Irakli Shiolashvili Brings Global Talent to Local Court
If you attend East Hampton High School Varsity Basketball games, you may have noticed a standout player wearing No. 11—quick on his feet, confident with the ball, and composed beyond his years.
His name is Irakli Shiolashvili, and his journey to East Hampton began far from Long Island, across the ocean in Georgia, in the capital city of Tbilisi.
Born in 2008, Irakli came into the world during one of the most difficult periods in Georgia’s modern history, when the country was invaded by Russia, resulting in the occupation of roughly 20 percent of Georgian territory. Although he was too young to remember the war, its impact deeply affected his family and shaped the environment in which he grew up.
At just five years old, Irakli took his first major step toward basketball greatness when former NBA champion Zaza Pachulia—also a native of Georgia—opened the country’s first private basketball academy in Tbilisi. Irakli was the very first child enrolled.
From that moment, basketball became more than a sport—it became a way of life.
Irakli says: "It felt meant to be from the beginning."
Every morning, long before school starts, he wakes up early to practice shooting in his backyard, then prepares for school. That discipline has followed him for years.
Through the Zaza Pachulia Academy, Irakli traveled and competed across Europe, gaining experience rare for a player his age. Last summer, he was invited to train and compete with the Georgian National Team, representing his country at the U-17 EYBL, U-18, and U-22 levels.
He is currently a member of the U-18 Georgian National Team, bringing international-level experience to his high school play.
Irakli is a combo guard, capable of playing both point guard and shooting guard positions. Known for his speed, court vision, and discipline, he consistently:
1. Steals the ball with precision
2. Pushes the tempo in transition
3. Delivers clean, intelligent passes
4. Shoots three-pointers with confidence and accuracy
Beyond athletics, he maintains strong academic performance and demonstrates leadership, communication skills, and maturity well beyond his age.
He speaks Georgian (native), Russian (fluent), and English (fluent) and holds a U.S. driver’s license—further reflecting his adaptability and responsibility.
East Hampton’s varsity team is competitive and cohesive, supported by strong players including Toby Foster, Miles Menu, Mason Jefferson, Tyler Persan, Dylan Pitts, Jack Mooney etc. Together, the team works to honor the school, the community, and their shared future.
Irakli’s presence adds international perspective, discipline, and talent—qualities that elevate the entire program.
Irakli’s goal is clear: to continue growing as a player, move from high school varsity basketball to a Division I program, and pursue opportunities at Stony Brook University, with the long-term dream of becoming a professional basketball player.