By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Vassilis Spanoulis is returning as head coach of the senior national team of Greece, the Hellenic Basketball Federation announced on Tuesday.
The 43-year-old Greek tactician will be responsible for the approaching FIBA window, from soon calling up players to coaching against Romania in Thessaloniki and Portugal on the road on November 27 and 30, respectively. It will be a quick turnaround from club duties with AS Monaco and a home game versus Anadolu Efes in Round 13 of the 2025-26 EuroLeague Regular Season on November 26.
The upcoming international fixtures open a six-game schedule in Group B of the European Qualifiers of the FIBA World Cup 2027, also featuring Montenegro besides Portugal and Romania. The top three seeds carry their respective W-L tallies to Group I to face the top three countries from a similar battle between Denmark, Georgia, Spain, and Ukraine in Group A. After a new six-game schedule, the top three advance to the final stage of the World Cup.
An apparent connection to Spanoulis sticking around is NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo and his intention to represent Greece with the Larissa native in charge. The Freak confirmed such plans after capturing a bronze medal in EuroBasket 2025.
The former player has been the selector since 2023. His efforts have been highlighted by ranking eighth in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and third in last summer’s EuroBasket, beyond preceding attached success in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2024 held in Piraeus and the EuroBasket Qualifiers.