their rigorous program and a top basketball team.

Looking back at these past two seasons with Biella, what are your feelings about this experience, both on the court and off the court? How much did it help you to prepare to the next step?

These past two years have been amazing. I will never forget them. I grew up a lot as a person, friend, basketball player and a student. I'll always stay thankful to Biella for what they did for me. I had incredible teammates, who will always occupy a huge space in my heart. I know that, even though we won't be physically together next year, we will stay together through spirit. I will always support them and so will they. I also want to explicitly thank all of the coaching staff for their help throughout this years. They helped me adjust to Italy really well and even put the effort in making me a better student at school. They helped feel the best way possible everyday. And of course they made me a much better player and improved my sluggish work ethic by a milestone. Thank you Biella and I will miss you a lot, but hopefully we'll meet again!

Did you have any other option for the next season, besides Montverde Academy?

Yes, I was looking at other high schools as well as European teams. Upon consulting with my family, we have come to a conclusion that speaks for itself.

You are going to play college basketball, and with this move you'll reclassify to the 2017 NCAA recruiting class. What are you expecting from college and what do you think are the most appealing aspects of playing in NCAA?

It was always my dream playing college ball .I trust that playing in NCAA will help me gain all necessary skills and realize my full professional potential the best possible way. 

Photo: Alberto Tesoro
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