What Are Sandro Mamukelashvili’s Ethnicity and Religion? Tracing Spurs Star’s European Lineage

Sandro Mamukelashvili or simply, Mamu, might not be a household name just yet, but after dropping a career-high 34 points on the Knicks, people are starting to take notice. The guy was on fire—13-for-14 from the field, a perfect 7-for-7 from three, and then just casually took over with a 21-point fourth quarter to seal the win.

That’s the kind of performance that makes you stop and go, ‘Wait… who is this dude?‘

And once you start digging into his story, it gets even better. Born in the U.S., raised in Georgia, shaped by international basketball—his path to the NBA is anything but typical. He’s got that European basketball pride, a chip on his shoulder, and now? A game that’s turning heads in San Antonio!

What is Sandro Mamukelashvili’s ethnicity? Where was the Spurs star born?

Alexander “Sandro” Mamukelashvili, a Georgian-American hooper. Technically, he was born in New York City but spent his whole childhood in Tbilisi, Georgia, before relocating between Italy and the United States to chase his basketball dreams.

And hoops? It’s always been in his blood. Ira Gabashvili, his grandmother, was a member of the Soviet Women’s National Team. The one who put a basketball in his hands was his older brother, David. But basketball isn’t all; that he is proficient in. The man knows four languages: English, Georgian, Russian, and Italian.

His background had an impact on his life and his style of play, and it added a basketball IQ that makes him unique.

Which high school did Sandro Mamukelashvili attend?

At just 14 years old, Mamukelashvili took a huge leap—leaving home to move to Biella, Italy, to train and compete at the highest levels. He played at the U17, U18, and U19 levels, helped his teams finish third in the national finals, and gained serious experience against Europe’s best young talent.

Mar 19, 2025; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Rapper Flavor Flav congratulates San Antonio Spurs forward Sandro Mamukelashvili (54) after scoring thirty four points against the New York Knicks at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

Then came another massive move—this time to the U.S. In 2016, he joined Montverde Academy, which is basically a basketball factory at this point. He played alongside future NBA star RJ Barrett and was mentored by fellow Georgian Zaza Pachulia, who even introduced him to Steph Curry. Imagine being a teenager, getting to pick Steph’s brain, and seeing how he works—yeah, that changes your entire perspective on what it takes to make it.

Has Sandro Mamukelashvili represented the U.S. national team?

Even though he was born in the U.S., Mamukelashvili has always repped Georgia on the international stage. In 2018, he played for Georgia in the 2019 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers, then suited up for the U20 squad at the FIBA U20 European Championship. He held his own, averaging 8.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in the tournament.

But here’s the thing—he’s never played for Team USA, and honestly, it doesn’t seem like he ever will. He’s proud of his European roots. He’s constantly showing love to international stars like Luka Dončić, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokić, and Domantas Sabonis. For him, it’s bigger than just making it in the league—he wants to be part of the next wave of European stars making an impact.

Mamukelashvili isn’t just putting up numbers—he’s quickly becoming a fan favorite in San Antonio. He’s got confidence, steps up when his team needs him, and off the court? He’s keeping the locker room vibes light.

Case in point—his recent prank on rookie Stephon Castle. Classic rookie initiation stuff. Mamukelashvili and some of the veterans took the wheels off Castle’s car. Everyone was in on it, and while Castle took it in stride, Sandro knows that revenge is probably coming.

But that’s just who he is—competitive on the court, a jokester off of it. And right now, his game is doing all the talking.

From Tbilisi to Italy, from Montverde to San Antonio, Mamukelashvili has never taken the easy road. Every step of the way, he’s had to prove himself. That breakout game against the Knicks? Just the beginning. He’s got the work ethic. He’s got the skill. And most importantly, he’s got that edge—that hunger to keep getting better and prove that he belongs.

Spurs fans already love him. But pretty soon? A lot more people might be paying attention to Sandro Mamukelashvili.