By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
Speaking to the Greek basketball federation WebRadio on the “Instant Ripley” show, Dimitris Itoudis spoke about the future of the EuroLeague, welcoming the expansion and also the possible return of Russian teams.
With the International Olympic Committee lifting the ban to Russia, the return of Russian clubs after the summer of 2027 is more than possible.
As Itoudis said: “My dream is to have 30 teams in the EuroLeague, because the more clubs as possible, the better. I am in favor of the return of Russian teams. I am an ambassador of the idea that sports unite. Sports clubs have nothing to do with geopolitical matters, and neither do athletes. So, it is good that this effort is moving forward. Well done to the Olympic Committee. I hope this happens. The more teams as possible have big aspirations, the better for the fans”.
Of course, Itoudis also talked about the return of coach Zeljko Obradovic to Panathinaikos.
After all, Itoudis was Obradovic‘s assistant in Panathinaikos, winning with him five EuroLeague titles: “First of all, for Panathinaikos it was a very good move, an amazing move, as well as for Zeljko. We talked about it. I was one of the first to congratulate him and, in fact, he took me to his new office, at the Telekom Center Athens, to show me how advanced things are now. I was very happy for him, but also for the development I saw. I didn’t expect anything different. What people see and visit in the stands is the same quality and even better, in the VIP area, in the coaches’ offices and in the players’ locker rooms. So, this was also a great move, returning to his home, which is also renovated. It is a plus for Greek basketball, for Panathinaikos, but also for him. If he didn’t still have this flame, he wouldn’t continue working”.
Speaking also about the EHCB Coaches Congress, the former president of the EuroLeague Head Coaches Board – who was succeeded by Xavi Pascual – added: “I would like to say a very big ‘thank you’ for the use of the Telekom Center Athens and the deal we had over the last two years with Panathinaikos and Dimitris Giannakopoulos. It is a gem, one of the best arenas in Europe after its new refurbishment. We made full use of the stadium, last year the glass floor, this year the large screens on the cube, with the participants always being very satisfied”.
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