The New York Knicks selected Kostas Papanikolaou (206-F-90) in 2012 NBA draft, which was held last night. The Greek National Team member was 48th overall pick. Some draft experts rated Papanikolaou, who won a Euroleague and Greek league titles with Olympiakos, as a first round talent. This issue is when and if hell be able to get out of his contract with his Greek club. He is under contract for two more years but could be bought out after next season. Papanikolaou plays for the Greece National Team and could end up facing Carmelo Anthony, Tyson Chandler and the United States at the London Olympics. Greece will play a qualifying tournament in 10 days. Kostas Papanikolaou joined Olympiakos in 2009 from Aris Thessaloniki. He had 7.8 ppg and 4.6 rpg for 32 Greek league games last season. In Euroleague he had 6.1 ppg and 3.4 rpg. As mentioned above, Olympiakos won titles in both competitions, repeating the great success after 15 years. Papanikoialu was named Eurobasket.com All-Greek A1 League Player of the Year -12. Last summer with the Greek NT he had 3.7 ppg and 3.3 rpg for 11 games at the EuroBasket in Lithuania.
It was a very close game until the last quarter, when Olympiacos's pressure prevailed and they won that period 15-7 extending their advantage to 14 points. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Apollon Patras to just 7 points in fourth quarter. Olympiacos made 22-of-25 free shots (88.0 percent) during the game. Apollon Patras was plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch. American forward Josh Powell (206-83, college: N.Carolina St.) stepped up and scored 18 points and 5 rebounds for the winners and international guard Vassilis Spanoulis (193-82, agency: Beo Basket) chipped in 10 points and 6 assists. At the losing side naturalized Serbian swingman Vladimir Petrovic-Stergiou (199-77, agency: BeoExcell) responded with 14 points and American-Dominican power forward Larry Turner (210-82, college: Tennessee St.) scored 8 points and 8 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Top scorers: Apollon Patras: V.Petrovic-Stergiou 14+4reb+3ast, L.Turner 8+8reb, K.Grant 8+2reb+3ast, I.Lianos 7+2reb+1ast, E.McCollum 6+3reb+2ast, G.Molfetas 6+6reb+1ast Olympiacos: J.Powell 18+5reb, V.Spanoulis 10+3reb+6ast, A.Law 9+1reb+2ast, P.Antic 7+3reb, K.Hines 7+4reb+2ast, K.Sloukas 6+3ast
The game without a history. Panathinaikos led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Panathinaikos outrebounded Ikaros 46-24 including a 34-18 advantage in defensive rebounds. They shot the lights out from three sinking 14 long-distance shots on high 53.8 percentage. Panathinaikos looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. American forward James Gist (205-86) stepped up and scored 17 points and 7 rebounds for the winners and Gabonese forward Stephane Lasme (203-82, college: Massachusetts) chipped in 10 points and 10 rebounds. At the losing side guard Mihalis Giannakidis (192-88, agency: FCM) responded with 17 points and power forward Vassilis Symtsak (204-81) scored 8 points and 8 rebounds. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Top scorers: Ikaros: M.Giannakidis 17+1reb+1ast, S.Alabi 9+5reb, D.Gibson 8+2ast, V.Symtsak 8+8reb+2ast, Z.Vrkic 7+3reb+1ast, M.Faye 5+3reb+1ast Panathinaikos: J.Gist 17+7reb+1ast, R.Guinn 12+6reb+1ast, R.Curry 11+2reb+2ast, S.Lasme 10+10reb+2ast, D.Diamantidis 9+2reb+8ast, R.Ukic 8+1reb
The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Aris won third quarter 17-13. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening, at least not yet. The game turned upside-down in the last quarter, where Aris used huge pressure winning it 23-15 getting a tie at the end of regular time. They lost eventually overtime period 13-14. Aris was plagued by 32 personal fouls down the stretch. The former international guard Nikos Pappas (195-90, agency: FCM) stepped up and scored 28 points for the winners and naturalized Serbian forward Vladimir Jankovic (202-90, agency: FCM) chipped in 12 points and 10 rebounds. At the losing side the former international forward Michalis Pelekanos (198-81, agency: FCM) responded with 17 points and 4 assists and power forward Kostas Charissis (212-79, college: USC, agency: FCM) produced a double-double by scoring 13 points and 10 rebounds. Four Aris players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Top scorers: Aris: M.Pelekanos 17+3reb+4ast, M.Pasalic 16+3reb+1ast, K.Charissis 13+10reb, A.Asimakopoulos 11+5reb, J.Hunt 9+6reb+2ast, E.Bochoridis 5+1reb Panionios: N.Pappas 28+4reb+3ast, G.Athanasoulas 14+3reb+1ast, V.Jankovic 12+10reb+2ast, W.Keys 8+1reb, C.Booker 7+6reb, M.Batis 3+1reb+1ast
The guests took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But PAOK won fourth quarter 20-15. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. American forward Brent Petway (204-85, college: Michigan) stepped up and scored 23 points, 7 rebounds and 4 blocks for the winners and his fellow American import guard Gabe Pruitt (193-86, college: USC) chipped in 10 points and 6 assists. At the losing side the former international center Lazaros Papadopoulos (210-80) responded with 8 points and 14 rebounds and American point guard Wiliam Hatcher (188-84, college: Miami, OH) scored 18 points. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Top scorers: PAOK: W.Hatcher 18+2reb+2ast, E.Margaritis 15+4reb+1ast, G.Dedas 10+2reb+3ast, M.Tsairelis 8+4reb, L.Kaselakis 8+5reb+1ast, L.Papadopoulos 8+14reb+2ast AGOR: B.Petway 23+7reb+2ast, G.Pruitt 10+1reb+6ast, U.Duvnjak 8+1reb, N.Kommatos 7+6reb+1ast, P.Horne 7+2reb, D.Latovic 6+6reb
Nick Calathes selected the top Greek playing abroad in last week's games - May 22, 2013
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We bring you last week's top performances from Greeks who are playing abroad and who all have had prior experience of national team duties at youth or senior level. Pat Calathes (208-G/F-85) led Maccabi Haifa to a victory over the leader Galil Gilboa in the Israeli Winner League in Thursday night's game.
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We bring you last week's top performances from Greeks who are playing abroad and who all have had prior experience of national team duties at youth or senior level.
#1. This week's number one is an international point guard Nick Calathes (198-89, college: Florida, currently plays in VTB United League), who plays in Russia. He could not help Lokomotiv (12-6) in their last game on Saturday. Despite Calathes' very good performance the third-placed Lokomotiv was edged 68-65 at home by the second-ranked Unics Kazan in the group B of VTB United League.
He was the top scorer with 18 points. Calathes also added 5 rebounds and dished 8 assists.
Calathes is currently eighth on the list of top scorers and also on the list of best passers (fourth place).
He has individually a very good season with high stats. Calathes averages: 15.1ppg, 4.7rpg, 5.6apg, 1.7spg, 2FGP: 56.1%(111-198), 3FGP: 38.8%.
He is a naturalized American.
Calathes is currently a member of the Greek senior national team. He used to play for 3-year contract with Panathinaikos Athens in Greek league.
#2. Second place goes to former U20 international small forward Dusan Sakota (209-86, agency: Beo Basket, currently plays in Italy). Sakota led Cimberio Varese to a victory over the eighth-ranked Umana Venezia (16-14) 84-75 in the Italian SerieA on Saturday night.
He was MVP of the game. Sakota scored 23 points and grabbed 4 rebounds in 27 minutes.
Cimberio Varese (23-7) is placed first in the SerieA.
It was his team's third consecutive victory in a row.
This year Sakota's overall stats are: 8.4ppg, 2.4rpg, 3FGP: 49.6%(58-117) and FT: 72.0% in the 33 games he played so far.
He has a dual citizenship: Serbian and Greek.
Former Panathinaikos Athens starter played for the Greek U20 national team in 2006.
#3. The Greek player who performed third best last week abroad was an international guard Nikolaos Zisis (197-83, currently plays in Spain), who plays in the Spanish ACB. Zisis was not able to help Gescrap BB (19-15) in their last game on Sunday. Despite his very good performance Gescrap BB was defeated 79-73 on the road by the lower-ranked Blusens Monbus (#8).
Zisis was the top scorer with 17 points.
There are only two games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be critical.
It's Zisis' first season with the team.
His total stats this year are: 9.0ppg, 1.9rpg, 3.5apg, 2FGP: 52.1%, 3FGP: 33.3% and FT: 82.2%.
Zisis is also a member of the Greek senior national team.
#4. Power forward Ian Vougioukas (212-85, college: St.Louis, currently plays in VTB United League) faced previously mentioned Nick Calathes in the VTB United League last game.
Vougioukas was the major contributor in a 3-point Unics Kazan's victory against the closely-ranked Lokomotiv (12-6) 68-65.
He scored 14 points, had 6 boards, passed 3 assists and added 4 steals in 30 minutes.
Vougioukas has relatively good stats this year: 10.4ppg, 4.5rpg, 1.5apg and 1.1bpg in the 22 games.
He is also Greek national team player.
#5. International power forward Kostas Kaimakoglou (206-83, currently plays in VTB United League) is a teammate of previously mentioned Ian Vougioukas. But that was another game of his team in VTB United League which we would like to mention.
Kaimakoglou, who plays in Russia was not able to secure a victory for Unics Kazan (14-4) in their last game on Sunday. Despite his very good performance Unics Kazan (#2) was defeated 68-64 in Kuban by the lower-ranked Lokomotiv (#3) in the group A of VTB United League.
Kaimakoglou was the top scorer with 16 points. He also added 4 rebounds.
Kaimakoglou is currently fifth on the league's list of most steals.
He has very reliable stats this season: 12.6ppg, 5.4rpg, 2.1apg and 1.7spg.
Kaimakoglou plays currently for the Greek national team.
#6. Power forward Dimitris Haritopoulos (205-83, agency: Interperformances, currently plays in Bulgaria), who plays in the Bulgarian NBL couldn't help Lukoil Academik (24-3) in their last game. Despite his very good performance the league leader Lukoil Academik lost 88-95 in Samokov to the lower-ranked (#4) Rilski Sportist.
Haritopoulos recorded 15 points and grabbed 6 rebounds in 32 minutes.
Haritopoulos belongs to league's top scorers and is ranked #6 with 16.1ppg.
He also averaged so far 6.3rpg and 1.8apg in the 17 games.
Haritopoulos is a former international player as he played for the Greek senior team eight years ago.
#7. International forward Antonis Fotsis (209-81, currently plays in Italy) contributed to an easy victory against the closely-ranked Montepaschi Siena (18-12) 82-67 in the Italian SerieA last Saturday.
He scored 9 points and grabbed 7 rebounds.
EA7 Emporio Armani Milano (19-11) is placed fourth in the SerieA.
It was his team's third consecutive victory in a row.
Fotsis' total stats this season are: 6.7ppg and 4.4rpg.
He is also Greek national team player.
#8. Forward Fotios Lampropoulos (206-83, currently plays in Spain) contributed to an CB Canarias' surprising victory against the second-ranked Caja Laboral (25-9) 99-94 in the Spanish ACB on Sunday night.
Lampropoulos recorded 17 points in 24 minutes.
Iberostar Canarias Tenerife (17-17) is placed tenth in the ACB.
The Regular Season already ended.
This year Lampropoulos' total stats are: 8.1ppg and 3.8rpg in the 34 games.
He used to play for the Greek U18 national team
back in 2003.
#9. An experienced former international point guard Theodoros Papaloukas (200-77, agency: FCM, currently plays in VTB United League) managed to help CSKA Moscow to win against the closely-ranked Krasnie Krilya (12-6) 87-78 in the VTB United League in Friday night's game.
Papaloukas scored only 4 points and added 3 passes.
CSKA Moscow (15-3) is placed second in group B.
It was his team's third consecutive victory in a row.
Papaloukas has averaged so far 2.4ppg, 1.3rpg and 2.1apg.
He used to play for the Greek national team
five years ago.
#10. Center Loukas Mavrokefalidis (207-84, currently plays in Spain) contributed to a Regal FC Barcelona's victory against the ninth-ranked Unicaja Malaga (18-16) 57-50 in the Spanish ACB in Sunday night's game.
Mavrokefalidis recorded only 3 points in 7 minutes on the court. It was his first game for Regal FC Barcelona this season.
His team is placed third in the ACB.
It was his team's third consecutive victory in a row.
There are only two games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game is very crucial.
Mavrokefalidis is a former international player as two years ago he still played for the Greek senior national team.
#11. Former international forward Nikos Barlos (203-79, currently plays in Italy) helped C.de Latte BRE win their game against the closely-ranked LeGamberi Foods Forli 97-87 in the Italian Lega2 (second division) on Tuesday night.
Barlos scored 12 points and grabbed 4 rebounds in 35 minutes.
This year Barlos has relatively solid stats: 11.5ppg, 5.3rpg, 1.2apg and 1.6spg in the 30 games.
He used to play for the Greek national team
eight years ago.
#12. Former international guard Emmanouil Papamakarios (192-80, currently plays in Spain) couldn't help Lagun Aro GBC in their game against Real Madrid in the Spanish ACB.
Papamakarios recorded 8 points.
His team was crushed by 33 points 100-67.
Papamakarios has averaged so far 4.7ppg, 1.7rpg and 1.3apg.
He used to play for the Greek national team
back in 2005.
The list of other players, who all have Greek passport but never been selected to any of Greek national teams:
#1.Pat Calathes (208-G/F-85, college: St.Joseph's, currently plays in Israel) led Maccabi Haifa to a victory over the leader Galil Gilboa (14-13) 93-87 in the Israeli Winner League in Thursday night's game.
He was MVP of the game. Calathes had a double-double by scoring 32 points and getting 12 rebounds. He also added 5 assists and 3 steals in 35 minutes.
It was the game of the round between two top 3 ranked teams in group Places 1-6. Maccabi Bazan Haifa (17-10) is placed third.
Calathes is ranked eighth on the list of the top scorers in the league and also on the list of best rebounders (sixth place).
He has individually a very good year with high stats. Calathes averages: 16.5ppg, 9.2rpg and 2.0apg in the 30 games he played so far.
He is a naturalized American.
Calathes used to play for Costa Cafe Marousi in Greek league.
#2.Sten-Timmu Sokk (181-PG-89, currently plays in Georgia) was the main contributor in Olimpi's victory against the closely-ranked MIA (17-3) crushing them 86-65 in a derby game in the Georgian Superleague last Tuesday.
Sokk was the best player in that game. He scored 17 points and added 3 passes in 26 minutes.
It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Olimpi Tbilisi (17-3) is placed first in the Superleague.
It was his team's third consecutive victory in a row.
Sokk is currently seventh on the list of best passers with 5.4apg.
This year he also averages: 10.4ppg and 2.7rpg in the 27 games.
Sokk has a dual citizenship: Greek and Estonian.
#3.Vassilis Kounas (194-G-84, currently plays in Georgia) contributed to MIA's victory against the league leader Olimpi (17-3) 79-71 in a derby game in the Georgian Superleague on Monday night.
He recorded 9 points, 5 assists and 4 steals.
It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. MIA Academy Tbilisi (17-3) is placed second in the Superleague.
Kounas has averaged so far 4.9ppg, 2.9rpg, 2.1apg and 1.3spg.
He is another player who holds two passports: Greek and Cypriot.
#4.Angelo Tsagarakis (190-PG-84, currently plays in France) contributed to Chalons-Reims' victory against the closely-ranked ALM Evreux (25-9) 80-74 in the French ProB (second division) last Tuesday.
He was the best player in that game. Tsagarakis recorded 22 points.
It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Chalons-Reims (23-11) is placed third in the ProB.
It was his team's third consecutive victory in a row.
This season Tsagarakis has relatively solid stats: 12.3ppg, 2.0rpg and 1.8apg.
He has both Greek and French nationalities.
Despite Tsagarakis' Greek passport, he previously played for the French U20 national team and is probably not eligible to play for the Greek team.
Olympiacos S.F.P. Pireus (A1) waived 30-year old American point guard Doron Perkins (188-83kg-83, college: Santa Clara). In 7 A1 games he recorded 4.1ppg, 3.9rpg, 1.7apg and 1.0spg this season. He also played 5 games in Euroleague but he averaged just 0.4ppg.
Perkins managed to play in six leagues in three countries this year (!!!). Perkins also played at Foshan (CBA) in Chinese league earlier that season. In 14 games he averaged 14.4ppg, 6.6rpg, 6 [read more]
Olympiacos S.F.P. Pireus (A1) waived 30-year old American point guard Doron Perkins (188-83kg-83, college: Santa Clara). In 7 A1 games he recorded 4.1ppg, 3.9rpg, 1.7apg and 1.0spg this season. He also played 5 games in Euroleague but he averaged just 0.4ppg. Perkins managed to play in six leagues in three countries this year (!!!). Perkins also played at Foshan (CBA) in Chinese league earlier that season. In 14 games he averaged 14.4ppg, 6.6rpg, 6.8apg and 2.6spg. The other team he played that season for was BC Donetsk (Superleague) in Ukraine. The team played in three different competitions that year, and Perkins was exposed to basketball on different levels. In 14 Superleague games he averaged 10.9ppg, 6.3rpg, 5.4apg and 1.9spg. He also played 2 games in Eurocup where he averaged 12.5ppg, 6.5rpg, 7.5apg (top 2), 1.0spg (leader !!!) and 1.0bpg. Perkins also played 6 games in VTB United League where he averaged 4.2ppg, 3.5rpg, 2.7apg and 1.0spg. The last season he played at FoxTown Cantu (SerieA) in Italian league. In 18 games he averaged 11.1ppg, 6.2rpg, 3.3apg and 2.1spg. Perkins also played 2 games in Euroleague where he averaged 10.0ppg, 7.5rpg, 5.5apg and 1.0spg (in top 4). He won Euroleague championship title. The previous (10-11) season he played at Maccabi Electra Tel-Aviv (Winner League) in Israel. In 22 games he averaged 14.2ppg, 4.5rpg, 5.0apg and 2.3spg. He helped them to win the cup. Great season indeed as he was voted to Eurobasket.com All-Israeli League 1st Team and All-Imports Team. Perkins also played 19 games in Euroleague where he averaged 9.5ppg, 5.4rpg, 3.6apg and 1.7spg (in top 5). The list of the past achievements is quite long as Perkins received Eurobasket.com All-Israeli League Player of the Year award and Eurobasket.com All-Israeli League Import Player of the Year award back in 2009. He is quite experienced player. Perkins has played also professionally in Belgium (Bree), Germany (EWE Baskets), Japan (Toyota Alvark) and Israel (Maccabi Haifa). He attended Santa Clara University until 2005 and it is his eighth season as a professional player. The scouts decsribe him following way:
A good point guard, who is able to run the offense at any tempo and is very effective at the defnsive side. Can score in penetration, steals lots of balls, he's a very good rebounder for his size. He should improve his outside shooting, however, to become a top league material.
Olympiacos: took 2nd place (8-2) in Group C of the Regular Season, took 2nd
place (9-5) in Group F of the Top16, beat Real Madrid 100-88 in the Final !!!
Panathinaikos: took 3rd place (6-4) in Group A of the Regular Season, took
4th place (9-5) in Group E of the Top16, lost to FCB Regal Barcelona 2-3 in the
Quarterfinals !!!
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