By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The historic city of Athens is buzzing with basketball anticipation as the EuroLeague Final Four Athens, presented by Etihad, officially tipped off with its traditional opening press conference at the Onassis Foundation on Thursday. Held just one day before the Semifinals, the event brought together the head coaches and star players from all four qualifying teams to share their opening statements, setting an intense tone for the battles ahead.
Among the contenders, local heavyweights Olympiacos are preparing for a massive showdown against Fenerbahce Beko at the Telekom Center Athens on Friday. Making their historic 15th Final Four appearance, the three-time champions enter the tournament with nearly a full squad, as guard Keenan Evans (Achilles) remains the only unavailable Reds player. Adding to the gravity of the weekend, veteran forward Kostas Papanikolaou enters the court as a living legend, holding the EuroLeague’s all-time record with 358 games started as he embarks on his tenth Final Four journey in a bid for a third championship.
However, the hunger to capture a European title has not faded despite his extensive resume. When asked which of his ten Final Four appearances stands out as the most special, the 35-year-old forward made his current ambitions clear. “I want it to be this year,” he stated. “Of course, the one that sticks with you is the one you win. The first time you get it, it’s the ultimate feeling, it’s amazing. You can’t get out of your mind. Of course, it’s always the new one that you want to chase, get to. The new memories you want to create. Once you have this feeling once, you never stop wanting it again and again.”
Head coach Giorgos Bartzokas talked about the potential psychological advantage of playing the tournament on home soil in Athens, remaining grounded and focused on execution over geography. “You never know. It depends on the result. The only difference is that we didn’t have to travel. Wherever we play, our fans will be supporting us,” said the 60-year-old tactician. Looking at the ultimate goal for the club, he added, “We have one step more, winning the league. And we will try as hard as we can. We are sticking together, and let’s see what is going to happen.”