By Lefteris Moutis/ moutis@eurohoops.net
The two big Greek rivals adapt their budget to the new Greek economy standards and things are changing. Olympiacos since 2005 often made investments in young Greek players. This philosophy ultimately vindicated this season when the Reds won the Euroleague and Greek championship with young Greeks having important roles in the team.
In the past decade, Panathinaikos had the advantage of a strong Greek core. The balance has changed now and Olympiacos have the upper hand. The Greens, however, reacted immediately. Apart from transfers like Sofoklis Schortsanitis and Mike Bramos, who are ready to play in top level, they have decided to gather all the talents of the young generation.
Panathinaikos seems to have come to an agreement for a 6 year contract with the 16-year old Vassilis Charalabopoulos (2.06 m), player of Egaleo, for whom FC Barcelona was also interested.
According Eurohoops.net sources, the Greens are too close to sign also Giorgos Diamantakos (17 years old, 2.11 m) from Sparti, but they also try to agree with one more great talent.
Yiannis Adetokunbo (he is born in 1994, and though he is 2.04 m, plays as point guard) considered to be perhaps the most important basketball prospect that exists now in Greece in his age.
He is Greek with roots from Nigeria and belongs to Filathlitikos, a small Greek team. Panathinaikos is ready to offer a 5 years contract to the player, who will be adult on December and thinks to satisfy the requirements of the club, to ensure his rights. The intention of Greens to sign Yiannis Adetokunbo and also all the best Greek prospects, who are under 20 years old, is clear.