Another promising Greek basketball player is set to join the NCAA ranks, with 19-year-old forward Stefanos Spartalis (2.06m / 6'9") announcing his commitment to Monmouth University via his personal social media.
From Olympiacos to NCAA: A Promising Path
Spartalis, a youth international for Greece, was previously with Olympiacos, where he signed his first professional contract in September 2024, valid until 2029. Despite this, he'll now pursue a collegiate career in the US, following in the footsteps of other young Greek players like Neoklis Avdalas, Vangelis Zougri, and Lefteris Mantzoukas who also opted for the NCAA this year.
During the 2024-25 season, Spartalis played in 7 GBL games for Olympiacos. He also notably excelled in the Elite League while on a dual-roster agreement with Papagou, where he averaged 10.1 points and 6.7 rebounds. With Papagou, he finished the season averaging 9.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in 19 minutes per game.
Spartalis made his Olympiacos debut against Karditsa in October 2024, but scored his first points against Kolossos Rodou.
During the 2024-25 season, Spartalis played in 7 GBL games for Olympiacos. He also notably excelled in the Elite League while on a dual-roster agreement with Papagou, where he averaged 10.1 points and 6.7 rebounds. With Papagou, he finished the season averaging 9.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in 19 minutes per game.
Spartalis made his Olympiacos debut against Karditsa in October 2024, but scored his first points against Kolossos Rodou.
Youth Success and Super Cup Adventures
Spartalis's talent has been evident in his youth career. He joined Olympiacos's academies in 2022 and quickly made an impact, winning the Panhellenic U18 Championship (2024) and the Rising Stars tournament (2024), being named MVP in both competitions.
A testament to his dedication and commitment to playing, Spartalis had a remarkable Super Cup journey in September 2024. On Friday, September 27, he traveled with Olympiacos for the Super Cup, but as he was not in the 12-man roster, Papagou arranged for him to fly back to play in a Greek Cup game against Psychiko. In that game, he played 13 minutes, contributing 6 points, 6 rebounds, and 1 block in Papagou's 75-66 victory, securing their spot in the UNICEF Trophy Final Four. Immediately after, he flew back to Rhodes for the Super Cup final with Olympiacos against Panathinaikos, returning to Athens with the Olympiacos squad early on Monday morning.
Spartalis's GBL Appearances with Olympiacos
In his 7 appearances for Olympiacos in the GBL during the 2024-25 season, Stefanos Spartalis had the following averages and best game:
Average Minutes Played: 4.1 minutes per game
Average Points: 1.9 points per game
Average Rebounds: 1.0 rebound per game
Average Assists: 0.6 assists per game
Best Game Performance (vs. Kolossos Rodou, 88-73 win):
Minutes Played: 15 minutes
Points: 7 points
Rebounds: 6 rebounds
Assists: 0 assists
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