Keyona Hayes Returns to Panathinaikos

Keyona Hayes, the 31-year-old (born April 26, 1994) American point guard/shooting guard, is making a highly anticipated return to Panathinaikos after a three-year absence. Her previous stint with the "greens" saw her average 15.6 points and 3 assists over 16 games.

 

Hayes's recent performance:

Season: 2022-2023 (Turkey-KBSL) - Playing for Kayseri
Summary (11 Games): 396 minutes, 202 points, 73-140 (2FG), 10-24 (3FG), 26-32 (FT), 38 offensive rebounds, 90 defensive rebounds, 128 total rebounds, 15 assists, 38 personal fouls, 3 blocks, 16 steals, 33 turnovers. Ranked 206.
Averages: 36.0 minutes, 18.4 points, 52.1% (2FG), 41.7% (3FG), 81.3% (FT), 3.5 offensive rebounds, 8.2 defensive rebounds, 11.6 total rebounds, 1.4 assists, 3.5 personal fouls, 0.3 blocks, 1.5 steals, 3.0 turnovers. Ranked 18.7.

Season: 2022-2023 (Romania-Liga Nationala) - Playing for Constanta
Summary (14 Games): 345 minutes, 222 points, 86-165 (2FG), 2-13 (3FG), 44-64 (FT), 47 offensive rebounds, 88 defensive rebounds, 135 total rebounds, 11 assists, 24 personal fouls, 7 blocks, 25 steals, 22 turnovers. Ranked 294.
Averages: 24.6 minutes, 15.9 points, 52.1% (2FG), 15.4% (3FG), 68.8% (FT), 3.4 offensive rebounds, 6.3 defensive rebounds, 9.6 total rebounds, 0.8 assists, 1.7 personal fouls, 0.5 blocks, 1.8 steals, 1.6 turnovers. Ranked 21.0.

Prior to these recent stints, Hayes demonstrated dominance in the EuroCup Women with DVTK Hun Therm (DVTK Miskolc/Aluinvent DVTK Miskolc):
 

2021-22 (DVTK Miskolc): 17.8 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 2 APG in 4 games.
2020-21 (Aluinvent DVTK Miskolc): 23.7 PPG, 12.7 RPG, 0.7 APG in 3 games.

Hayes expressed her enthusiasm for returning to Panathinaikos, stating, "I am very happy to return to Panathinaikos. We will work very hard to achieve our goals, and our minds are focused on the work we need to do."

Jaelynn Brown Joins Panathinaikos from Connecticut Sun

Panathinaikos WBC has secured another impactful American player with the signing of Jaelynn Brown, a 26-year-old (born October 12, 1998) small forward/power forward. Brown, standing at 1.85m (6'1"), comes to Athens from the WNBA's Connecticut Sun.

 

Brown's career includes significant experience in various leagues worldwide, showcasing her versatility and quality:

WNBA: She played for the Dallas Wings in 2024 and is currently with the Connecticut Sun for the 2025 season.
European and International Clubs: Her professional career has taken her to Toulouse Métropole Basket (France), Norrköping Dolphins (Sweden - where she won a championship in 2022), Ludovika Csata (Hungary), Rize Belediyesi (Turkey), Astros de Jalisco (Mexico), Maccabi Haifa (Israel), Hatayspor (Turkey), Antalya Toroslar Basketbol (Turkey), and Dynamo Kursk (Russia).
Collegiate Career: She played college basketball at the University of California (2016-2020).
International Recognition: A significant highlight in her career is the silver medal she won with the USA 3x3 U18 National Team at the 2016 World Cup.

Brown shared her enthusiasm for this new chapter: "Every journey begins with a choice. Mine brings me to Athens. To Panathinaikos. It's not just a new team. It's a new chapter. A club with passion, history, ambition – and fans who live for every moment. I came to play with heart. To work hard. To write my own story in green. I am excited to play next season in the Panathinaikos jersey!"

She added: "It is a huge honor to become a member of a historic club with such a great tradition and fanatical support. I can't wait to experience the energy of the court, give my 100% on the floor, and help the team achieve its goals, both in Greece and in Europe. I have heard wonderful things about the Panathinaikos fans, and I can't wait to meet them in person and fight together in every game. Let's go PAO! I feel anticipation. We share the same flame for basketball. And I know something special is starting. Athens, I'm ready."

Greek Women's Basketball: Olympiacos in EuroLeague, Panathinaikos, Athinaikos, PAS Giannina, and Panathlitikos in EuroCup

Greek women's basketball clubs are gearing up for another exciting European season. Olympiacos will continue their journey in the EuroLeague Women, while Panathinaikos, Athinaikos, PAS Giannina, and Panathlitikos are set to compete in the EuroCup Women.

Olympiacos Secures EuroLeague Women Spot

Olympiacos, having clinched the top spot in the Greek A1 Women's Basketball Championship this past season, has earned their place in the prestigious EuroLeague Women for the upcoming season. Their consistent domestic dominance has secured them a spot among Europe's elite.

Four Greek Teams in EuroCup Women

The EuroCup Women will feature strong Greek representation, with four teams confirmed for the next season:

Panathinaikos will participate in the EuroCup Women. Panathinaikos also has previous European experience, including a Top 16 appearance in the EuroLeague Women in 2000-01 and a Quarter-Finals appearance in the Ronchetti Cup in 1997-98. They have also played in the EuroCup Women previously.

Athinaikos, who finished second in the domestic championship, makes their return to European competitions by securing a spot in the EuroCup Women. Athinaikos holds a significant place in Greek women's basketball history, having won the EuroCup Women in the 2009-10 season, marking the first European title for any Greek women's basketball club. They also reached the semifinals of the EuroCup Women in 2010-11.

PAS Giannina is also confirmed to compete in the EuroCup Women. They have previously participated in the EuroCup Women.

Panathlitikos rounds out the Greek contingent in the EuroCup Women, highlighting the growing presence of Greek clubs in European women's basketball.

Elizabeth Dixon Joins Panathinaikos

Panathinaikos WBC has officially announced the signing of American center Elizabeth Dixon for the upcoming 2024-25 season. The 23-year-old, standing at 1.96 meters, brings valuable experience from her time in the WNBA and European leagues.

 

Player Profile

Name: Elizabeth Dixon

Date of Birth: September 29, 2000

Nationality: American

Height: 1.96m (6'5")

Position: Center

Career Highlights and WNBA Stats

Elizabeth Dixon has had an impressive basketball journey, showcasing her talent both in the United States and Europe:
 

College Basketball:

University of Louisville: Dixon developed her skills and established herself as a formidable center.

 

WNBA:

Phoenix Mercury: Dixon played multiple seasons, contributing significantly in limited minutes. In the 2023-24 season, she played 12 games, averaging 6.9 minutes, 2.8 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 0.2 assists per game, with a field goal percentage of 63.2% and a free throw percentage of 90.0%.

Connecticut Sun: Briefly played, adding depth to the roster. During her stint, she appeared in 4 games, averaging 5.3 minutes, 1.0 point, 0.5 rebounds, and 0.3 assists per game, with a field goal percentage of 40.0%.

Phoenix Mercury (Second Stint): In her most recent season, Dixon played 14 games, averaging 10.1 minutes, 2.0 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 0.6 assists per game, with a field goal percentage of 37.0% and a free throw percentage of 80.0%.

 

European Leagues:

Faenza (Italy): In the 2023-24 season, Dixon averaged 13.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game, highlighting her ability to dominate in the paint.

PAOK Women sign Keani Albanez

PAOK Women sign Keani Albanez. The 24 years old American guard graduated from Gonzaga where she averaged 13.1 points, 3 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game. In the previous season Albanez played for Athinaikos, averaging 15.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.7 steals, and 2.1 assists per game in 21 games. In 2015 Albanez came to Greece for Panathinaikos and this will be her third year and third team in the Greek League.

Panathinaikos (W) signed Keani Albanez

Panathinaikos (Women) signed Keani Albanez. The 22 years old American guard graduated from Gonzaga where she averaged 13.1 points, 3 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game.