Panionios Signs George Papas

Panionios Signs George Papas. The club from Nea Smyrni is significantly strengthening its Greek core, with Gkikas and Tsalmpouris renewing their contracts, and now Lountzis and Papas joining coach Pavicevic's roster.

Player Profile

George Papas, a Greek-American guard born on March 15, 1998, in Jersey City, New Jersey, stands at 1.96m (6'5") and weighs 90kg (198 lbs). He primarily plays as a shooting guard but can also play small forward. Known for his versatility and offensive capabilities, he brings scoring and playmaking to the perimeter.

Career History

Papas's career has seen him develop through the NCAA and then return to play in Greece.

NCAA (Monmouth Hawks, 2017-2022): He spent five seasons with the Monmouth Hawks, steadily increasing his production year-over-year. His peak came in his final season (2021-22), where he started 34 games and averaged 14.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.0 assists in over 35 minutes per game.

Olympiacos (2022-2024): After going undrafted in the 2022 NBA Draft, Papas joined Greek powerhouse Olympiacos. Here, he achieved significant domestic success, winning the Greek League championship (2023), the Greek Cup (2023), and two Greek Super Cups (2022, 2023). His EuroLeague experience with Olympiacos included limited minutes across two seasons, averaging 3.5 points in 3 minutes over 2 games in 2022-23, and 1.0 point in 3.5 minutes over 2 games in 2023-24.

Promitheas Patras (2024): He had a brief stint with Promitheas Patras in early 2024, averaging 6.8 points and 1.2 rebounds in 15.1 minutes over 13 Greek League games, and 0 points and 0.7 rebounds in 6.3 minutes over 3 BCL games.

Peristeri (2024-2025): His most recent club, where he played a more prominent role, averaging 10.4 points, 2.6 assists, and 1.9 rebounds in the Greek League. In the Basketball Champions League, he averaged 7.9 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.8 assists.

Greek National Team: Papas has also represented Greece in FIBA World Cup Qualifiers (2021-22 and 2022-23), averaging 1.5 points and 0.5 rebounds in limited minutes across two games in both qualifying cycles.

Peristeri Signs John Ittounas

Peristeri has officially added John Ittounas to its roster, securing the promising 23-year-old Greek-American guard for the 2025-26 season. Ittounas, who showcased his skills in the Elite League with HANTH last season, is expected to significantly strengthen Peristeri's perimeter.

"KAE Peristeri is pleased to announce the agreement with athlete John Ittounas," the club stated. "The 23-year-old guard's presence is anticipated to fortify our team's guard line as we approach our upcoming challenges."

Player Profile

John Ittounas, born on September 2, 2002, in Vernon Hills, Illinois, brings a blend of scoring and playmaking to the court. Standing at 1.91m (6'3"), he's a true guard with deep Greek roots from Tripoli, Peloponnese. Beyond his on-court talent, Ittounas is also noted for his strong academic background in finance, highlighting his well-rounded profile.

Collegiate & Professional Journey

Ittounas honed his game through the demanding US collegiate system before making his professional debut in Greece.

High School Standout (Stevenson High School): As a high school phenom, Ittounas was a leader and captain, averaging 10 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists in his final two years.

NCAA & JUCO Development (2020-2024): His collegiate path saw him at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (NCAA DIII) and Triton College (JUCO), where he averaged 4.5 points and 2.6 rebounds. He truly blossomed at Elmhurst University (NCAA DIII), earning "athlete of the year" recognition. In his senior year (2023-24), he exploded for 17.6 points and 2.4 assists across 28 games, leading Elmhurst to a CCIW Tournament title and a second-place conference finish.

Greek Professional Debut (HANTH, 2024-25): Last season marked his entry into the Greek professional scene with HANTH in the Elite League. He made an immediate impact, averaging 15.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.0 steal over 32 games, while shooting an efficient 41.6% from beyond the arc and 81% from the free-throw line.

Olympiacos Signs Omiros Netzipoglou

Olympiacos has officially signed Omiros Netzipoglou (22 years old, 1.93 meters), with the Reds securing the Greek guard. The two sides had been close to an agreement, and the transfer is now complete, with the player preparing to move to Piraeus.

Netzipoglou was under contract with AEK Betsson until 2027, but a buy-out clause of €150,000 was activated by Olympiacos to bring him to their roster.

Player Profile

Omiros Netzipoglou (Greek: Όμηρος Νετζήπογλου) is a professional basketball player born on November 18, 2002, in Thessaloniki, Greece. He stands at 1.93m (6'4") and typically plays as a shooting guard or small forward. He is known for his developing offensive game and has been recognized as a promising young talent in Greek basketball.

Career History

Netzipoglou has quickly risen through the ranks of Greek basketball, showcasing his potential at a young age.

Aris BC (2019-2023): Netzipoglou began his professional career with Aris Thessaloniki in the Greek Basket League (GBL) during the 2019-20 season. He steadily increased his role and production over his four seasons with the club. He was notably named the Greek League Best Young Player for the 2021-2022 season.

AEK Athens (2023-2025): On July 11, 2023, Netzipoglou joined AEK Athens, where he continued to develop his game in both domestic and European competitions.

Greek National Team (U20 & Senior): He has been a key player for the U20 Greek national team, demonstrating his talent in youth international competitions. He has also made appearances for the senior Greek national team in World Cup and EuroBasket Qualifiers.

Season-by-Season Stats and Averages

Regular Season Stats (Greek League - GBL)

2019-20 (Aris BC): Averaged 0.7 points in 3 games with limited minutes (1.7 per game).

2020-21 (Aris BC): Saw an increased role, averaging 10.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 3 games, playing 19 minutes per game. He shot 52.4% from the field and 40.0% from three-point range.

2021-22 (Aris BC): Played in 23 games, averaging 5.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 0.9 assists in 22 minutes per game. He had 1.2 steals per game.

2022-23 (Aris BC): Averaged 5.6 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 1.0 assist in 22 games, playing 19 minutes per game. He notably shot 43.5% from three-point range.

2023-24 (AEK Athens): In 27 games, he averaged 7.6 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.0 assist in 17.7 minutes. He maintained strong shooting percentages with 50.3% from the field and 44.1% from three-point range.

2024-25 (AEK Athens): In 22 games, he averaged 6.3 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 0.7 assists in 16.3 minutes. He continued his efficient shooting, with 55.6% from the field and 46.2% from three-point range.

European Competitions Stats

2022-23 (Aris BC - FIBA Europe Cup Qualifiers): Played 1 game, recording 2 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 assist in 19 minutes.

2023-24 (AEK Athens - BCL): Averaged 4.8 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 0.8 assists in 12 games, playing 14.8 minutes per game.

2024-25 (AEK Athens - BCL): Averaged 5.1 points, 1.2 rebounds, and 0.5 assists in 17 games, playing 12.8 minutes per game.

International Competitions Stats (Greek National Team)

2021-22 (U20 Greece - Euro U20): Averaged 12.0 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 5 games, playing 26 minutes per game.

2021-22 (Greece - WC-QR): Played 1 game with no points or rebounds in 2 minutes.

2022-23 (U20 Greece - Euro U20): Averaged 12.0 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 7 games, playing 27.9 minutes per game. He also averaged 2.1 steals.

2023-24 (Greece - EUR-QR): Played 1 game, recording 2 points and 3 rebounds in 8 minutes.

Panathinaikos Signs Giannis Kouzeloglou

Panathinaikos is strengthening its Greek element with another addition, as Giannis Kouzeloglou has agreed to wear the greens for the upcoming 2025/26 season. With this move, the "greens" not only add more depth to their rotation but also bolster the team's Greek core.

Panathinaikos's frontcourt currently relies on three key players: Juancho Hernangomez, Dinos Mitoglou, and Mathias Lessort. The team is still looking for another center to provide additional solutions near the basket, and the signing of Kouzeloglou ensures flexibility and quality minutes, particularly for domestic competitions.

Player Profile

Giannis Kouzeloglou is a professional basketball player born on April 1, 1995, in Thessaloniki, Greece. He is 2.07m (6'9.5") tall and weighs 95kg (210 lbs). He primarily plays as a power forward, but his versatility also allows him to cover the center position. At 30 years old, Kouzeloglou is a seasoned player known for his experience and ability to adapt to game needs, making him a valuable asset for the Greek League.

Career History

Partizan (2014-2015): Began his professional career in the ABA League.

Apollon Patras (2015-2017): Returned to Greece to play in the Greek Basket League.

Lavrio (2017-2020, 2022-2023): Had two stints with Lavrio, where he consistently played a significant role.

Aris Thessaloniki (2020-2021): Joined Aris and posted strong numbers.

Élan Béarnais (2021): Briefly played in France's top league.

Iraklis Thessaloniki (2021): Another short stint back in Greece.

AEK Athens (2021-2022, 2023-Present): Has had two periods with AEK Athens, his most recent club before joining Panathinaikos.

San Pablo Burgos (2022-2023): Played in the Spanish second division.

Greek National Team (Youth & Senior): Kouzeloglou has represented Greece at various youth levels (U18, U20) and has also been part of the senior national team in EuroBasket and World Cup Qualifiers.

Season-by-Season Stats and Averages

Regular Season Stats 

2014-15 (Partizan - ABA-1): Averaged 1.7 points in 3 games, with limited minutes.

2015-16 (Apollon Patras): Averaged 3.1 points and 2.3 rebounds in 21 games (12.5 minutes).

2016-17 (Apollon Patras): Increased his output to 6.2 points and 4.7 rebounds in 21 games (19.7 minutes).

2017-18 (Lavrio): Averaged 4.8 points and 3.8 rebounds in 26 games (16.8 minutes).

2018-19 (Lavrio): Maintained similar scoring with 4.8 points but increased his rebounding to 5.6 boards in 26 games (17.5 minutes). He shot 38.0% from three-point range.

2019-20 (Lavrio): Averaged 6.0 points and 5.1 rebounds in 19 games (17.7 minutes).

2020-21 (Aris BC): Had a strong season, averaging 10.5 points and 7.2 rebounds in 21 games (22.7 minutes).

2020-21 (Pau-Lacq-Orthez - FRA-1): Briefly played in France, averaging 3.8 points and 2.4 rebounds in 13 games (10.7 minutes), with an impressive 50.0% from three.

2021-22 (Iraklis): Averaged 9.6 points and 6.2 rebounds in 10 games (23.3 minutes).

2021-22 (AEK Athens): Averaged 9.1 points and 5.9 rebounds in 14 games (23.9 minutes).

2022-23 (Lavrio): Started the season strongly with 10.2 points and 5.6 rebounds in 9 games (24.1 minutes), shooting 52.9% from three.

2022-23 (San Pablo Burgos - SPA-2): Averaged 4.3 points and 2.6 rebounds in 9 games (12.2 minutes).

2023-24 (AEK Athens): Averaged 8.2 points and 5.4 rebounds in 27 games (20.2 minutes).

2024-25 (AEK Athens): Averaged 4.6 points and 4.0 rebounds in 20 games (15.0 minutes).

European Club Competitions Stats

2014-15 (Partizan - EuroCup): Played 1 game with no points or rebounds in 3 minutes.

2018-19 (Lavrio - FIBA Europe Cup Qualifiers): Averaged 6.0 points and 4.5 rebounds in 2 games (17 minutes).

2021-22 (Iraklis - FIBA Europe Cup Qualifiers & Regular Season): Averaged 5.5 points and 5.5 rebounds in 2 qualifier games, and 9.0 points and 5.0 rebounds in 6 regular season games (19.5 minutes).

2023-24 (AEK Athens - BCL): Averaged 4.9 points and 4.3 rebounds in 12 games (19.5 minutes).

2024-25 (AEK Athens - BCL): Averaged 3.2 points and 2.4 rebounds in 16 games (10.6 minutes).

International Competitions Stats (Greece National Team)

2013-14 (U18 Greece - Euro U18): Averaged 5.6 points and 4.1 rebounds in 8 games (18.5 minutes).

2014-15 (U20 Greece - Euro U20): Averaged 0.8 points and 1.4 rebounds in 8 games (6.9 minutes).

2020-21 (Greece - EUR-QR): Averaged 4.0 points and 1.0 rebound in 2 games (8.5 minutes).

2021-22 (Greece - WC-QR): Averaged 1.3 points and 2.3 rebounds in 3 games (10 minutes).

2022-23 (Greece - WC-QR): Averaged 0.5 points and 2.0 rebounds in 2 games (11 minutes).

2023-24 (Greece - EUR-QR): Averaged 2.0 points and 3.0 rebounds in 5 games (11.6 minutes).

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

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.

Kymi signed Kelsey Barlow

Kymi signed Kelsey Barlow. The 27-year-old American guard graduated from Illinois-Chicago and went undrafted in the 2014 NBA Draft. Barlow started his career with Grand Rapids in the NBA D-League and then moved to French LNB Pro-B for Lille Metropole BC where he averaged 11.7 points and 2.2 assists per game. In 2016 Barlow joined Trikala where he averaged 14 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists in 26 games. In the last season, Barlow joined AEK where he played until March 2018 where he parted ways with the club. Kelsey is the son of Ken Barlow who played for PAOK in 1990-1993.

Ifaistos Limnou signed Antwaine Wiggins

Ifaistos Limnou signed Antwaine Wiggins. That will be the second season in Basket League Greece for the 30-year-old American forward who played for Lavrio in the previous season. Wiggins graduated from Charleston and went undrafted in the 2012 NBA Draft. Antwaine played in Brazil for Palmeiras and in the NBA D-League with the Raptors 905. Antwaine is the nephew of Mitchell Wiggins who played in Greece for Milonas (1993-1994/1997-1998), and Sporting (1994-1996). In July 2017 Wiggins joined Lavrio on a one year contract and in his first season in Greece he averaged 11 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game.

Panionios signed Kasey Hill

Panionios signed Kasey Hill. The 25-year-old American guard graduated from Florida and went undrafter in the 2017 NBA Draft. Hill started his career Hungary with Alba Fehérvár where he averaged 10.7 points and 4.8 assists for the domestic league and 13.2 points and 5.4 assists for the Basketball Champions League qualification games.

Panionios signed Davion Berry

Panionios signed Davion Berry. The 27-year-old American guard penned a one-year contract with Panionios and returns to Basket League Greece after two years when he joined Kolossos Rodou. Berry graduated from Weber State and went undrafted in the 2014 NBA Draft. He started his professional career in Italy with PMS Torino but finished the season in NBA D-League with Maine Red Claws. In summer 2015 Berry played three games in South Korea with Changwon LG Sakers before he returned to Maine Red Claws. On March 4, 2016, he was traded to Raptors 905. He started the 2016 season with Kolossos Rodou but after three games he parted ways with the club and finished the season in Germany with Tigers Tübingen. In the last season, Berry played in the NBA G-League with Raptors 905.

Peristeri signed Jeff Allen

Peristeri signed Jeff Allen. The 31-year-old American forward penned a one year contract with the newly promoted team. Allen graduated from Virginia Tech and went undrafted in the 2011 NBA Draft. He started his career in France with Olympique Antibes and has also played in Israel wi11th Hapoel Tel Aviv, Hapoel Afula, Maccabi Haifa, and Hapoel Be'er Sheva, and in Lithuania for Šiauliai.

Holargos signed Panagiotis Kalaitzakis

Holargos signed Panagiotis Kalaitzakis. The 19-year-old Greek guard/forward penned a two years contract with the newly promoted club. Kalaitzakis started his professional career with Aris in 2016 and is a member of the junior national teams of Greece.

Rethymno sign Alexandros Sigkounas

Rethymno sign Alexandros Sigkounas. The 30-year-old Greek forward has played for Panionios, Larisa, Kavala, and Kymi in the Basket League Greece and for Apollon Patras, Pagrati, Arkadikos, Ermis Lagada, and Peristeri in A2 Greek Basketball League. Sigounas was the 5th top scorer, 3rd in rebounds, and 5th in steals of the A2 Greek League 2013-2014. In the 21st Greek All Star Game Sigounas was the only player of A2 division that participated in the dunk contest.

Aris signed Ramon Harris

Aris signed Ramon Harris. The 30-year-old American forward graduated from Kentucky and went undrafter in the 2010 NBA Draft. Harris started his professional career in Venezuela with Trotamundos de Carabobo. He has also played in China with Ningxia Hanas, in Germany with BG Gottingen, in Mexico for Rayos de Hermosillo, and in G League with Fort Wayne Mad Ants, Iowa Energy, and Grand Rapids Drive. In the previous season Harris joined Kolossos Rodou and in 28 games he averaged 9.3 points and 5.3 rebounds.

PAOK signed Giannis Athinaiou

PAOK signed Giannis Athinaiou. The 30-year-old Greek guard penned a two years contract with PAOK. Athinaiou has more than 200 caps in the Basket League Greece having played for five teams: Panionios, KAOD, Aris, AEK, and Olympiacos. He has also played abroad for Armani Milano in Italy and Eskisehir in Turkey. In his last season, Athinaiou averaged 8.6 points, 2.7 assists, and 2.3 rebounds in 24 games with Aris. 

Kymi signed Chris Horton

Kymi signed Chris Horton. The 24-year-old American center graduated from Austin Peay and played in NBA G League for the Grand Rapids Drive. In the previous season, Horton played in Hungary with Alba Fehervar where he averaged 8.8 points and 6.6 rebounds per game. 

AEK signed Xavier Rathan-Mayes

AEK signed Xavier Rathan-Mayes. The 24-year-old Canadian guard graduated from Florida State and went undrafted in the 2017 NBA Draft. In his rookie season, Rathan-Mayes played 44 games in the NBA G-League with the Westchester Knicks and 5 games in the NBA with Memphis Grizzlies.

Aris signed Gary McGhee

Aris signed Gary McGhee. The 30-year-old American center graduated from Pittsburgh and went undrafted in the 2011 NBA Draft. This will be the third season and team in Basket League Greece for McGhee who joined Kolossos Rodou in 2015 and Kymi in 2017. McGhee graduated from Pittsburgh and went undrafted in the 2011 NBA Draft. He started his professional career in Turkey with Bandirma Kirmizi, and he has also played in Germany with Medi Bayreuth, MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg, and Walter Tigers Tόbingen, in France with BCM Gravelines, in Spain with Cafes Candelas Breogan, and in Kosovo with KB Sigal Pristina.

Holargos signed Darrin Dorsey

Holargos signed Darrin Dorsey. The 31-year-old American guard penned an one-year contract with the newly promoted club. Dorsey graduated from Berea College and went undrafted in the 2011 NBA Draft. Dorsey started his professional career in Canada with Halifax Rainmen and then moved to South America where he played for Ostioneros de Guaymas in Mexico, for Cafeteros Armenia and Bambuqueros de Neiva in Colombia, and for Unión de Santa Fe in Argentina. Dorsey has also played in Israel for Hapoel Kfar-Saba/Kohav Yair, in France for Poitiers, Le Portel, and Élan Chalon, and in Turkey for Uşak Sportif.

Kolossos Rodou signed Timothy Kempton

Kolossos Rodou signed Timothy Kempton jr. The 23-year-old American forward graduated from Lehigh and went undrafted in the 2017 NBA Draft. He was named Patriot League Rookie of the Year in 2014, named twice Patriot League Player of the Year (2015 and 2016), and he named in the First-team All-Patriot League for three seasons. Kempton started his professional career in Spain with Bilbao but after eleven games he moved to Israel for Bnei Herzliya. In 25 games with Bnei Herzliya he averaged 3.8 points and 3.3 rebounds.