Vladimer Ugrekhelidze began playing basketball with Burevestnik Tbilisi and from 1958-74 played with Dynamo Tbilisi, although he finished his playing career with Sinatle Tbilisi. With Dynamo, Ugrekhelidze won the Soviet title in 1968, silvers at the Soviet championships in 1959-61 and 1969, and bronze in 1965. He also helped win the FIBA European Champions Cup (now re-branded as EuroLeague) in 1962 and was a runner-up in 1959. Ugrekhelidze was on the Soviet national team from 1960-65, winning Olympic silver in 1960, a European title in 1961, and bronze at the 1963 World Championships. After finishing his sporting career, Ugrekhelidze worked as the head of physical education at Tbilisi State University.