By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
The team of Olympiacos was honored be the president of the Hellenic Republic, Karolos Papoulias, on Wednesday morning. The champions were invited in the presidential manor, where mr. Papoulias saluted them: “You gave us great joy, when it’s much needed and the joys are few. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts. You also send the message that the Greek youth despite the crisis can keep its head up and can win”.
Giannis Ioannidis, former coach with six appearances in Final Fours, was also present as the deputy minister of sports and commended coach Bartzokas: “He is the first Greek coach who got the cup. I went to the Final Four six times, played three finals but couldn’t get the cup. Coach Giannakis also got to the final but couldn’t win it. We are glad that a Greek coach finally did it”.