The year 2025 marks a century of glory, achievements, and unwavering passion from Olympiacos fans for everything they have experienced with the team over the years.
For me, the history of the club is deeply intertwined with my own journey in sports, both as an athlete and as a coach in youth basketball development. Throughout three distinct periods of my life, I have lived the intensity, passion, and honor of serving Olympiacos.
1981 – 1987.The First Steps as a Player
With the encouragement of my teacher, Mr. Petros Kostakos, I wore the red-and-white jersey for the first time in 1981, with my first academy coaches being Mr. Thymios Filippou and Mr. Alekos Spanoudakis. From the very first moment, I knew that Olympiacos was not just a team—it was an idea, a way of life.
As a player, I experienced the joy of competing alongside teammates who remain my friends to this day.
I learned the meaning of dedication and honor, shaping my character through daily training and battles on the court.
I am grateful to all my teammates (born between 1968 – 1971) for every game that tested us, every practice that taught us, and every moment that became a cherished memory.
I also extend my gratitude to the coaches who taught me the secrets of basketball at the Mini, Pre-Junior, Junior, Cadet, and Men’s teams: Mr. Giannis Spanoudakis, Stavros Katsafados, Steve Giatzoglou, Socrates Iliadis, and Makis Dendrinos.
1992 – 1999. The Transition to Coaching
Returning to Olympiacos in 1992, this time as a coach, with the unwavering support of the academy directors, Mr. Stavros Katsafados and Mr. Alekos Spanoudakis, was one of the greatest challenges of my career as a young educator.
In this role, I had the opportunity to guide young athletes (born from 1978 to 1987), share my experiences and academic knowledge, and instill in them the winning spirit that defines Olympiacos. Those seven years were filled with emotions, hard work, and a commitment to developing both the club and its players.
I thank my fellow coach, Panagiotis Panoulias, for the countless hours of basketball discussions we shared, and Mr. Stavros Katsafados for everything he offered me as a mentor and colleague. I also extend my gratitude to my team directors, Mr. Loukas Pitsikalis and Andreas Vrontakis, for their cooperation.
2002 – 2005. Returning with New Experience and Vision
My third period with Olympiacos, from 2002 to 2005, was another opportunity to give back to the club that shaped me. With more knowledge and experience, I worked to develop the skills of my players (born 1989 – 1992), build a strong team, and uphold the principles and values that make Olympiacos a powerhouse.
These were years of both challenges and immense pride, witnessing the team evolve and shape its future in basketball. I sincerely thank the club’s General Director, Mr. Lefteris Soubotis, for his support, and Mr. Petros Kokkalis for his trust in me.
I also want to express my appreciation to my colleagues Giorgos Ketselidis, Giorgos Tsemperis, Nikos Anagnostou, Stefanos Larosa, Alekos Karipidis, and the infrastructure coordinator Konstantinos Lialios, as well as the remarkable Nikiforos Lavrentzos and the legendary Argyris Kampouris.
