John Poulakidas, a 22-year-old guard, has secured a spot on the Los Angeles Clippers' Summer League roster. Poulakidas is expected to sign Exhibit 10 contract, which may lead to an invitation to the Clippers' training camp or a G-League assignment.
Poulakidas, who stands at 1.96m (6'5"), completed his collegiate career as a senior at Yale University. During the recently concluded season (2024-25), he played 27 games, averaging 19.4 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 31.6 minutes per contest. He demonstrated efficiency in shooting, converting 45.1% of his field goals, 40.8% from three-point range, and 89.7% from the free-throw line.
Poulakidas, who stands at 1.96m (6'5"), completed his collegiate career as a senior at Yale University. During the recently concluded season (2024-25), he played 27 games, averaging 19.4 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 31.6 minutes per contest. He demonstrated efficiency in shooting, converting 45.1% of his field goals, 40.8% from three-point range, and 89.7% from the free-throw line.
NBA Prospects and Greek Heritage
Poulakidas, an undrafted player, aims to secure an NBA opportunity, potentially through a Two-Way contract. A strong performance in the Las Vegas Summer League could result in a training camp invitation for the 2025-26 NBA season, likely under an Exhibit 10 contract. This type of contract provides an avenue for G-League placement.
Poulakidas possesses Greek citizenship by descent, with all of his grandparents being of Greek origin. His paternal grandparents are from Sparta and Chios, while his maternal grandparents are from Rizai in the Peloponnese. He has initiated the process for acquiring a Greek passport. His eligibility for a Greek passport makes him a potential target for Greek basketball clubs seeking to leverage his shooting ability and size.
Poulakidas has publicly expressed interest in playing for Greek EuroLeague teams such as Olympiacos or Panathinaikos, stating it "would be a great dream and honor to be able to play for one of these teams and represent Greece in the EuroLeague at such a high level."
Poulakidas possesses Greek citizenship by descent, with all of his grandparents being of Greek origin. His paternal grandparents are from Sparta and Chios, while his maternal grandparents are from Rizai in the Peloponnese. He has initiated the process for acquiring a Greek passport. His eligibility for a Greek passport makes him a potential target for Greek basketball clubs seeking to leverage his shooting ability and size.
Poulakidas has publicly expressed interest in playing for Greek EuroLeague teams such as Olympiacos or Panathinaikos, stating it "would be a great dream and honor to be able to play for one of these teams and represent Greece in the EuroLeague at such a high level."
Collegiate Statistical Progression (Yale Bulldogs)
Poulakidas's collegiate career at Yale showed consistent improvement across his seasons:
2021-22 (Freshman): Played 20 games, averaging 1.9 points, 0.5 rebounds, and 0.1 assists in 5.1 minutes per game. He shot 37.8% from the field, 31.6% from three, and 100.0% from the free-throw line.
2022-23 (Sophomore): Played 30 games (30 starts), averaging 12.0 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 29.2 minutes per game. His shooting percentages were 41.6% from the field, 40.1% from three, and 81.0% from the free-throw line.
2023-24 (Junior): Played 33 games (33 starts), averaging 13.4 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in 30.9 minutes per game. He shot 44.7% from the field, 40.5% from three, and 76.6% from the free-throw line. Notably, he scored 28 points in Yale's NCAA Tournament upset victory over Auburn, making six three-pointers.
2024-25 (Senior): Played 27 games (27 starts), averaging a career-high 19.4 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 31.6 minutes per game. His shooting percentages were 45.1% from the field, 40.8% from three, and a career-best 89.7% from the free-throw line.
2021-22 (Freshman): Played 20 games, averaging 1.9 points, 0.5 rebounds, and 0.1 assists in 5.1 minutes per game. He shot 37.8% from the field, 31.6% from three, and 100.0% from the free-throw line.
2022-23 (Sophomore): Played 30 games (30 starts), averaging 12.0 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 29.2 minutes per game. His shooting percentages were 41.6% from the field, 40.1% from three, and 81.0% from the free-throw line.
2023-24 (Junior): Played 33 games (33 starts), averaging 13.4 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in 30.9 minutes per game. He shot 44.7% from the field, 40.5% from three, and 76.6% from the free-throw line. Notably, he scored 28 points in Yale's NCAA Tournament upset victory over Auburn, making six three-pointers.
2024-25 (Senior): Played 27 games (27 starts), averaging a career-high 19.4 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 31.6 minutes per game. His shooting percentages were 45.1% from the field, 40.8% from three, and a career-best 89.7% from the free-throw line.
