By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Kevin Pangos has announced his retirement from professional basketball at the age of 33, bringing an end to a career that took him from Gonzaga to the EuroLeague and the NBA.
The Canadian guard shared an emotional message on social media, thanking his family, coaches, teammates and clubs while reflecting on the sacrifices behind his journey.
“When I was a kid I would bring a ball everywhere. I’d write my goals on it. Sleep with it. Dream about what I could accomplish,” Pangos wrote.“It wasn’t the path I envisioned. Going undrafted. Spending 6 years overseas. Then, signing a guaranteed contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers at 28.”
Pangos began his professional career with Gran Canaria in 2015 after four seasons at Gonzaga. He joined Zalgiris Kaunas a year later and became one of the EuroLeague’s leading guards.
He helped Zalgiris reach the 2018 Final Four, its first appearance at that stage since 1999, and earned All-EuroLeague Second Team honors after averaging 12.7 points and 5.9 assists.
Pangos later played for Barcelona and Zenit St. Petersburg, earning All-EuroLeague First Team honors in 2021 with averages of 13.5 points and 6.6 assists. Following his NBA stint in Cleveland, he represented Milan, Valencia, Napoli and Erokspor Istanbul.
However, injuries overshadowed the final years of his career.
“My career came with ultimate highs and some low lows. Injuries made these last few years incredibly difficult, but I’m grateful I fought long enough for my kids to watch me compete.”
Despite the setbacks, Pangos said he was stepping away knowing he had given everything to the sport.
“I don’t know if any athlete finishes their career completely content. We always believe we’re capable of more. But I can 1000% say I gave it everything I had. I never let the circumstances dictate my approach.”
He closed his message by addressing the child who spent hours playing alone in the driveway.
“We did it! We left it all out there and accomplished everything you always dreamed of. Now it’s time to do the same for the next chapter. Thank you, Basketball!”
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