VITORIA (FIBA EuroBasket 2017) - Tornike Shengelia feels that Georgia have established themselves as a strong basketball nation in Europe and are ready to take the next step at FIBA EuroBasket 2017 - and be role models for the kids back home.

Georgia have reached Europe’s continental championship for the fourth straight time, securing their spot in this summer’s event by grabbing first place in Group F of the Qualifiers.

"Qualifying for EuroBasket as the top team in your group is not easy," said Shengelia, who was the country’s scorer (17.2 points per game) and rebounder (8.0 rebounds per game) as Georgia went 5-1 with just one loss to Montenegro.

"It is very important for a small country like us to play four times straight. But also for the kids growing up," said Shengelia, who will be playing in his third FIBA EuroBasket this summer. "We are giving them a reason and an example to not be on the streets or do nothing. They can just go play basketball. It's really big for us."