Diamantis Slaftsakis Returns to Kolossos Rodou

After two years in Thessaloniki, Diamantis Slaftsakis is returning to Rhodes to once again wear the Kolossos jersey. The 30-year-old forward previously played for Kolossos during the 2021/2022 season.

The Rhodes team's announcement states: "Kolossos H Hotels Collection announces its agreement with Diamantis Slaftsakis."

Diamantis Slaftsakis, born on July 27, 1994, is 2.01m tall and plays as a power forward.  He started his professional career in 2012 with KAO Dramas, where he stayed until 2015. The next season he played for Koroivos Amaliadas, and in 2016/17 he played for Apollon Patras. Subsequently, Slaftsakis wore the jersey of Trikala and from 2018 to 2021, he played for Aris. After his season in Rhodes, he moved to PAOK, and last season, he returned to Aris, where he averaged 2.3 points and 2.3 rebounds in the Greek Basket League, and 1.6 points and 1.5 rebounds in the Eurocup.

Basketball Career Averages:

    2012-13, KAO Dramas: 1.3 points, 1.3 rebounds, 0.4 assists in 16 games
    2013-14, KAO Dramas: 3.7 points, 3.5 rebounds, 0.6 assists in 24 games
    2014-15, KAO Dramas: 4.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, 0.7 assists in 23 games
    2015-16, Koroivos: 4.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, 0.9 assists in 25 games
    2016-17, Apollon Patras: 3.6 points, 2.6 rebounds, 0.7 assists in 26 games
    2017-18, Trikala: 5.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, 1.3 assists in 21 games
    2018-19, Aris BC: 3.7 points, 2.2 rebounds, 1.0 assists in 26 games
    2019-20, Aris BC: 3.5 points, 2.6 rebounds, 0.7 assists in 20 games
    2020-21, Aris BC: 3.7 points, 2.3 rebounds, 0.6 assists in 21 games
    2021-22, Kolossos H Hotels: 2.9 points, 2.1 rebounds, 0.6 assists in 23 games
    2022-23, PAOK: 2.8 points, 1.6 rebounds, 0.4 assists in 21 games
    2023-24, Aris BC: 2.4 points, 2.3 rebounds, 0.5 assists in 24 games

Christos Iordanou Extends Contract with Maroussi

Christos Iordanou has extended his contract with Maroussi for two more years. The 26-year-old small forward will continue to contribute to the team’s efforts to achieve their goals in the upcoming seasons.

Official Announcement

The official statement from Maroussi reads: "The KAE G.S. AMAROUSIOU 1896 announces the two-year extension of our collaboration with Christos Iordanou (26, 1.96m). His performance (in 17 games) and character helped the team achieve its goal of remaining in the league. After overcoming his injury, he gained more playing time (average 10.30 minutes) and demonstrated his usefulness."

Career Overview

Psyhiko Athens (2016–2022): Iordanou began his professional career with Psyhiko Athens in the Greek second division, where he progressively improved his performance over several seasons.

    2016-17 Season: 7.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists in 9.0 minutes per game.
    2017-18 Season: 6.8 points, 2.7 rebounds, 0.8 assists in 16.0 minutes per game.
    2018-19 Season: 4.6 points, 2.4 rebounds, 0.6 assists in 15.9 minutes per game.
    2019-20 Season: 3.6 points, 2.6 rebounds, 0.6 assists in 16.0 minutes per game.
    2020-21 Season: 8.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.2 assists in 23.5 minutes per game.
    2021-22 Season: 10.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, 0.8 assists in 24.6 minutes per game.

Kolossos H Hotels (2022–2023): Brief stint with Kolossos H Hotels in the Greek first division.
 

2022-23 Season: 1.3 points, 0.8 rebounds, 0.5 assists in 6.8 minutes per game over 12 games.

Maroussi (2023–2024): Currently playing for Maroussi in the Greek first division.

 

2023-24 Season: 2.4 points, 2.0 rebounds, 0.1 assists in 10.6 minutes per game over 17 games.

Luca Vildoza Transfers to Olympiacos from Panathinaikos

In a major turn of events, Luca Vildoza has signed a two-year contract with Olympiacos after being released from Panathinaikos. This transfer marks Vildoza as the second significant acquisition for Olympiacos, following the signing of Tyler Dorsey. 

Vildoza's move is notable as he becomes the sixth foreign player to switch directly between the two Greek basketball powerhouses without any intermediate stops. This transfer places him among a select group of players who have made similar moves, including:

Zarko Paspalj (1994): From Olympiacos to Panathinaikos

Alexander Volkov (1994): From Panathinaikos to Olympiacos

Johnny Rogers (1999): From Olympiacos to Panathinaikos

Andrija Zizic (2007): From Olympiacos to Panathinaikos

Matt Lojeski (2017): From Olympiacos to Panathinaikos

Olympiacos' Official Announcement

The official statement from Olympiacos read: "Olympiacos BC announces the acquisition of Luca Vildoza. The Argentine guard has signed a two-year contract with our team."

Luca Vildoza: Player Profile

Date of Birth: August 11, 1995

Nationality: Argentine-Italian

Height: 1.91m

Position: Guard

Career Journey and Statistics

Early Career in Argentina

Quilmes (2012–2016): Vildoza began his professional career with Quilmes in Argentina, showing steady development and increasing his contributions each season.

    2011-12 Season: 1.7 points, 0.3 rebounds, 0.3 assists in 6.1 minutes per game.
    2011-12 Season: 1.0 points, 0.3 rebounds, 0.1 assists in 4.1 minutes per game.
    2013-14 Season: 5.7 points, 2.0 rebounds, 1.7 assists in 18.3 minutes per game.
    2014-15 Season: 11.7 points, 2.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists in 23.2 minutes per game.
    2015-16 Season: 14.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists in 26.2 minutes per game.
    2016-17 Season: 16.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.9 assists in 31.6 minutes per game.

European Experience

Baskonia (2016–2021): Vildoza then moved to Europe, joining Baskonia in Spain, where he continued to improve and became a key player.

    2017-18 Season: 6.1 points, 1.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists in 12.7 minutes per game.
    2018-19 Season: 9.3 points, 2.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists in 23.5 minutes per game.
    2019-20 Season: 7.4 points, 2.7 rebounds, 2.9 assists in 23.6 minutes per game.
    2020-21 Season: 10.9 points, 1.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists in 23.0 minutes per game.

Short Stints:

    Milwaukee Bucks (2022): Brief period in the NBA.
    Crvena zvezda (2022–2023): 9.7 points, 1.4 rebounds, 4.3 assists in 20.3 minutes per game.

Panathinaikos (2023–2024):

    EuroLeague 2023-24 Season: 5.7 points, 1.5 assists, 0.6 steals in 14:56 minutes per game over 28 games.
    Basket League 2023-24 Season: 6.3 points, 2.8 assists, 1 steal in 18:40 minutes per game over 23 games.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

 

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."

 

Giorgos Sigalas Appointed Head Coach of Kolossos Rodou

Giorgos Sigalas, known as "Rambo," is set to take the helm as head coach of Kolossos Rodou, succeeding Curro Segura. This appointment marks Sigalas' debut as a head coach in the Basket League. Sigalas returns to Kolossos after two years as an assistant coach under Giannis Kastritis at Aris BC. Previously, he was part of the coaching staff at Kolossos Rodou from 2020 to 2022, working with Ilias Kantzouris.

Kolossos Rodou Announcement:

"Kolossos Rodou BC is pleased to announce the agreement with coach Giorgos Sigalas, who will lead our team for the next three years. Sigalas returns to our team after serving as an assistant coach from 2020 to 2022. He moved to Thessaloniki to assist Giannis Kastritis at Aris. As a head coach, Sigalas led the Greek National U20 team in 2008 and has also coached Ermis Lagkada (2008/09) and Aigaleo (2014). We are confident that Sigalas' experience and knowledge will significantly contribute to our team's development and success in the coming years. We look forward to achieving our goals together with Giorgos and leading Kolossos to new triumphs."

 

Managerial Career Highlights

Greek National U20 Team (2008): Sigalas began his head coaching career with the Greek National U20 team in 2008.

Ermis Lagkada (2008-2009): He then moved on to coach Ermis Lagkada for the 2008/09 season.

Aigaleo (2014): In 2014, Sigalas took charge of Aigaleo, gaining further experience as a head coach.

Kolossos Rodou (2020-2022): From 2020 to 2022, Sigalas served as an assistant coach at Kolossos, working alongside Ilias Kantzouris.

Aris BC (2022-2024): He then joined Aris BC as an assistant coach under Giannis Kastritis, contributing to the team's strategies and performance.

Georgios Limniatis Appointed Head Coach of Peristeri BC

Peristeri BC has officially announced Georgios Limniatis as their new head coach for the 2024-2025 season. Limniatis, who has previously coached Lavrio Megabolt and Maroussi, will be stepping in to replace Vassilis Spanoulis.

Official Announcement

In their statement, Peristeri bwin expressed their enthusiasm for the new appointment: "We are pleased to announce the beginning of our collaboration with Georgios Limniatis for the 2024-2025 season. The 53-year-old coach will lead our team in achieving our goals."

Limniatis' Statement

Upon signing his contract, Limniatis shared his excitement and vision for the team: "I want to thank the management of Peristeri bwin and Filippos Kotsis for the honor of entrusting me with the leadership of such a historic team. I am thrilled with the opportunity to build a team that will be attractive to basketball fans and the supporters of Peristeri. We will do everything to meet the club's expectations, and I can promise that we will create a team where the 'we' will surpass the 'I.' We will fight for every possession on the court and represent the character of the city. At the same time, we will strive to play modern basketball combined with victories to achieve our goals.".

Massimo Cancellieri Appointed Head Coach of PAOK BC

PAOK BC has announced the appointment of Italian coach Massimo Cancellieri as the new head coach for the upcoming 2024-25 season. Cancellieri, a seasoned coach with extensive experience in top-level European basketball, will be the first Italian to take the helm at PAOK and the third to coach in the Stoiximan Basket League, following Andrea Mazzon and Luca Banchi.

Official Announcement

In an official statement, PAOK Mateco welcomed Cancellieri to the club, highlighting his impressive coaching background and achievements. "We are pleased to announce the agreement with Italian coach Massimo Cancellieri, who will lead our team for the 2024-25 season. Cancellieri brings a wealth of experience from the highest levels, having spent six years on the coaching staff of Armani Milano and the last three years as head coach in France with Limoges and Strasbourg."

Coaching Experience and Achievements

Massimo Cancellieri, born on July 24, 1972, in Teramo, Italy, recently concluded his tenure with SIG Strasbourg, marking the end of his three-year stint in the French league. His coaching journey began in 1994 with the youth teams of San Raffaele in Italy, and he quickly moved up the ranks, holding various coaching positions across prominent Italian clubs.

During the 2023-24 season with Strasbourg, Cancellieri's team finished 12th in the French league with a record of 15 wins and 19 losses. In the Basketball Champions League, Strasbourg topped their group in the regular season but were eliminated in the round of 16 due to a triple tie with Tofas Bursa and Cholet.

Cancellieri's extensive experience in European basketball and his proven track record of developing teams and achieving success make him a valuable asset for PAOK Mateco. The club's management expressed confidence in his ability to lead the team to new heights and welcomed him warmly into the PAOK family.

"Benvenute Coach Massimo! We look forward to an exciting and successful season under your guidance," the statement concluded.

Dragan Sakota Returns to AEK for Fourth Tenure

Dragan Sakota, the celebrated coach who led AEK Betsson to its last Greek Championship title in 2002, is making a triumphant return to the club for a fourth tenure. AEK's management announced Sakota's return, highlighting his historical achievements and strategic importance to the team's future.

In a statement, AEK Betsson BC welcomed Sakota back to the "home" he holds dear, signing him to an indefinite contract with the club. "The coach of 3+1 titles (1 Greek Championship, 1 BCL, 1 Greek Cup as Coach + 1 Intercontinental Cup as Sports Director) returns to his 'Home.' Dragan Sakota will once again lead the 'Queen,' aiming to restore normalcy and success to the team."

Strategic Role and Future Plans

In addition to his coaching responsibilities, Sakota will assume the role of Sports Director from the following season, overseeing the strategic planning and development of AEK Betsson BC. This dual role underscores the club's trust in Sakota's vision and leadership.
Experience and Achievements

Sakota's coaching career spans multiple countries and decades, with significant achievements in both domestic and international basketball. His previous tenures with AEK (2001-2003, 2014-2015, 2017-2018) were marked by impressive successes, including winning the Greek Championship in 2002, the Basketball Champions League in 2018, and the Greek Cup in 2018.

Maroussi Signs Ismael Sanogo for Upcoming Season

Maroussi BC has officially announced the signing of Ivorian power forward Ismael Sanogo, bolstering their roster ahead of the new Greek Basket League season. This strategic move follows the recent acquisitions of Stowe and Fridriksson, marking a significant enhancement to the team's lineup.

Early Career and College Highlights

Sanogo honed his skills at Eastside High School in Paterson, New Jersey, before making his mark in college basketball with Seton Hall University from 2014 to 2018. Despite going undrafted in the 2018 NBA Draft, his tenure at Seton Hall showcased his defensive prowess and versatility on the court.

Professional Journey

Sanogo began his professional career with the Long Island Nets in the NBA G League, where he played from 2018 to 2020. In 2021, he transitioned to European basketball, joining Vanoli Cremona in Italy, where he continued to develop his game.

Tenure with Aris

In August 2022, Sanogo signed with Aris, a well-known team in the Greek Basket League. Over two seasons with Aris, he averaged 6.3 points in 19.4 minutes per game in the domestic league and contributed 6.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 0.9 assists per game in the EuroCup. His consistent performance and defensive contributions established him as a key player for Aris.

Maroussi's New Acquisition

Maroussi's management expressed their enthusiasm about the signing, emphasizing Sanogo's familiarity with Greek basketball and his defensive skills. Sanogo is expected to play a crucial role in strengthening Maroussi's frontcourt, capable of playing both power forward and center positions.

Official Statement from Maroussi:

"Maroussi BC 1896 is delighted to announce the acquisition of Ismael Sanogo. As a familiar face to Greek basketball fans from his time with Aris, Sanogo joins us on a two-year contract. His experience and skill set will significantly bolster our team's lineup. Ismael, welcome to the Maroussi family."