By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Greek basketball has lost one of its most foundational figures. Soulis Markopoulos passed away on Friday at the age of 77.
Universally respected as the ultimate teacher of the game, he was a tactician whose quiet discipline shaped generations of players and defined the modern era of the domestic league. The basketball community has truly lost an irreplaceable leader.
Born in Thessaloniki, Markopoulos dedicated his life to basketball. He transitioned from a playing career straight to the sidelines, eventually achieving the rare feat of coaching all three major clubs of his hometown, PAOK, Aris, and Iraklis. He also served as the play-caller for fellow Thessaloniki side, Makedonikos, in addition to leading AEK and Maroussi in Athens.
Loved across a fiercely divided basketball city, his crowning moment came in 1994. After stepping up to lead PAOK Bravo mid-season, he guided the team to a historic FIBA Korac Cup triumph, outlasting Stefanel Trieste in a home-and-away championship series. This cemented his status in continental lore.
Beyond the trophies, Markopoulos was defined by sheer endurance. A two-time Coach of the Year in Greece and a member of the domestic Hall of Fame, he still holds the record for the most total games managed in the Greek top tier, standing on the bench for over 700 matchups.
His deep devotion to the sport also lives on through his son, Charis, who followed closely in his footsteps. The 44-year-old tactician carved out his own respected path as a player and coach.
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