By Antonis Stroggylakis / astroggylakis@eurohoops.net
ABU DHABI – An unexpected inquiry for Giorgos Bartzokas during a postgame press conference, following a clash between Olympiacos and Panathinaikos Aktor for third place in the Final Four of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague.
After Sunday’s game, the 59-year-old Greek expert was asked about Shaquielle McKissic considering retirement following the 2024-25 journey with the Reds.
“I didn’t know anything. Shaquielle McKissic was a really important player for us for five years. I’m really surprised. I have to talk with him,” mentioned Bartzokas, “He gave us amazing things. He’s part of what we achieved all these years.”
McKissic, 34, joined the storied Greek club in 2020. He has since celebrated several Greek titles, including domestic league championships in 2022 and 2023, in addition to reaching the Final Four of Europe’s premier club continental competition over the last four years. The former Arizona State standout became a veteran of 184 EuroLeague appearances, including 38 this season with 7.6 points, 2.1 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 0.5 steals per contest.
After ranking third in the EuroLeague Final Four, Olympiacos is focusing on a best-of-five series against eternal enemy Panathinaikos for the Stoiximan GBL championship. Game 1 will be played in OAKA Altion on Friday.