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Illinois Basketball: Grading Giorgi Bezhanishvili through non-conference

Giorgi wasn’t a highly rated recruit coming out of high school. He was sub-350 in the national recruiting rankings and didn’t have a lot of recruiting attention. But Illinois saw something in him, and he didn’t disappoint.

As a true freshman, Giorgi averaged 12.5 points and 5.2 rebounds per game. Those are numbers that experienced players put up, not someone who just entered the college ranks. Giorgi was sensational for the Illini and a true joy to watch on the court.

This season has been a little different for the big man. Illinois brought in Kofi Cockburn who was going to be more suited for the No.