By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
A huge boost in Thomas Walkup is expected for Olympiacos down the stretch of the 2024-25 campaign.
“He is improving day-to-day, and we hope he can resume training next week,” noted lead assistant Christos Pappas, replacing head coach Giorgos Bartzokas in a postgame press conference following a clash with Panionios Viva Juices on Sunday.
The Reds faced several player injuries throughout the season, including the former Stephen F. Austin standout. Walkup has been limited to one appearance since being initially sidelined with a back injury in early January. After a rehab trip to Boston, he recently returned to Greece and has been following the team coached by Giorgos Bartzokas from the sidelines.
In addition to the 32-year-old point guard, Keenan Evans, Moustapha Fall, Luca Vildoza, and Moses Wright are also out due to injuries. Depending on potential progress, all can become available for Bartzokas in the final stages of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and Greece’s Stoiximan GBL.
Overcoming adversity, Olympiacos ranked first in the EuroLeague Regular Season behind a 24-10 W-L tally. Securing homecourt advantage in a best-of-five series for a berth in the championship-crowning Final Four in Abu Dhabi, the eighth seed out of the upcoming Play-In Showdown will be the opponent.
At the domestic level, completing a two-game sweep against Panionios on Sunday, the Reds advanced to the Semifinals of the GBL Playoffs. AEK Betsson or PAOK mateco will follow in a best-of-three series for a spot in the Finals of Greece’s top tier.