By Vangelis Papadimitriou / info@eurohoops.net
Athens, Greece – In the 2022 “Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament”‘s opener, Milan beat Maccabi Tel Aviv 71-80 and got a spot in the final. Veteran leader Kyle Hines played 15 minutes, closing his game with 3 points and 5 rebounds, as his team will need him the most later on when the Italians will make a run for the Final Four.
“It’s a great opportunity for us, as players to see where we’re at”, Hines said to Eurohoops. “Playing against some great clubs, like Maccabi, Panathinaikos, and Efes. As a person who played in Greece and who knows the history of basketball here, it’s an honor to play in this tournament”.
Hines, a four-time EuroLeague winner, two with Olympiacos and two with CSKA Moscow, expects a season to be remembered.
“I think it’s going to be one of the most competitive seasons we’ve seen thus far. Every team has great players, I don’t think it’s going to be an easy night anywhere we play. I think it’s gonna be a great year”, he said about the upcoming EuroLeague season.
Hines is not only a EuroLeague legend, but he’s still one of the toughest opponents you can face on a European court. “Winning keeps me going. The addiction and the possibility to win games, championships and titles keep me going”, he added.
Kyle Hines’ full words after the 71-80 win against Maccabi Tel Aviv include his memories with Olympiacos and his respect for the late “leader of global basketball” Pavlos Giannakopoulos.