“He’s so valuable to what we do.” Goga Bitadze in NBA – Stats 2024-25 The Orlando Magic’s next game is on January 1st at 19:00 local time against Detroit Pistons. Goga Bitadze, currently playing for the Orlando Magic, has demonstrated significant improvement during the 2024-2025 NBA season. His enhanced performance is evident through his season […]
The Orlando Magic’s next game is on January 1st at 19:00 local time against Detroit Pistons.
Goga Bitadze, currently playing for the Orlando Magic, has demonstrated significant improvement during the 2024-2025 NBA season. His enhanced performance is evident through his season statistics, which reflect his development as a key contributor to the team.
Points per game (PPG): Approximately 9.9
Rebounds per game (RPG): Approximately 8.5
Assists per game (APG): Approximately 2.1
Field Goal Percentage (FG%): Approximately 65.6%
Orlando Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley has recently offered high praise for center Goga Bitadze, highlighting his readiness, defensive prowess, and overall impact on the team.
December 8, 2024, vs. Phoenix Suns: Bitadze recorded a double-double with 21 points and 16 rebounds, contributing significantly to the Magic’s 115-110 victory.
December 10, 2024, vs. Milwaukee Bucks: He secured 12 points and 14 rebounds, showcasing his consistency in both scoring and rebounding.
December 15, 2024, vs. New York Knicks: Bitadze added 8 points and 11 rebounds, maintaining his presence on the boards.
A supportive coaching staff and a system that complements his playing style have played a significant role in Bitadze’s development. Coaches who trust a player’s potential often help unlock their best performances. Bitadze’s role as a defensive anchor and his contributions in pick-and-roll scenarios fit seamlessly into his team’s strategies.
Transitioning from European basketball to the fast-paced, physical style of the NBA can be challenging. Bitadze has adapted well to the league’s demands, improving his decision-making and overall game awareness. His ability to read plays and adjust to the flow of the game has been a critical factor in his success.
Consistent Playing Time
It’s important to note that while these statistics provide a snapshot of Bitadze’s contributions, player performance can fluctuate due to various factors such as matchups, team dynamics, and minutes played. For the most accurate and up-to-date statistics, consulting official NBA sources or reputable sports analytics websites is recommended.
Goga Bitadze in NBA – Skill Development
Offensive Growth
Recent Performance Highlights:
Defensive Presence
“He’s a great rim protector, does a great job in the pick-and-roll.”
Adaptation to the NBA Style
“He’s just steady. He stays ready the entire time, doesn’t say a word; when he’s asked to do something, he just goes out and does it.”
Goga Bitadze in NBA – Physical and Mental Development
Strength and Conditioning
In summary, Goga Bitadze’s performance in the ongoing season underscores his development as a reliable center for the Orlando Magic, with notable improvements in scoring efficiency and rebounding.
Confidence and Maturity
Mental toughness is essential for any player’s growth. Bitadze’s increased confidence and mental maturity have been evident in his gameplay. His ability to remain composed under pressure and make smart decisions has enhanced his overall impact on the court.
As Goga Bitadze continues to develop, his potential seems limitless. With the right combination of playing time, coaching, and personal growth, he could become a cornerstone player for his team. Fans and analysts alike are excited to see how he evolves in the coming seasons.
The Future of Goga Bitadze in NBA
Defensive Impact
These performances highlight Bitadze’s growing role within the Magic’s lineup, particularly in securing rebounds and providing interior defense. His increased efficiency, as indicated by his field goal percentage, reflects his improved shot selection and offensive development.
Season Averages:
Bitadze’s experience playing internationally before joining the NBA has provided him with a unique skill set and perspective. This diverse background has enabled him to adapt quickly and contribute meaningfully at the highest level.
These statements reflect Coach Mosley’s appreciation for Bitadze’s contributions, particularly in stepping up during critical moments and enhancing both the defensive and offensive facets of the game.
Value to the Team
One of the key factors contributing to Goga Bitadze’s improvement is the increase in his playing time. NBA players often require regular minutes on the court to build confidence and find their rhythm. In recent seasons, Bitadze has benefited from a more defined role, allowing him to showcase his skills and contribute effectively.
Bitadze has visibly benefited from the NBA’s rigorous strength and conditioning programs. Increased physicality and endurance have allowed him to compete effectively against some of the league’s best players.
Known for his shot-blocking prowess, Bitadze has further honed his defensive skills. Improved positioning, better anticipation, and a stronger understanding of opponents’ tendencies have solidified his role as a reliable rim protector.
Steadiness and Readiness
Mosley also highlighted Bitadze’s role in orchestrating the team’s offense:
“Offensively, you can play through him at times. We talked about how much we are cutting and moving off the basketball, and I think he did a great job of facilitating a lot of that—the guys trust him there because they know he has a high basketball IQ and he knows exactly what we’re trying to accomplish.”
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In light of Bitadze’s performances, Mosley remarked on his overall value:
Where to Watch NBA?
Goga Bitadze’s improvement in the NBA is the result of consistent playing time, skill development, adaptation to the league’s style, and a supportive environment. His dedication to both physical and mental growth has transformed him into a more impactful player. As he continues to refine his game, Bitadze’s future in the NBA looks brighter than ever.
Goga Bitadze, a talented center from the country of Georgia, has shown notable improvement in the NBA. His enhanced stats and on-court quality have drawn attention from fans and analysts alike. But what factors have driven this growth? Let’s explore the reasons behind his success and what makes him a rising star in the league.
Bitadze’s offensive game has seen significant refinement. From improving his shooting accuracy to mastering pick-and-roll play, his scoring versatility has become a valuable asset for his team. His ability to make plays in the post and stretch the floor with outside shooting has made him a more dynamic offensive player.
Women’s Track and Field Sets Tone for NCAA’s With Fantastic Day at MIT Final Qualifier
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CAMBRIDGE, MA (May 15, 2025) – The Tufts University women’s track and field team went all-in at the M.I.T. Final Qualifier with a fantastic performance to lead into the NCAA Division III Championships next weekend. Jackie Wells landed the biggest performance of the day by breaking the program record […]
CAMBRIDGE, MA (May 15, 2025) – The Tufts University women’s track and field team went all-in at the M.I.T. Final Qualifier with a fantastic performance to lead into the NCAA Division III Championships next weekend.
Jackie Wells landed the biggest performance of the day by breaking the program record in the javelin throw. Her career best mark of 42.41 (139′ 1″) broke the previous program record by over nine inches and earned her first place among a field of Division I, II and III opponents.
Makayla Moriarty brought home a fantastic result in the 200m dash, taking fifth place in a competitive field with a new personal best time of 24.95. It was a top mark in the NCAA Division III and just three tenths of a second off of the Tufts program record.
Arielle Chechile set the third best time in Tufts history with a third place finish in the 400m hurdles. Her personal best time of 1:00.64 was just a couple of seconds off of the program record.
Harper Meek brought home a win in the high jump. Her first place mark of 1.65m was just two centimeters off of her personal best, and was a fitting end to her time with the Jumbos.
Elysse Cumberland continued to shine as she took third place in the long jump. Her mark of 5.70m was enough to earn her a podium among the competitive field of athletes from all levels of the NCAA.
Ceci LaBarge also broke her personal record, tossing a career best hammer throw of 50.12m. It was an improvement of exactly 90 cm, and earned her fifth place in the event.
The Jumbos will now shift gears to the final meet of the season as they head to Geneva, Ohio for the 2025 NCAA Division III Women’s Outdoor Track and FIeld Championships.
Lafayette Jeff, Zionsville battle in IHSAA boys volleyball sectionals
Harrison also advances with sweep of North Putnam Lafayette area top plays spring April 21 May 2nd Rossville pitcher Zac Wainscott and outfielder Ashton Abbott host the Lafayette area plays of the week from April 21 to May 2. WEST LAFAYETTE ― The clash between Zionsville and Lafayette Jeff Thursday, May 15, indicated just how […]
Rossville pitcher Zac Wainscott and outfielder Ashton Abbott host the Lafayette area plays of the week from April 21 to May 2.
WEST LAFAYETTE ― The clash between Zionsville and Lafayette Jeff Thursday, May 15, indicated just how far boys volleyball in Indiana has come as it concludes the first season under IHSAA overwatch.
While the Indianapolis area has produced nationally ranked high school teams, there were questions about whether or not Lafayette Jeff could handle the size and pressure brought about by Zionsville.
Zionsville beat Lafayette Jeff twice during the regular season but faced determined resistance from the Bronchos. Zionsville was more consistent.
Seniors 6-foot-5 outside hitter Anders Christianson pounded 15 kills, left hander Mason Archer slammed 11 kills and Liam Vigil added 10 kills as the Eagles outlasted Lafayette Jeff in a first-round thriller of the IHSAA sectional quarterfinals, 11-25, 25-20, 25-22, 20-25, 15-11.
The other sectional quarterfinal saw Harrison sweep North Putnam in three sets, 25-11, 25-8, 25-20. Harrison will face Zionsville in the second semifinal Saturday, May 17, with the championship game later that night at Harrison.
More: Boys volleyball experiencing growing pains despite popularity in first season under IHSAA
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Senior captain Kevin Braxton led the Bronchos with 14 kills, junior Azlan Rodriguez added 13 kills and junior setter Josh Waller totaled eight kills, 12 digs and four assists for Lafayette Jeff (17-8).
“We played amazing, we played with our heart, and we made a bridge off that,” Waller said. “We played as a family, and we were all there.”
Lafayette Jeff struggled containing Christianson while Zionsville (22-10) collectively began hitting short middle shots. Zionsville overcame being down 15-9 in the third set before Lafayette Jeff rallied in the fourth.
Lafayette Jeff forced the fifth set despite starting junior middle blocker Colin Smith injuring his left ankle in the fourth frame.
“It was a heartbreaker, but we knew he was going to support us no matter what, whether he was on the court or on the bench,” Braxton said.
More: Lafayette Jeff and McCutcheon reflects on first IHSAA boys volleyball game
Lafayette Jeff will many return key players next year, including Rodriguez and Waller, who are receiving college looks.
Rodriguez led the Bronchos with 208 kills while Waller proved to be a well-rounded player, totaling 118 kills, 102 digs and 59 assists for the 2025 campaign.
Set-by-set breakdown of Lafayette Jeff vs. Zionsville
Set one: Zionsville looked like a team that woke up from a nap, while Lafayette Jeff looked engaged from the jump. A 3-0 lead ballooned to an 18-6 advantage. Junior setter Josh Waller and libero Edwin Rodriguez-Arteaga led a strong shot receive and never looked out of sorts. The balance of Waller set the stage for senior Kevin Braxton with three kills and a block. Junior Azlan Rodriguez has a 4-foot vertical and swift enough to play defensive specialist or libero in college. Lafayette Jeff couldn’t have asked for a better start.
Set two: Zionsville senior lefty outside hitter Mason Archer went on the offensive. Controlling passing in the back row, they were able to turn the momentum of the match. Short side and far side shots found their mark and the back row for Lafayette Jeff splintered. Zionsville won the set by five, but the gap felt larger.
Set three: Zionsville kept its composure in the crunch and Lafayette Jeff didn’t. A pair of late third set hitting errors plus a debated touch ultimately helped the Eagles claw back from a 15-9 deficit to take set three. Christianson and Archer provided the juice offensively backed by libero Landon Scroggins. Rodriguez had the highlight play, but Zionsville was more consistent in its shot receive.
More: Lafayette Jeff boys volleyball returns core players in 2025
Set four: This set illustrated what makes the speed and strategy of volleyball entertaining and fun. And it came with some drama with Smith’s injury. Senior Kmaury Moten gave Lafayette Jeff a boost off the bench, while an explosive effort from Rodriguez and Josh Waller forced a fifth set.
Set five: Lafayette Jeff ran out of steam, struggling against the physicality of Archer, Vigil and Christianson. Rodriguez had some flashes, but errors on shot receive doomed Lafayette Jeff.
Harrison learns lessons in sweep over North Putnam
Harrison, led by sophomore 6-foot-3 outside hitter Cole Hess and junior Emerson Mohr, made the first two sets look easy.
But then an 8-4 deficit morphed into a 14-10 drought against North Putnam (5-11) in the third set.
“I think our communication was off and we brought that connection back up,” Mohr said.
Eventually Harrison found its way to earn the sweep and set up a semifinal matchup with Zionsville on Saturday at 12:30 p.m. The winner plays either McCutcheon (14-9) or Lebanon (4-7-1) for the first IHSAA sectional championship in Harold May Gymnasium in West Lafayette at 6 p.m. later that day.
More: Mackey Arena to host inaugural IHSAA boys state volleyball championship
Hess believes Harrison is prepared to play Zionsville, ranked No. 6 in the state according to rankings on maxpreps.com.
“I think they’re more beatable now, now that we got to watch them play,” Hess said.
Ethan Hanson is the sports reporter for the Journal & Courier in Lafayette. He can be reached at ehanson@jconline.com, on Twitter at EthanAHanson and Instagram at ethan_a_hanson.
6A, 5A state track and field: Records fall on opening day
PROVO — Only a few dozen medals were awarded, but multiple state records weren’t safe on the first day of the 5A and 6A state track and field meet at BYU’s Clarence F. Robison Track Complex. Timpview star Jane Hedengren broke her own state record in the 5A girls’ 3,200-meter run in 9 minutes, 48.73 […]
PROVO — Only a few dozen medals were awarded, but multiple state records weren’t safe on the first day of the 5A and 6A state track and field meet at BYU’s Clarence F. Robison Track Complex.
Timpview star Jane Hedengren broke her own state record in the 5A girls’ 3,200-meter run in 9 minutes, 48.73 seconds, while Mountain Ridge’s Kinzlee Riddle tied the state record in a 6A girls’ 200-meter qualifying heat in 23.30 seconds.
It’s one of several rewritten records by Hedengren, who held the previous state record set last year in 9:52.96. The senior who has signed with BYU also holds state records in the 800 meters (2:05.96), 1,600 meters (4:32.61), and was part of the 5A-record relay teams in the 4×400 and 4×800-meter squads set last year en route to winning Ms. Track honors by the Deseret News.
“It’s bittersweet being (the last 3,200) with this team,” Hedengren said after the race. “I’m kind of sad it’s the last one, but I’m really excited to get to do it with these ladies today.”
The previous Ms. Track honoree, Fremont’s Amare Harlan who currently runs and jumps for Michigan, also saw her state record time of 23.30 in the 200 tied in Thursday’s 6A girls’ qualifying heat. Riddle, who also ran the fastest qualifying time in the 100 meters in 11.81 and second-fastest in the 400 in 56.17, will have a shot at the record in Saturday’s final — as well as the state 400 record held by Provo’s Meghan Hunter (52.59).
Riddle set the 6A record in the event earlier this month when she ran a 53.01 at the PACS BYU Invitational back on May 2.
American Fork leads the 6A boys’ meet with 50 points, ahead of Herriman (41), Lone Peak (26) and defending champion Corner Canyon (25). Maple Mountain and Viewmont are tied atop the 5A boys’ leaderboard with 33 points, just two ahead of Springville and three more than Woods Cross.
The Vikings got a boost from Hayden Arbuckle, who won the 5A 3,200-meter race 9:07.86 before setting a new 5A record in the 4×800-meter relay with teammates Talmage Bruschke, Ben Hyde and Bryce Arbuckle in 7:42.55.
The Cavemen also lead the 6A girls’ meet by a tighter margin, 34.5 to 31 over second-place Riverton, with Herriman (30), Lone Peak (28) and Layton (23) just behind.
Two-time defending champion Timpview is two points behind Spanish Fork in the 5A girls’ meet with 30 points, ahead of Cedar Valley (18.5) and Box Elder (16).
Full results are available at SportTrax.
6A boys’ track and field
3,200 meters — 1. Jackson Spencer, Herriman, Jr., 8:56.43; 2. Kaden Evans, American Fork, Sr., 9:00.08; 3. Ryker Bement, American Fork, Sr., 9:07.29; 4. Micah Tang, Herriman, Sr., 9:08.55; 5. Carter Moore, American Fork, Sr., 9:08.83; 6. Austin Plewe, American Fork, Jr., 9:10.51; 7. Jonah Tang, Herriman, Sr., 9:13.38; 8. Jonathan Thornley, Layton, Sr., 9:15.51.
Pole vault — 1. Kaleb Allen, Taylorsville, Sr., 13′06.0; 2. Jackson Barney, Cedar Valley, Sr., 12′06.0; 3. Ben Anson, Clearfield, Jr., 12′03.0; 4. Colton Reid, West Jordan, Jr., 11′00.0; 5. Joshua Downs, Box Elder, So., 11′00.0; 6. Brett Johnson, Salem Hills, Sr., 11′00.0; 7. Nathan Call, Salem Hills, Jr., 10′06.0; 8. Brody Jex, Box Elder, Jr., 10′06.0.
Timpview’s Lily Alder and Jane Hedengren compete in the girls 3200m run during the 5A high school state track meet at the Clarence F. Robison Outdoor Track and Field in Provo on Thursday, May 15, 2025. Hedengren won and Alder placed second. (Photo: Kristin Murphy, Deseret News)
WAIMEA — A celebration of the top Hawaii Preparatory Academy senior athletes was held early last week in Waimea, as five soon-to-be graduates inked their letters of intent to their future collegiate programs. Headlining the group was track and field phenom Elaina Head, who will join Babson College’s track and field program this fall. Babson […]
WAIMEA — A celebration of the top Hawaii Preparatory Academy senior athletes was held early last week in Waimea, as five soon-to-be graduates inked their letters of intent to their future collegiate programs.
Headlining the group was track and field phenom Elaina Head, who will join Babson College’s track and field program this fall. Babson is an NCAA Division III program located in Wellesley, Mass.
For Head, the school’s close community on and off the track played a major role in her decision.
“I chose Babson College for its amazing business program and its close-knit community,” Head told West Hawaii Today. “I wanted to go to a college that was on the smaller side, and their track and field team is very close to one another.”
Over the past four years with Ka Makani, Head has specialized in a variety of field events, including triple jump, high jump, discus throw and long jump. Head finished high school with 73 total individual wins across her events, including 23 wins in 2025 alone. She additionally broke a stadium record in the high jump at the BIIF Championships on May 3, where she launched 1.70 meters (5-07.00). Head also placed fifth in the high jump (5-03.00) and sixth in the triple jump (34-11.50) at states last weekend.
Now stepping on to the collegiate stage, Head believes she has the right mindset to excel at the next level.
I believe I will be able to bring my strong and competitive spirit, in addition to my ability to compete at the next level that is required of me for collegiate track,” she said. “I also hope that I will be able to bring my leadership and willingness to learn and grow to the team as well.”
Head also played volleyball, often cited as one of the leaders on the squad. She helped HPA win multiple BIIF Division II titles and reach multiple state tournament appearances. Head thanked the school for helping her reach the point she is at today.
“HPA has helped to mould me into the athlete I am through every opportunity to work with other amazing athletes who show true dedication to their sports,” she said. “By attending HPA, I was able to go to the HHSAA meets all four years of high school. My marks got me to the competitions, but my school backed me up.”
Head also pointed to the guidance of her coaches and parents as a catalyst in becoming one of the top athletes in Hawaii.
“I would really like to thank all of the coaches I have had over the year — Coach Melissa, Coach Jim, Coach Jed, Coach Meagan, Coach Ka‘ai and Coach Jacob — my dad,” Head said. “I would also like to thank my parents — Jolene and Jacob Head — for their ever consistent support and guidance throughout my life, and especially in my sports endeavors.
“Next, I would like to thank my coach at Babson College for recruiting me and giving me the opportunity to pursue the sport I love at this next level. I am excited for what is to come and for how far I will be able to go beside my team.”
Ka Makani baseball star Nishiki Iwai also signed, planning to play baseball for Hawaii Pacific University next year. Iwai was a central contributor in the red and white’s 8-6 season, leading the team in hits, RBI, home runs, innings pitched, wins and strikeouts. A notable pitching performance from the senior came on Feb. 19 against Honoka‘a, when Iwai struck out 12 batters.
Maile Imonen signed with Chapman University in Orange, Calif., to play water polo for the Panthers. Imonen logged 129 goals across her four years for the red and white, including 31 in her senior season. She posted a career-high 53 goals in her junior season in 2024. Imonen helped HPA win the BIIF title this past spring with a 10-2 league record, while also reaching the state tournament.
Rounding out the rest of the signees were volleyball stars Margot Lewis and Mya Pinkert. Lewis, who led the team in aces during her senior season, signed with Denison University in Granville, Ohio. Pinkert, who led HPA in digs and kills, will play for Concordia University in Irvine, Calif. Pinkert led Ka Makani with 11 kills in her final match with the red and white against Kapa‘a in the consolation bracket of the DII state tournament.
MEDAN, Indonesia (AP) — On the motorbike seat, she started the engine, sped up and began a death-defying performance inside the track known as the Satan’s Barrel. Sri Wahyuni was the star of the most-awaited performance at the night fair in the outskirts of Medan city in Indonesia’s North Sumatra province. She began riding the […]
MEDAN, Indonesia (AP) — On the motorbike seat, she started the engine, sped up and began a death-defying performance inside the track known as the Satan’s Barrel.
Sri Wahyuni was the star of the most-awaited performance at the night fair in the outskirts of Medan city in Indonesia’s North Sumatra province.
She began riding the Satan’s Barrel at 17, drawn to it by curiosity while searching for work. Now 25, she’s a key performer in this iconic Indonesian night fair act.
Riding in the Satan’s Barrel requires courage. The riders don’t wear helmets on the velodrome track also known as the Wall of Death.
Wahyuni always rides with one other biker, and sometimes as many as five ride on the circular track, its painted wooden walls 6 to 10 meters (19 to 33 feet) in diameter.
That, of course, makes the audience nervous.
Wahyuni works at least four hours a night. One recent evening, the single mother took her 5-year-old daughter to the fair, fed her, then let her wait at the ticket box during the show.
At the end of the performance, the women spread their arms and even held hands on their motorbikes, signaling the finale.
The audience stuck out their hands to give money from the top of the barrel, and Wahyuni and her partner welcomed the bills one by one, a tip for the excitement they presented that night.
Afterward, they tidied up the bikes and counted their tips.
Wahyuni earns a weekly salary, but the tips help with rent and daily needs for her small family. She admits it is difficult for her to find a new job or start a business by herself.
“I am hoping for the best. I think there is no way I can keep working like this,” Wahyuni said.
Community rallies to honor Berks swimmer headed to Special Olympics | Berks Regional News
The community is rallying around a young athlete who was selected to compete in the U.S. Special Olympic games. Kylah Schlott is the first swimmer chosen from Berks County in more than two decades. State Rep. Jacklyn Rusnock (D-126) presented the Muhlenberg School District water polo alumna with a House citation Wednesday. Schlott will travel […]