Tyler Dorsey Returns to Olympiacos

Tyler Dorsey has made a significant return to Olympiacos, signing a three-year contract with the club. The 28-year-old international guard had previously played for Olympiacos during the 2021-2022 season, where he was instrumental in securing both the Greek Championship and the Greek Cup. Last season, he continued his success by winning both the Turkish Championship and Cup with Fenerbahce.

Olympiacos' Official Announcement:

"The Olympiacos BC announces the acquisition of Tyler Dorsey. The Greek-American guard has signed a three-year contract."

Career Highlights

College (Oregon Ducks):

2015-2016: Averaged 13.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in 30.1 minutes per game.

2016-2017: Averaged 14.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in 30.0 minutes per game.

NBA:
Atlanta Hawks (2017-2019):

2017-2018: Averaged 7.2 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 17.3 minutes per game.

2018-2019: Averaged 3.3 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 0.6 assists in 8.7 minutes per game.

Memphis Grizzlies (2019): Averaged 9.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in 20.9 minutes per game.

NBA G League:

Erie BayHawks (2017-2018): Averaged 19.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in 32.6 minutes per game.

Memphis Hustle (2019): Averaged 24.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.3 assists in 28.3 minutes per game.

Texas Legends (2022-2023): Averaged 21.9 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 31.7 minutes per game.

EuroLeague:
Maccabi Tel Aviv (2019-2021):

2019-2020: Averaged 12.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.2 assists in 24.0 minutes per game.

2020-2021: Averaged 11.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in 23.5 minutes per game.

Olympiacos (2021-2022): Averaged 11.0 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in 20.0 minutes per game.

Fenerbahce (2022-2023): Averaged 8.7 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 17.36 minutes per game.

Domestic Leagues:
Greek League (Olympiacos, 2021-2022): Averaged 11.0 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in 24 games.

Turkish League (Fenerbahce, 2022-2023): Averaged 11.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in 19.8 minutes per game.

Nikos Chougkaz and Panathinaikos Part Ways After Four Years

Nikos Chougkaz and Panathinaikos have decided to go their separate ways after four years. This decision comes as Panathinaikos is well-stocked at the power forward position with players like Dinos Mitoglou, Juancho Hernangomez, and Lefteris Mantzoukas. Mantzoukas has also been loaned to Aris to gain more playing time.

Panathinaikos had until today to activate the renewal option in the 23-year-old forward's contract, but they chose not to, allowing Chougkaz to become a free agent. Currently, Chougkaz has several offers, but he seems to prefer staying with Peristeri for the upcoming season.

 

Nikos Chougkaz's Career Overview

Panionios (2018-2019): Chougkaz began his professional career with Panionios in the Greek first division. In his debut season, he played 10 games, averaging 3.4 points and 1.1 rebounds in 9.6 minutes per game.

Northwestern State University (2019-2020): He then moved to the United States to play college basketball at Northwestern State University. In his single season there, he averaged 9.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.2 assists over 29 games.

AO Ionikos Nikaias (2020-2022): Returning to Greece, Chougkaz joined Ionikos Nikaias, where he had a significant impact. In the 2020-2021 season, he averaged 10.7 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 0.8 assists over 22 games. The following season, his performance slightly dipped, averaging 7.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.1 assists over 12 games.

Panathinaikos (2021-2023): Chougkaz signed with Panathinaikos during the 2021-2022 season. He played limited minutes, averaging 3.9 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 0.6 assists over 9 games in his first season. In the 2022-2023 season, he played only 8 games, averaging 2.0 points and 1.5 rebounds in 7 minutes per game.

Peristeri (2022-2024): Chougkaz was loaned to Peristeri towards the end of the 2022-2023 season, where he averaged 6.3 points and 2.3 rebounds over 3 games. In the 2023-2024 season, he played 26 games, averaging 6.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 0.4 assists in 16.7 minutes per game.

Future Prospects

As a free agent, Chougkaz is evaluating his options. Despite the offers he has received, he prioritizes staying with Peristeri, aiming to continue his growth and impact in the Greek basketball league.

Kolossos Rodou Signs Francis Okoro

Kolossos Rodou has announced its second signing for the upcoming season, bringing in 25-year-old Nigerian power forward Francis Okoro. After graduating from Saint Louis University, Okoro embarked on his professional career in Europe last season.

The team from Rhodes released the following statement:

"Kolossos Rodou basketball club is pleased to announce the agreement with Francis Okoro. Born on August 7, 1999, in Nigeria, and standing 2.06 meters tall, he plays as a power forward. Okoro started his basketball journey in the USA, first playing for the University of Oregon from 2018 to 2020, before transferring to Saint Louis, where he played from 2021 to 2023. This season, Okoro began in France's second division with Rouen but soon signed with Nevezis in Lithuania. Over 20 league games, he averaged 8.8 points and 8.1 rebounds."

Francis Okoro's Career Overview

University of Oregon (2018-2020): Okoro started his college career at the University of Oregon, where he played for two seasons. In his freshman year (2018-19), he averaged 3.1 points and 3.2 rebounds over 37 games, playing an average of 13.5 minutes per game. In his sophomore year (2019-20), his playing time increased to 17.1 minutes per game, and he averaged 3.3 points and 4.2 rebounds over 29 games.

Saint Louis University (2021-2023): Okoro transferred to Saint Louis University for the 2021-22 season. In his first year with the Billikens, he had a standout season, averaging 10.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 0.4 assists over 35 games. In the 2022-23 season, he continued to perform well, averaging 6.8 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 0.7 assists over 32 games, with a significant presence on the boards.

Rouen Métropole Basket (2023-2024): Okoro started his professional career in Europe with Rouen in France's second division. He played six games, averaging 6.5 points and 4.3 rebounds in 13 minutes per game, showcasing efficient shooting with a 61.5% field goal percentage.

BC Nevezis (2023-2024): Okoro then moved to Nevezis in the Lithuanian league, where he made a substantial impact. Over 22 games, he averaged 8.6 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 0.4 assists in 25.6 minutes per game, with a field goal percentage of 60.6%.

Kolossos Rodou Signs Paulius Danusevicius

Kolossos H Hotels Collection has made its first signing for the upcoming season, bringing in 23-year-old Lithuanian small forward Paulius Danusevicius. This move marks Danusevicius' first professional experience outside of his home country.

Kolossos Rodou official announcement

"Kolossos Rodou basketball club is pleased to announce the agreement with Paulius Danusevicius. Born on May 8, 2001, in Šiauliai, Lithuania, and standing 2.05 meters tall, he plays as a small forward. Danusevicius began his professional career in 2018 with Delikatesas Joniskis, where he stayed until 2020. He then moved to Siauliai, with a brief stint at Vilkaviskio Perlas during the 2020/21 season. In the 2023/24 season, he played 31 games in the Lithuanian league for Siauliai, averaging 12.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.1 assists."

Paulius Danusevicius' Career Overview

Delikatesas Joniskis (2018-2020): Danusevicius started his professional journey with Delikatesas Joniskis. In his debut season (2018-19) in the Lithuanian second division, he had limited impact, averaging 0.8 points and 0.4 rebounds over nine games. The following season (2019-20), he made significant strides, averaging 3.5 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.0 assists over 39 games, showing marked improvement and increased playing time.

Siauliai and Vilkaviskio Perlas (2020-2021): In the 2020-21 season, Danusevicius played for both Siauliai in the top Lithuanian league and Vilkaviskio Perlas in the second division. At Siauliai, he averaged 0.7 points and 0.7 rebounds over 14 games. During his stint with Vilkaviskio Perlas, he demonstrated his potential by averaging 6.3 points and 2.8 rebounds over nine games.

Siauliai (2021-2024): Returning to Siauliai, Danusevicius had a breakout period. In the 2021-22 season, he averaged 6.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 0.9 assists over 23 games. His performance continued to improve in the 2022-23 season, where he posted averages of 9.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 0.9 assists over 33 games. The 2023-24 season was his best yet, with averages of 12.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.1 assists over 31 games, highlighting his development as a versatile forward.

Olympiacos Extends Giorgos Bartzokas' Contract Until 2026

Olympiacos has officially announced the extension of head coach Giorgos Bartzokas' contract, ensuring his leadership of the team until the summer of 2026. The 59-year-old coach had one year remaining on his previous deal, but the club decided to secure his expertise for an additional two years.

Bartzokas is celebrated as one of the top Greek coaches, having led Olympiacos to numerous triumphs, including a EuroLeague victory in 2013. During his recent tenure, he has guided the team to three consecutive EuroLeague Final Fours in Belgrade (2022), Kaunas (2023), and Berlin (2024). Under his guidance, Olympiacos has also clinched two Greek championships (2022, 2023), three Greek Cups (2022, 2023, 2024), and two Super Cups (2022, 2023).

Bartzokas' association with Olympiacos began in June 2012, marking the start of a highly successful period. In the 2012-13 season, he led the team to a EuroLeague championship, making history as the first Greek coach to win the title. He was named EuroLeague Coach of the Year in 2013 and also secured the FIBA Intercontinental Cup the same year.

His coaching career began at a young age of 22 while still playing club basketball. He spent several years as the assistant coach to Panagiotis Giannakis at Maroussi before signing on as the head coach of Olympia Larissa in 2006. With Olympia, he achieved the club's first-ever playoffs appearance in the Greek Basket League, finishing 7th place and repeating the feat the following season.

In 2009, Bartzokas became the head coach of Maroussi and was named the Greek League Best Coach in 2010. He then took the helm at Panionios before joining Olympiacos in 2012. After his initial stint with Olympiacos, Bartzokas coached Lokomotiv Kuban, leading them to their first-ever EuroLeague Final Four appearance. He also had a brief tenure with FC Barcelona and a return to the VTB United League with Khimki.

Bartzokas' return to Olympiacos in January 2020 marked a new chapter. Despite the 2020-21 season being disrupted by the pandemic, he focused on rebuilding the team's roster. The following seasons saw Olympiacos achieve significant national and international success, including another Greek Cup victory in 2021 and a series of titles in 2022 and 2023.

Olympiacos' decision to extend Bartzokas' contract reflects their confidence in his ability to lead the team to further success. The club's management expressed their enthusiasm, highlighting his integral role in the team's achievements and his potential to steer them to new heights. As the longest-serving coach in Olympiacos' basketball history, Bartzokas continues to build on his legacy, aiming for even greater accomplishments in the upcoming seasons.

Lefteris Mantzoukas Joins Aris on Loan from Panathinaikos

Aris Thessaloniki has announced the acquisition of Lefteris Mantzoukas on loan from Panathinaikos, effective June 28, 2024. Mantzoukas, who has been a member of the "Greens" for the past four years, will now have the opportunity to gain more playing time with Aris.

Player Profile: Lefteris Mantzoukas

Lefteris Mantzoukas, born on July 8, 2003, stands at 6-foot-10 (2.07 meters) and plays as a power forward. Before joining Panathinaikos, he played for Promitheas Patras in the Greek Basket League.

Lefteris Mantzoukas began his professional career with Promitheas Patras, where he played from the 2017-18 to the 2019-20 season. During the 2017-18 season, he averaged 3.5 points, 0.8 rebounds, and 0.5 assists per game over 4 games, with an impressive field goal percentage of 55.6% and a perfect free throw percentage of 100.0%. The following season (2018-19) saw limited action, contributing 0.0 points, 0.3 rebounds, and 0.3 assists in 3 games. His performance improved significantly in the 2019-20 season, where he played 14 games, averaging 3.1 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 0.4 assists per game, with a field goal percentage of 43.6% and a three-point shooting percentage of 35.3%.

Mantzoukas joined Panathinaikos Athens in the middle of the 2020-21 season. In his debut season with Panathinaikos, he played 3 games, averaging 1.7 points, 0.7 rebounds, and 1.7 assists, with a field goal percentage of 25.0%. The 2021-22 season saw him play 18 games, averaging 2.5 points, 1.2 rebounds, and 0.6 assists per game, with improved shooting percentages of 45.0% from the field and 57.1% from the free-throw line. His best performance came in the 2022-23 season, where over 18 games, he averaged 6.1 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game, with a field goal percentage of 48.2%, a three-point percentage of 38.0%, and a free throw percentage of 90.9%. In the 2023-24 season, he played 19 games, averaging 3.9 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 0.5 assists per game, shooting 46.0% from the field and 42.9% from three-point range.

Petar Aleksić Takes the Helm at Iraklis BC

Iraklis Thessaloniki has officially announced the appointment of Petar Aleksić as the head coach for the 2024-25 season. Aleksić, a seasoned coach with a wealth of experience and a track record of success in Switzerland and Germany, as well as on the European and international stages, is set to lead the team in their pursuit of their goals for the upcoming season.

Coaching Career Highlights

Petar Aleksić was born on November 2, 1968, in Trebinje. His long tenure in Switzerland led to him acquiring Swiss citizenship. Aleksić began his coaching career in 2004 with the Austrian team BBC Feldkirch Baskets, where he served as a member of the coaching staff until the end of the 2005-2006 season.

In the 2006-2007 season, he took the helm of Union Neuchâtel in Switzerland. The following year, he joined Alba Berlin as an assistant to Luka Pavicevic, celebrating the team's German Championship victory.

After continuing with Alba Berlin for the 2008-2009 season, Aleksić returned to Union Neuchâtel in the 2010-2011 season. He then spent two years with Monthey in Switzerland from 2011 to 2013 and also coached Switzerland's U20 national team in 2012.

From 2013 to 2023, Aleksić was the head coach of Fribourg Olympic, Switzerland’s most successful basketball team. Under his leadership, Fribourg Olympic won six championships (2016, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023), five cups (2016, 2018, 2019, 2022, 2023), three League Cups (2018, 2020, 2022), and four Super Cups (2016, 2020, 2021, 2022). Aleksić was named Switzerland’s Coach of the Year eight times (2011, 2012, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023).

His tenure at Fribourg Olympic also saw the team participate in the Basketball Champions League and the FIBA Europe Cup. Additionally, he served as the head coach of Switzerland’s men's national team from 2013 to 2016, guiding them to a notable victory over Russia during the 2015 EuroBasket qualification.

Playing Career

Before embarking on his coaching career, Aleksić enjoyed a 17-year playing career, competing for various teams across Europe. His playing career included stints with FMP Zeleznik (Serbia), Zalaegerszegi Torna Egylet Kosárlabda Klub (Hungary), Union Neuchatel (Switzerland), BBC Nyon (Switzerland), Leotar Trebinje (Bosnia), NAP Novi Sad (Serbia), KK Zagreb (Croatia), and JUG Dubrovnik (Croatia).

Dimitris Katsivelis Returns to PAOK After Six Years

PAOK has officially announced the return of Dimitris Katsivelis to the team, six years after his first stint with the club. The experienced 33-year-old guard is set to bring his wealth of experience and skill back to the "Palataki" for the 2024-25 season.

Official Announcement

"PAOK is delighted to announce the agreement with Dimitris Katsivelis for the 2024-25 season. We welcome back a player with vast experience and numerous accolades to the PAOK family," the club announced.

Player Profile and Career Highlights

Dimitris Katsivelis was born on October 1, 1991, in Thessaloniki, Greece. Standing at 1.98 meters (6'6"), he plays as a guard. Katsivelis began his career with Mantoulidis Schools and signed a five-year contract with Olympiacos in the summer of 2010. During his time with Olympiacos, he achieved significant success, including winning the EuroLeague twice (2012, 2013), the Intercontinental Cup (2013), the Greek Championship twice (2012, 2015), as well as the Greek Cup in 2011.

Following his time at Olympiacos, Katsivelis played for AEK Athens (2015-16), then moved abroad for the first time in his career, joining Astana in Kazakhstan for the 2016-17 season. With Astana, he secured both the league championship and the cup. Katsivelis returned to Greece for the 2017-18 season, joining PAOK, where he had an outstanding season, helping the team secure a third-place finish in the league.

Subsequently, Katsivelis played two seasons with Promitheas Patras (2018-20), returned to AEK Athens (2020-21), and had one-year stints with Peristeri (2021-22), Kolossos Rhodes (2022-23), and Aris Thessaloniki (2023-24).

National Team Contributions

In addition to his club achievements, Katsivelis has been a valuable player for the Greek national team at various levels. He has represented Greece in numerous international competitions, winning the gold medal at the FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship in 2008 and silver medals at both the FIBA Under-19 World Cup in 2009 and the FIBA Europe Under-20 Championship in 2010.

Career Statistics

Olympiacos (2010-2015):
2010-11 Season: 1.2 points, 0.8 rebounds, 0.5 assists per game
2011-12 Season: 2.1 points, 0.6 rebounds, 0.6 assists per game
2012-13 Season: 3.6 points, 2.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists per game
2013-14 Season: 2.2 points, 1.4 rebounds, 1.5 assists per game
2014-15 Season: 2.9 points, 1.4 rebounds, 0.8 assists per game

AEK Athens (2015-16, 2020-21):
2015-16 Season: 3.5 points, 1.8 rebounds, 1.1 assists per game
2020-21 Season: 5.6 points, 2.1 rebounds, 1.8 assists per game

Astana (2016-17): Averaged 7.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game

PAOK (2017-18): Averaged 7.2 points, 3 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game

Promitheas Patras (2018-20):
2018-19 Season: 5.2 points, 2.7 rebounds, 2.8 assists per game
2019-20 Season: 6.5 points, 1.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists per game

Peristeri (2021-22): Averaged 6.8 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game

Kolossos Rhodes (2022-23): Averaged 7.7 points, 4 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game

Aris (2023-24): Contributed 3.5 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game

Shavar Reynolds Jr. Joins PAOK for the 2024-25 Season

PAOK BC has announced the signing of Shavar Reynolds Jr., a 26-year-old American guard, for the 2024-25 season. Reynolds, who previously played for Keravnos Strovolou under coach Michalis Kakiouzis in Cyprus, brings a wealth of talent and championship experience to the team.

Official Announcement

"PAOK Mateco is thrilled to announce the agreement with American basketball player Shavar Reynolds Jr. for the 2024-25 season. We welcome an exceptional guard to the PAOK family," the club stated.

Career Highlights and Statistics

Born on May 11, 1998, in New Jersey, Shavar Reynolds Jr. stands at 1.88 meters (6'2") and plays as a guard. His basketball journey began at the prestigious Seton Hall University, where he played for four years (2017-2021). During his tenure at Seton Hall, Reynolds averaged 7.7 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game in his final year. He concluded his collegiate career at Monmouth University, where he posted impressive numbers in the 2021-22 season with averages of 14.1 points, 3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists over 31 games.

Professional Career

Reynolds launched his professional career in the Dutch league during the 2022-23 season with Feyenoord. In 29 games, he averaged 18.7 points, 4 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game, with notable shooting percentages of 42.7% from three-point range and 84.3% from the free-throw line.

In the 2023-24 season, Reynolds played for Keravnos Strovolou in Cyprus, where he had an outstanding year. He led his team to both the Championship and the Cyprus Cup. In 40 games across the Cyprus league and the Europe Cup, Reynolds averaged 13.8 points with a remarkable 48.3% three-point shooting and 84.2% free-throw accuracy. Additionally, he contributed 2.4 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game.

PAOK BC Signs Kostas Papadakis

PAOK Basketball has bolstered its roster for the upcoming season with the signing of Kostas Papadakis, a talented 26-year-old guard standing at 1.91 meters. The move marks Papadakis' return to Thessaloniki after a season split between Lavrio and Kolossos Rodou.

Born on September 27, 1998, in Athens, Papadakis began his professional career with Panathinaikos and made his debut in the Basket League at just 17 years old during the 2015-16 season. He then moved to Kolossos Rodou, where he played multiple seasons, steadily improving his game. Over the years, he demonstrated proficiency in scoring, rebounding, and facilitating plays, showing adaptability across different teams and roles.

His tenure with Panathinaikos Athens in the 2019-20 season saw him averaging 3.7 points, 0.9 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game in limited minutes, displaying efficient shooting percentages. Transitioning to Ermis Agias for the 2020-21 season, Papadakis showcased his scoring ability with averages of 6.9 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game, maintaining solid shooting from both the field and beyond the arc.

During the 2021-22 season with Iraklis, Papadakis continued to evolve as a playmaker, contributing 7.0 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game. His all-around skills were further highlighted by his performance in domestic and European competitions, where he consistently demonstrated his value to the team.

Most recently, Papadakis played for Lavrio and Kolossos Rodou during the 2023-24 season, averaging 3.7 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game initially with Lavrio, before moving to Kolossos Rodou and maintaining a steady 3.4 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game.

Jay Nagle Joins Maroussi BC

Maroussi BC has bolstered its roster ahead of the upcoming season by securing the services of American small forward Jay Nagle. The 24-year-old has signed a three-year contract with the club, marking him as the fifth new international player to join this summer.

The official announcement:

"GS Amarousiou 1896 announces the acquisition of American small forward Jay Nagle, who has signed a three-year contract. He becomes the fifth new international player to join our team this summer, following Friðriksson, Stove, Sanogo, and Langevine.

Maroussi is the second professional stop for Nagle, who previously played for Orbi in Georgia, finishing in 5th place in the Georgian Superleague last season. He impressed with averages of 17.7 points (59.2% 2-pointers, 43.9% 3-pointers, 82.1% free throws), 7.8 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.3 blocks, and 1.4 steals per game across 24 appearances."

Player Profile:

Jay Nagle was born on April 10, 2000, in Vacaville, California, standing at a height of 2.06 meters (6 feet 9 inches). Continuing a family tradition, his father, John Nagle, is a basketball coach. Nagle attended UCSB (University of California, Santa Barbara) before completing his collegiate career at Idaho State, where he earned a degree in Sports Administration. Apart from his basketball skills, he was noted for his academic achievements and his prowess in finger painting.

During his senior year, Nagle averaged 5 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game over 25 appearances, starting in 23 games. His professional debut confirmed his versatility, particularly during his tenure with Orbi last season, where he showcased high-level performances across all major statistical categories.

Nagle's notable achievements included scoring over 20 points in nine games, with a season-high of 29 points against Margveti on February 11, 2024, in a 93-85 victory. In a first-round match against the same opponent, he scored 28 points with 6 three-pointers. His rebounding record peaked at 12 against RASHI on December 16, 2023, during a 91-79 win. Nagle also distributed 12 assists in a game where he achieved a triple-double (26 points, 10 rebounds, 12 assists) against Rustavi, securing a 112-92 victory on December 23, 2023. These performances earned him a place on the league's top foreign player list.

Veniamin Amposi Heads to the San Francisco Dons

The youngest player to have ever donned the Olympiacos jersey in the EuroLeague (17 years and 24 days old) has decided to test his skills in the NCAA with the San Francisco Dons, where he will play for the next two years.

Official Announcement:

"Veniamin Amposi will continue his development at the San Francisco Dons, where he has committed for the next two years. Olympiacos has supported this decision and retains the first option when Amposi decides to return to Europe. We wish him the best as he takes this next step in his basketball career."

Player Profile:

Veniamin Amposi, born on January 15, 2006, stands at 1.96 meters (6 feet 5 inches) and plays as a shooting guard. Amposi made history by becoming the youngest player to play for Olympiacos in the EuroLeague. He is recognized as one of the brightest talents in Greek basketball.

Amposi's accolades include being named MVP in the Greek Youth Championship, which he won with Olympiacos. During the last season, he played in four games with the men's team, albeit with limited minutes. His standout performances in the EuroLeague Next Gen tournament in Paris earned him a spot in the All-Tournament Team.

EuroLeague Performance:

Olympiacos (2022-23): Amposi appeared in one game for Olympiacos in the EuroLeague, playing 1 minute and 26 seconds without scoring or recording any significant stats.

U18 Tournament Performance:

Olympiacos U18 (2022-23): In the U18 tournament, Amposi played six games, averaging 11.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. He showcased his skills with a 44.1% shooting percentage from the field, 28.6% from three-point range, and 66.7% from the free-throw line. His overall performance included 31 total rebounds, 22 assists, and 17 turnovers over 140 minutes of play.

Collegiate Decision:

Amposi chose the San Francisco Dons over offers from three other colleges. His decision was made in consultation with Olympiacos, ensuring his path remains aligned with his long-term development and potential return to European basketball. This move to the NCAA will provide Amposi with the opportunity to further hone his skills and evolve his game.

Veniamin Amposi is undoubtedly a significant talent, and his time in the NCAA will be crucial for his growth as he prepares for future professional endeavors.

Panionios Adds Kendall Smith for Upcoming Season

Panionios will strengthen their lineup in the upcoming Stoiximan Basket League season with the addition of Kendall Smith, who played last year for PAOK.

Official Announcement:

"Panionios is pleased to announce the signing of Kendall Smith to the team for the next Stoiximan Basket League season. The American guard, who has previously played for Kolossos and PAOK, will be a key addition to our roster. We welcome Kendall and wish him health and success with our team."

Player Profile:

Kendall Smith, born on September 20, 1995, in Antioch, California, USA, is a versatile guard standing at 1.91 meters (6 feet 3 inches) and weighing 88 kilograms (194 pounds). Smith had a diverse collegiate career, starting with UNLV, then transferring to Cal State Northridge, and finally playing for Oklahoma State. His college career highlights include averaging 16.7 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game during his best season at Cal State Northridge. He also played a pivotal role at Oklahoma State, averaging 13.1 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game in his final season.

Professional Career:

ERA Nymburk (2018-19): Smith began his professional career with ERA Nymburk in the Czech Republic, where he played seven games, averaging 12.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game.

Okapi Aalstar (2018-19): Smith then moved to Belgium's Okapi Aalstar, where he played 26 games, averaging 11.2 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game.

Westchester Knicks (2019-20): Smith had a brief stint in the G-League with the Westchester Knicks, where he played three games, averaging 2.0 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game.

Stockton Kings (2019-20): Smith also played for the Stockton Kings, participating in seven games and averaging 2.9 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 0.6 assists per game.

Santa Cruz Warriors (2021-22): Smith spent a season with the Santa Cruz Warriors, where he played 35 games, averaging 9.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game.

Maine Celtics (2022-23): Smith joined the Maine Celtics, where he played 13 games, averaging 4.2 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game.

Kolossos Rodou (2022-23): Returning to Greece, Smith played 14 games for Kolossos Rodou, averaging 10.9 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game.

Cayirova Belediye (2023-24): Smith then played for Cayirova Belediye in Turkey, where he played eight games, averaging 15.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game.

PAOK (2023-24): Last season, Smith played for PAOK in Greece, where he participated in seven games, averaging 10.9 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game.

Nizhny Novgorod (2023-24): Smith also played for Nizhny Novgorod in the VTB League, participating in 10 games and averaging 11.7 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game.

Karditsa Signs American Center Nate Watson

Karditsa has announced their first transfer move for the new season, signing 26-year-old American center Nate Watson. Watson has previously played for ERA Nymburk in the Czech Republic and FMP in Serbia.

Official Announcement:

"Karditsa is pleased to announce the addition of Nate Watson to the men's team roster for the 2024-25 season. The American athlete is the first transfer for the new season and will be a key player for our newly formed team. We welcome Nate and wish him health and success with our team." 

Player Profile:

Nate Watson, born on October 19, 1998, in Portsmouth, Virginia, USA, stands at 2.08 meters (6 feet 10 inches) tall and weighs 118 kilograms (260 pounds). As a center, he had an impressive high school basketball career in the USA, earning him a spot in the prestigious Providence College basketball program. Watson played for Providence College for five years, becoming the record holder for most games played in the college’s history with 154 games (101 as a starter). He scored 1,750 points and grabbed 714 rebounds during his college career. In his final season, he averaged 13.3 points and 5.2 rebounds in 28 minutes per game, helping Providence win the Big East Championship and reach the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament.

 

Professional Career:

ERA Nymburk (2022-23): Watson started his professional career with ERA Nymburk in the Czech Republic in the fall of 2022. He helped the team secure first place in the regular season and reach the semifinals of the Czech Championship. Watson played 51 games, averaging 15.7 minutes, 9.6 points, and 4.2 rebounds per game. In the Basketball Champions League, he averaged 8.5 points and 5.5 rebounds in 21.3 minutes per game.

 

FMP (2023-24): Last season, Watson played for FMP in Serbia, participating in both the Serbian Championship and the Adriatic League. He played in 36 games, averaging 6.9 points and 3.1 rebounds in 16.2 minutes per game. His performance helped the team reach the semifinals of the Serbian Championship.

National Team:

Watson won a bronze medal with the USA National Team at the 2019 Pan American Games.

Aris Signs Nathan Laszewski

Aris has reached an agreement with 24-year-old American forward Nathan Laszewski. The talented player will strengthen the team's forward line for the upcoming season in the Basket League.

High School Career:

Laszewski played basketball for Avon High School in Avon, Connecticut, where he earned First Team All-State honors. He transferred to Northfield Mount Hermon School in Gill, Massachusetts, where he led his team to the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) Class AAA title and was named MVP. In his final season, Laszewski averaged 19.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game, setting program records for single-season points and three-pointers, as well as career three-pointers. A consensus four-star recruit, he committed to play college basketball for Notre Dame over offers from Arizona, North Carolina, Wake Forest, and Wisconsin.

College Career:

As a freshman at Notre Dame, Laszewski averaged 6.9 points and 3.9 rebounds per game. In his sophomore season, he averaged 7.4 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. On December 30, 2020, Laszewski posted a career-high 28 points and six rebounds in a loss to Virginia. As a junior, he averaged 13.3 points and 7.3 rebounds per game, earning All-Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) honorable mention. In his final season, he averaged 13.7 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game.

Professional Career:

In the 2023-24 season, Laszewski played for Happy Casa Brindisi in Italy. He averaged 8.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game, showcasing his skills and earning a move to Aris for the upcoming season.

Kolossos Rodou Renews Contract with Nikos Kamarianos

Kolossos Rodou has announced the extension of their collaboration with 27-year-old power forward Nikos Kamarianos until 2026.

Announcement

"Kolossos Rodou announces the extension of its collaboration with Nikos Kamarianos for the next two years! We wish Nikos good health and look forward to experiencing new great moments together!"

Professional Career

Nikolaos "Nikos" Kamarianos, born on March 21, 1997, is a Greek professional basketball player for Kolossos Rodou of the Greek Basket League and the Basketball Champions League. Standing at 2.04 m (6'8½"), he plays as a power forward.

Kamarianos developed his skills in the youth teams of Palaio Faliro, Panellinios, and Panathinaikos before starting his professional career. He signed his first professional contract with AEK Athens on July 21, 2015.

On August 17, 2020, he joined Kolossos Rodou on a two-year contract. After a season, he parted ways with the team and signed with PAOK on August 2, 2021. During his time with PAOK, he played 18 games, averaging 3 points and 2.6 rebounds in 10 minutes per contest.

In the 2022-2023 season, Kamarianos played for Maroussi in the second division, where he excelled with averages of 12.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game, leading the team to promotion to the first division.

Kamarianos returned to Kolossos Rodou on August 17, 2023, and on June 24, 2024, he extended his contract with the team through 2026.

Career Highlights and Stats

Panionios (2018-20): In the 2018-19 season, Kamarianos averaged 2.2 points and 1.4 rebounds in 16 games. The following season, he improved to 3.9 points and 2.1 rebounds in 20 games.
Kolossos Rodou (2020-21): Averaged 1.2 points and 0.7 rebounds in 18 games.
PAOK (2021-22): Averaged 3.1 points and 2.6 rebounds in 18 games.
Kolossos Rodou (2023-24): Averaged 3.2 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 25 games.

Aris Signs Giorgos Gkiouzelis

Aris BC has announced the signing of 29-year-old power forward Giorgos Gkiouzelis for the 2024-25 season. The experienced player joins Aris after spending the previous season with Apollon Patras.

Professional Career:

Giorgos Gkiouzelis (or Georgios Giouzelis), born on October 13, 1995, is a 2.04 m (6'8") tall, 98 kg (215 lb.) power forward. He began his basketball journey in the youth system of Panathinaikos, one of Greece's basketball powerhouses.

From 2012 to 2017, Gkiouzelis played in various lower-level leagues in Greece before making a significant move to Koroivos Amaliadas in the Greek 2nd division for the 2018-19 season. He averaged 7.2 points and 3.7 rebounds in 29 games.

In the following season, he joined Diagoras Dryopideon, where he averaged 6.4 points and 5.1 rebounds per game. His performance caught the attention of Iraklis where he played in the 2020-21 season, albeit with limited minutes, averaging 2.1 points and 1.3 rebounds in 9 games.

For the 2021-22 season, Gkiouzelis signed with Ionikos Nikaias, where he saw more playing time, averaging 5.1 points and 3.3 rebounds in 23 games. He moved to Peristeri in 2022, but his stint was short-lived, and he subsequently transferred to Karditsa mid-season. In 14 games with Karditsa, he averaged 5.1 points and 2.8 rebounds.

In June 2023, Gkiouzelis joined Apollon Patras, where he played 27 games, averaging 4.4 points and 2.3 rebounds in 22 minutes per game. On June 23, 2024, Gkiouzelis made the move to Aris, where he is expected to be a valuable addition to their roster.

Career Highlights and Stats:

Koroivos (2018-19): Averaged 7.2 points, 3.7 rebounds.
Diagoras Dryopideon (2019-20): Averaged 6.4 points, 5.1 rebounds.
Iraklis (2020-21): Averaged 2.1 points, 1.3 rebounds.
Ionikos Nikaias (2021-22): Averaged 5.1 points, 3.3 rebounds.
Peristeri and Karditsa (2022-23): Averaged 5.1 points, 2.8 rebounds with Karditsa.
Apollon Patras (2023-24): Averaged 4.4 points, 2.3 rebounds.

Esperides Kallitheas Crowned Champions at the 35th Greek Girls U16 Championship

In an exhilarating showdown at the 35th Panhellenic Girls U16 Championship held in Trikala, Esperides Kallitheas emerged victorious, claiming the title with a hard-fought 60-55 win over PAOK in the final.

Game Overview

The championship game was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both teams showcasing exceptional talent and determination. Esperides took an early lead, ending the first quarter at 18-10. They maintained their momentum throughout the game, leading 34-25 at halftime and 53-38 at the end of the third quarter. Despite a strong comeback attempt by PAOK in the final quarter, Esperides held on to secure the victory with a final score of 60-55.

Score by Quarters: 18-10, 34-25, 53-38, 60-55.

Team Lineups and Key Performers

Esperides Kallitheas (Coach: Dimos):

    Chliaoutaki: 7 points (1 three-pointer)
    Vinga: 16 points (2 three-pointers)
    Arapoglou: 7 points (1 three-pointer)
    Chantzioglou: 5 points (1 three-pointer)
    Filntisi: 4 points
    Archimandriti: 6 points (2 three-pointers)
    Segura: 15 points (1 three-pointer)

PAOK (Coach: Meletiadis):

    Bekiri: 2 points
    Zormpala: 19 points (1 three-pointer)
    Stamboulidou: 10 points (2 three-pointers)
    V. Chaitoglou: 2 points
    Koukoukaridou: 2 points
    A. Chaitoglou: 13 points
    Itoya: 7 points
    Kanli: 0 points

Key Players:

Segura Diaz Larrauri Mar (Esperides): Leading the charge with an impressive 22.6 points per game, 3.4 steals, and 18.2 efficiency rating.

Zormpala Apostolia-Despina (PAOK): Not far behind, with 17.8 points per game and a 14.6 efficiency rating.

Chliaoutaki Eleni (Esperides): Dominating the boards with 10 rebounds per game.

Vasiliki Chaitoglou (PAOK): Close competition with 9.6 rebounds per game.

Filntisi Aikaterini-Anna (Esperides): Providing 2.8 assists per game.

Stamboulidou Sofia (PAOK): Leading in assists with 5 per game and steals with 4 per game.

Awards and Recognitions:

MVP: Mar Segura of Esperides Kallitheas, awarded by Kostas Missas, head of the Women's Basketball Development Program of the Hellenic Basketball Federation.

Top Scorer: Mar Segura, with 113 points throughout the tournament, awarded by the national coach of the U16 Women’s National Team, Eleni Micha.

Best Team of the Tournament: Mar Segura (Esperides), Apostolia Zormpala (PAOK), Efthymia Fousteri (Kronos Ag. Dimitriou), Sofia Stamboulidou (PAOK), and Anna Lagonikaki (Panathinaikos).

Olympiacos Wins Greek Boys U16 Championship

Olympiacos emerged as the champion of Greece in the Final-8 of the 51st Greek Boys U16 Championship, which concluded yesterday in Xanthi, following their victory over Peristeri in the grand final with a score of 66-61.

Team Statistics:

Olympiacos (Pantelakis, Tzagishvili):

    Nottas: 2 points, 10:46 minutes
    Bekas: 13 points (2), 25:02 minutes
    Pagoulatos: 8 points (2), 27:44 minutes
    Delis: 2 points, 10:20 minutes
    Paralikis: 4 points (1), 21:12 minutes
    Vardis: 22 points (5), 27:46 minutes
    Gikas: 4 points, 33:02 minutes
    Bouzoulas: 5 points, 14:11 minutes
    Stankovic: 6 points, 25:41 minutes
    Kylindireas: 0 points, 4:16 minutes

Peristeri (Deli, Papamarkos):

    Spentzos: 0 points, 00:24 minutes
    Bourvanis: 0 points, 07:49 minutes
    Papadatos: 0 points, 06:37 minutes
    Chaidemenos: 22 points (1), 30:55 minutes
    Papadogiannis: 9 points (3), 27:35 minutes
    Tseremes: 9 points (1), 21:09 minutes
    Kontogiannis: 4 points, 24:26 minutes
    Fylaktakis: 13 points (1), 26:50 minutes
    Kapirelis: 4 points, 33:00 minutes

Tournament Awards

Top Scorers: Ilias Chaidemenos (Peristeri) and Vasilis Chartonas (DEKA) with 84 points each.

Most Valuable Player (MVP): Dusan Stankovic (Olympiacos)

Tournament Best Team: Vasilis Chartonas (DEKA), Ilias Chaidemenos (Peristeri), Dusan Stankovic (Olympiacos), Antonis Manolitsakis (Promitheas Patras), Spiros Papaioannou (Panionios).

Aris Signs David DeJulius

Aris BC has announced the signing of David DeJulius for the upcoming 2024-25 season. The 1.83m tall point guard was born on August 9, 1999, and brings significant experience from his college and early professional career.

College Career:

DeJulius began his collegiate career with the Michigan Wolverines in 2018. In his rookie season, he played in 25 games. During his sophomore year, he averaged 7 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game over 31 games, with an average playing time of 20 minutes.

In the summer of 2020, DeJulius transferred to Cincinnati, drawing interest from over 20 colleges. His first season with the Bearcats was cut short due to COVID-19, but he still managed to average 9.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists in 19 games, with 29.5 minutes per game. In his fourth year, he led the Bearcats in scoring with 14.5 points per game, along with 2.8 rebounds and 2.6 assists, earning a spot on the second team of his conference. Utilizing the extra eligibility granted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he played another season at Cincinnati, where he averaged 14.8 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists, with his 192 assists ranking third in school history behind only Oscar Robertson's records.

Professional Career:

DeJulius began his professional career in 2023 with Greek club Lavrio. In 13 games, he averaged 14.4 points and 3.5 assists, shooting 92.8% from the free-throw line, 52.2% from two-point range, and 33.3% from three-point range. His best performance came in a game against Aris, where he scored 25 points. Midway through the season, he moved to BG Göttingen in Germany, where he averaged 13.6 points and 5.1 assists per game.

On June 22, 2024, DeJulius signed with Aris, marking his return to Greece for the new season.

Marousi Signs Cyril Langevine Jr. for Two Years

Marousi has announced a significant addition to their roster with the signing of Cyril Langevine Jr. for the next two years. The 26-year-old power forward, standing at 2.03 meters, previously played for Chorale Roanne Basket in France and is well-known in Greece from his time with Lavrio in the 2022-23 season.

 

Announcement

"The G.S. Amarousiou 1896 basketball club is pleased to announce the signing of Cyril Langevine Jr. for the next two years. He becomes the fourth new player joining the team after Fridriksson, Stowe, and Sanogo. The 26-year-old power forward, who stands at 2.03 meters, played last season for the French team Chorale Roanne Basket and is known in Greece from his tenure at Lavrio (2022-23)."

Biography

Cyril Langevine Jr. (born August 16, 1998) is a Guyanese-American professional basketball player known for his strong presence in the paint and his defensive skills. Raised in East Orange, New Jersey, Langevine attended The Patrick School where he excelled in basketball, averaging 10 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks per game as a senior. He committed to Rhode Island over offers from several other colleges.

College Career

Langevine played college basketball for the Rhode Island Rams from 2016 to 2020. As a freshman, he contributed to a team that reached the NCAA Tournament, averaging 3.2 points and 4.5 rebounds per game. His junior year was particularly standout, where he averaged 14.7 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game, earning him a spot on the Second Team All-Atlantic 10. He concluded his college career with an average of 10.1 points, 10.3 rebounds, and two blocks per game in his senior year.

Professional Career

Langevine began his professional career in Sweden with Jämtland Basket in the 2020-21 season. He impressed with averages of 15.1 points, 12.2 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 1.9 blocks per game, earning First Team All-Basketligan honors and helping his team reach the semifinals.

In the 2021-22 season, he moved to Poland, playing for Śląsk Wrocław where he averaged 9.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 1.1 blocks per game. He also had a stint with King Szczecin in Poland, averaging 9.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, 0.9 assists, and 1.3 blocks per game.

Langevine joined Lavrio in Greece in December 2022, where he played 14 league games, averaging 12.4 points and 6.9 rebounds per game. Following his time at Lavrio, he signed with Scagliera Verona in Italy before moving to Chorale Roanne Basket in France for the 2023-24 season, where he averaged 5.4 points and 3.8 rebounds over 30 games.

Eurocup Records

During his tenure with Śląsk Wrocław in the Eurocup, Langevine recorded a personal best of 19 points against Lietuvos Rytas and grabbed 10 rebounds in a match against Lokomotiv Kuban.

PAOK Signs Frank Bartley for 2024-25 Season

PAOK BC has announced its first move for the upcoming season by signing American guard Frank Bartley, who spent the past two years primarily playing in Italy.

PAOK Announcement

"PAOK is pleased to announce the agreement with American basketball player Frank Bartley for the 2024-25 season. The top scorer of the Italian league in the 2022-23 season is the first player to join PAOK's new roster!"

Frank Bartley IV (born February 25, 1994) is an American professional basketball player known for his scoring prowess and versatility.

Early Life and High School

Bartley was born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He attended Christian Life Academy, where he excelled in both basketball and football. As a senior, he averaged 14.2 points and 6.7 rebounds per game, earning various honors, including District 7-1A co-MVP. For a postgraduate year, he attended Future College Prep in Carson, California, where he averaged 19.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game.
College Career

Bartley began his collegiate career at Brigham Young University (BYU), where he played for two seasons before transferring to Louisiana-Lafayette. At Louisiana, he made a significant impact, particularly in his senior year, averaging 17.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2 assists per game over 33 games.

College Stats:

    2013-14 (BYU): 3.4 points, 2.1 rebounds, 0.8 assists per game
    2014-15 (BYU): 2.5 points, 1.8 rebounds, 1.2 assists per game
    2016-17 (Louisiana): 15.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists per game
    2017-18 (Louisiana): 17.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists per game

Professional Career

Bartley began his professional career in Canada with the Saint John Riptide in the National Basketball League of Canada (NBLC). During the 2018-19 season, he averaged 19.3 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game, earning All-NBLC and Rookie of the Year honors.

In the 2019-20 season, Bartley moved to Europe, signing with Real Valladolid in Spain's LEB Oro. He averaged 16.3 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game, which earned him the LEB Oro Player of the Year title.

The following year, 2020-21, Bartley joined Medi Bayreuth in Germany's Basketball Bundesliga (BBL), where he continued to impress by averaging 14.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game.

In the 2021-22 season, Bartley started with the Bakken Bears in Denmark but played only one game before moving to Ironi Ness Ziona B.C. in Israel. There, he averaged 16.9 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game.

For the 2022-23 season, Bartley signed with Pallacanestro Trieste in Italy's Lega Basket Serie A (LBA). He led the league in scoring with an average of 19.5 points per game, alongside 4.8 rebounds and 3 assists per game. After his stint in Italy, Bartley played for Qingdao Eagles in China, where he averaged 8.9 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game over 17 games.

In the 2023-24 season, Bartley played for Happy Casa Brindisi in Italy. He averaged 12.9 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game over 16 games in the Italian league.

Pavlos Petalotis Joins SoCal Academy

Pavlos Petalotis is set to join SoCal Academy, marking a pivotal moment in his basketball journey. Standing at 1.98 meters, the 16-year-old shooting guard is poised to continue his development in a competitive environment that will prepare him for the next level. With his experience from the Adidas Next Generation Tournament and training at Aris Thessaloniki, Petalotis is expected to make significant strides in his career at SoCal Academy.

 

About SoCal Academy

SoCal Academy is a prominent basketball academy in Los Angeles that serves as a gateway for young athletes aspiring to join American colleges. The academy is frequently scouted by college recruiters looking to identify and recruit promising players.

 

Player Profile

    Name: Pavlos Petalotis
    Age: 16
    Height: 1.98 meters (6’5”)
    Position: Shooting Guard
    Birth Year: 2008

Youth Career Highlights

Pavlos Petalotis began his basketball journey with GAS Komotini, where he made a remarkable impact by scoring in four different age categories in a single season. This achievement highlighted his versatility and skill, as he competed in the mini, junior, youth, and men's leagues.

Pavlos Petalotis then moved to the Aris Thessaloniki academy. He stood out in the youth leagues and was a key player in leading Aris to the finals of the Thessaloniki Regional Championship. Despite an injury, he played a crucial role in the finals against DEKA, showcasing his resilience and dedication. In a notable game against PAOK U18, Petalotis was the top scorer for Aris, contributing significantly with 31 points, leading his team to a 65-81 victory.

 

Adidas Next Generation Tournament Stats

In the Adidas Next Generation Tournament, Petalotis displayed his skills in several games. Here are his key stats from the tournament:

    Game 1 (vs ASVEL, March 23, 2024):
        Score: 61-78 (Loss)
        Points: 3
        Rebounds: 3
        Assists: 0
        Minutes: 10
        Field Goals: 1-3 (33.3%)
        3-Point FG: 1-1
        Offensive Rebounds: 0
        Defensive Rebounds: 3
        Turnovers: 1
        Efficiency: 3

    Game 2 (vs ratiopharm Ulm, March 22, 2024):
        Score: 67-83 (Loss)
        Points: 2
        Rebounds: 1
        Assists: 0
        Minutes: 15
        Field Goals: 1-4 (25.0%)
        3-Point FG: 0-3
        Offensive Rebounds: 0
        Defensive Rebounds: 1
        Turnovers: 1
        Efficiency: -1

Maroussi Signs Young Talent Giannis Karakostas

Maroussi has signed the "Best Young Player" of the Elite League 2023-2024 for the next four years. The 20-year-old point guard Giannis Karakostas will make his debut in the Basket League with the team from the northern suburbs of Athens.

The announcement from Maroussi:

"The G.S. Amarousiou 1896 announces the acquisition of international point guard Giannis Karakostas for the next four years. In the 2023-24 season, as a player of Papagou BC, he was named 'Best Young Player' in the Elite League, with an average of 13.9 points (85.9% free throws, 52.3% two-pointers, and 36.7% three-pointers), 4.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.2 steals in 31 minutes per game."

Giannis Karakostas Bio and Career

Giannis Karakostas comes from a basketball family, with his father Fotis being a coach and his brother Nikos a basketball player. He was born on February 4, 2004, stands 1.90 meters tall, and plays as a guard. He began his basketball journey with GAO Koukouvaunon. In the 2019-20 season, he played for Panathinaikos, contributing to winning the Greek U16 Championship.

On July 27, 2022, he was acquired by Lavrio and, using a "dual license," also played for Papagou to gain experience. With Lavrio, he recorded 3 appearances in the Basket League in the 2022-23 season, scoring 5 points in 8 minutes in a game against Kolossos (April 9, 2023).

He continued with Papagou, where he stood out and proved that he is ready for the next step in his career. He is currently a member of the national teams (now with the U20 team) and a student at the Athens School of Dentistry.

Season Highlights

Karakostas finished the last season with Papagou, playing 34 games and averaging 31 minutes per game. He scored a total of 473 points, with an impressive shooting performance: 52.3% on two-pointers, 36.7% on three-pointers, and 85.9% from the free-throw line. He also contributed significantly with 4.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.2 steals per game, accumulating a total efficiency rating of 536, which averages to 15.8 per game. He was named the best young player in the Elite League and is Maroussi's fourth signing after acquiring Elvar Fridriksson, Jonathan Stove, and Ismael Sanogo.

This impressive performance earned him the title of "Best Young Player" in the Elite League and paved the way for his move to Maroussi, where he is expected to continue his promising career.

Promitheas Signed Darius Perry

Promitheas has made its first move to strengthen the roster for the upcoming season by signing 25-year-old American point guard Darius Perry. Perry, who spent the last two years playing in the Hungarian and German leagues, is set to bolster the team's backcourt.

Promitheas Announcement:

"Promitheas Patras is pleased to announce its first signing for the 2024-25 season, Darius Perry, who comes to strengthen our team's perimeter.

Darius James Perry, born on March 13, 1999, in the United States, stands at 188 cm and plays as a Point Guard. He began his career in the NCAA with the Louisville Cardinals, where he played for three years. He then transferred to the UCF Knights, where he remained for two years before deciding to move across the Atlantic to Europe.

In his 'rookie' season on European courts, Perry played for Nyiregyhaza in Hungary and impressed with his versatile contributions, finishing the season with 22.2 points, 4.6 assists, and 4.5 rebounds per game. His excellent performance in the Hungarian league earned him a move to a higher-level competition, the German Bundesliga, with Wurzburg Baskets. There, he continued to perform well, averaging 10.1 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 2.2 assists.

We welcome Darius Perry to our basketball family and wish him to fulfill all his personal ambitions while leading Promitheas to success."
 

Darius Perry's High School and College Career

Perry played high school basketball for Mount Vernon Presbyterian School and Wheeler High School in Georgia, helping his team capture the Class 6A state title. He committed to Louisville for college, where he played three seasons, averaging 4.0 points, 1.2 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game as a freshman, 5.4 points and 1.5 assists as a sophomore, and 5.2 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in his junior season. Perry then transferred to UCF, where he had a standout senior season, averaging 14.7 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.4 assists. In his fifth year, he continued to perform well, averaging 11.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game.

Darius Perry's Professional Career:

Perry's time in Hungary was marked by his impressive scoring ability, as he averaged 22.2 points per game, showcasing his offensive prowess. His shooting accuracy was notable with a field goal percentage of 42.8% and a free throw percentage of 78.9%. He also demonstrated versatility on the court with averages of 4.5 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game, indicating his capability to contribute in multiple facets of the game.

In Germany, Perry continued to display his scoring ability, averaging 10.1 points per game while maintaining a respectable shooting percentage of 39.9% from the field and 81.3% from the free throw line. He also contributed 2.7 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game, showing his well-rounded skill set. His performance helped Würzburg Baskets achieve a 24-10 record, underlining his impact on the team's success.

 

Manos Chatzidakis Joins Aris BC on Two-Year Deal

Manos Chatzidakis will be wearing the Aris jersey for the next two seasons. The 27-year-old center has joined the Thessaloniki-based club, as announced by Aris BC.

 
"Aris is pleased to announce the acquisition of Manos Chatzidakis until 2026. Manos Chatzidakis was born on April 21, 2000, in Leros and stands 2.08 meters tall. He plays the center position.

Chatzidakis began his professional career with AEK Athens in 2016. In 2018, he was loaned to Maroussi and in 2019, he moved to Amaliada to play for Koroivos. The 2020-21 season saw him return to Maroussi, followed by two seasons with Kolossos Rodou. In the summer of 2023, Chatzidakis returned to AEK Athens and now, he joins Aris BC.

He is also an international player, having played for the Greek U16 and U18 national teams, and in 2023, he was part of the senior Greek national team. We welcome Manos Chatzidakis to the Aris family and wish him health and success with our team."

Career Overview

AEK Athens (2016-2018): Chatzidakis began his professional career with AEK Athens, signing a seven-year contract in June 2016. He was loaned to Maroussi in 2018 to gain more playing time, where he recorded notable performances, including a debut game with 20 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists against Kavala.

Maroussi (2018-2021): During the 2020-21 season with Maroussi, Chatzidakis averaged 9.1 points and 4 rebounds per contest in 22 games.

Kolossos Rhodes (2021-2023): Chatzidakis signed with Kolossos Rhodes in July 2021. In his first season, he averaged 3.2 points and 1.4 rebounds in 24 games, playing around 9 minutes per contest. He renewed his contract in August 2022 and averaged 4.9 points and 2.7 rebounds in 22 games during the 2022-23 season, playing around 14 minutes per contest.

AEK Athens (2023): Chatzidakis returned to AEK Athens in June 2023, before making the move to Aris.

 

National Team

Greek Junior National Teams: Chatzidakis has represented Greece in several junior international competitions, including the 2016 FIBA Under-16 European Championship, the 2018 FIBA Under-18 European Championship, and the 2019 FIBA Under-19 World Cup.

Greek Senior National Team: In 2023, Chatzidakis played with the senior Greek national team during the FIBA World Cup qualifiers and was selected for the national team for the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

Nikos Diplaros Continues with Karditsa for the 2024/25 Season

Nikos Diplaros (27 years old, 1.90 meters) will continue to play for Karditsa in the upcoming 2024/25 season, as announced by the team. The 27-year-old Greek guard had a productive season in 2023/24, averaging 6.1 points, 2 rebounds, and 3.8 assists in 22 minutes per game in the Stoiximan Basket League.

Karditsa's Official Announcement

"The A.S. Karditsa announces that Nikos Diplaros has renewed his contract and will be part of the team for the next season. The 27-year-old point guard, following Giorgos Kamperidis, continues the renewals of the team's core. Nikos Diplaros started his career at Esperos Patras. In 2015, at the age of 18, he made his debut in the Greek A1 League with Aris, followed by two seasons with Panionios. In 2019, he signed his first contract abroad, playing initially for Bulgarian club Lovcen and later for Georgian club Batumi.

In 2020, Diplaros played for Panathinaikos, appearing in 13 league games and 3 EuroLeague matches. In 2021, he joined Apollon Patras, and for the 2022-23 season, he played for Bulgarian club Balkan Botevgrad, competing in the FIBA Europe Cup and winning the Bulgarian championship with his team. He has accumulated 115 games in the Basket League, scoring 615 points, delivering 314 assists, and making 114 steals. In his first season with A.S. Karditsa, he played 25 games, averaging 21.6 minutes, 6.1 points, 2 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. Additionally, Diplaros has won two gold medals in European championships with the Greek national teams, in 2015 with the U18 and in 2017 with the U20, with a total of 52 international appearances and 267 points."

 

Panathinaikos Signs Lorenzo Brown for Upcoming Season

Panathinaikos has made a significant addition to their roster by signing Lorenzo Brown for the upcoming season. The 34-year-old guard had a contract with Maccabi Tel Aviv but requested to leave due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine. Panathinaikos paid the necessary buyout to bring Brown to their team.

Brown had an impressive season with Maccabi, averaging 12 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game with a 44.1% three-point shooting percentage in the Israeli league. In the EuroLeague, he averaged 13.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game with a 34.5% three-point shooting percentage.

Career Highlights and Teams

Lorenzo Brown's career has been diverse and dynamic, spanning multiple continents and leagues. After an impressive high school career at Centennial High School in Roswell, Georgia, where he averaged 20.8 points as a senior, he played three standout seasons at NC State, averaging 11.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game. Brown entered the NBA in 2013, drafted 52nd overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves. He had stints with the Philadelphia 76ers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Phoenix Suns, and Toronto Raptors, with varying roles and playing time. Brown also had international stints in Italy with Reyer Venezia, in China with Zhejiang Golden Bulls, in Russia with UNICS Kazan and Fenerbahçe, and in Spain where he became a naturalized citizen and represented the national team, winning gold at EuroBasket 2022. His best season came in 2017-2018 with Raptors 905 in the G League, where he won the MVP award. Most recently, Brown played for Maccabi Tel Aviv, maintaining strong performances and contributing significantly in both the Israeli league and the EuroLeague. His consistent play and leadership were evident, making him a valuable asset for Panathinaikos as they prepare for the upcoming season.

Greek Teams in the 2024-25 Basketball Champions League

FIBA has announced the list of teams that will participate in both the regular season and the qualifiers of the Basketball Champions League (BCL) for the upcoming season. Four Greek teams have secured their spots directly in the regular season: AEK BC, Peristeri, Promitheas Patras, and Kolossos Rodou. Additionally, PAOK will compete for a place in the "32" through the qualifiers, along with 24 other teams.

The qualifiers will take place from September 16th to 22nd, with the regular season tipping off on October 1st. Notably, AEK, Tenerife, and Oostende are the only teams with nine consecutive seasons of participation in the BCL.

In the regular season, eight groups of four teams each will be formed, with the group winners advancing directly to the "16." Teams finishing in 2nd and 3rd place will battle for the remaining spots through the play-ins. In the "16" phase, teams will compete in four groups of four, with the top two from each group moving on to the quarterfinals.

Kolossos Rhodes announced their participation in the Basketball Champions League (BCL) for the upcoming season and revealed that they will initially use the "Dimitris Tofalos" arena in Patras as their home venue. They expressed their gratitude to Promitheas Patras for their cooperation.

The full list of teams directly in the BCL regular season includes:

    AEK Betsson (GRE)
    BAXI Manresa (ESP)
    Bertram Derthona Tortona (ITA)
    Falco Szombathely (HUN)
    Filou Oostende (BEL)
    FMP SoccerBet (SRB)
    Galatasaray (TUR)
    Hapoel Netanel Holon (ISR)
    Igokea (BIH)
    King Szczecin (POL)
    Kolossos Rhodes (GRE)
    La Laguna Tenerife (ESP)
    Maccabi Ramat Gan (ISR)
    Manisa Büyükşehir Belediyespor (TUR)
    Nanterre 92 (FRA)
    NINERS Chemnitz (GER)
    Pallacanestro Reggiana (ITA)
    Peristeri bwin (GRE)
    Pinar Karsiyaka (TUR)
    Promitheas Patras (GRE)
    RASTA Vechta (GER)
    Rytas Vilnius (LTU)
    Saint-Quentin Basket-Ball (FRA)
    UCAM Murcia (ESP)
    Unicaja (ESP)
    VEF Riga (LAT)
    WKS Slask Wroclaw (POL)
    Wurzburg Baskets (GER)